In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), energy is either yin or yang. The quality of Yin energy is cold and that of Yang energy is heat. Fall is the time of the year when outdoor temperatures begin to drop; it is the beginning of the Annual Yin (cold) Season. Fall season also corresponds with the lungs and large intestine, which are associated with elimination. During Fall, our physical and energetic body are open to letting go. The lungs are associated with the emotion of grief, which is part of a letting go process. Hence, this is the time of the year where we can help our body get rid of the environmental, emotional and energetic toxins that we have accumulated.
According to TCM, Wei Qi is the energetic barrier that protects the body from external pathogens and is Yang in nature. Wei Qi can be weakened by the Yin nature of the Fall Season. With a weakened Wei Qi and the cold air that we breathe, the Lungs are affected by the Yin Energies of the Fall, therefore respiratory illnesses are more common in this season.
In order to support immune function, which can be compromised during Fall, TCM recommends the Change of Season Soup with the following ingredients and their corresponding TCM actions.
Ingredients:
- Codonopsis pilosula root (Dang Shen): Tonifies Lung Qi and Spleen Qi, Nourish Blood, and promote the generation of body fluid.
- Astragalus root (Huang Qi): Strengthens Wei Qi, Nourishes the spleen, Tonifies the blood and Lungs
- Dioscorea villosa (Shan Yao) root: Tonifies and Supports Spleen and Stomach, Tonifies and Supports Lung Qi, Tonifies the Kidneys.
- Chinese Lycii berries (Gou Qi Zi): Nourishes the Liver and the Kidneys.
The picture above shows how these herbs are sold in Asian markets. Dang Shen are the long sticks with the brown spots in one end, Huang Qi are the dark brown root sticks, Shan Yao are the white sticks and Gou Qi Zi are the red berries.
Combine 4 sticks of each herb and 1/4 cup of the berries in a large stock pot filled with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2 to 4 hours. If the water level boils down, add water to refill if necessary. Using a slotted spoon, remove the herbs from the pot and allow the soup to cool. This recipe makes about 4 litres of soup. You can also add to this soup, celery, onion, carrot, potatoes, or any vegetables that you like and salt and pepper. Drink 1 cup per day for 2 weeks at the beginning of the season change.
Ask your Naturopathic Doctor if the Change of Season Soup is right for you and the ways you can support your immune system or feel free to drop me an email.
