Seems like an odd concept to most folks, but for people that follow a seasonal way of eating (like me), when the seasons change, so do food choices.
According to ancient healing knowledge, this is one of the best ways to keep the body healthy, happy and in the flow.
As we move from summer to fall the air grows cooler and the body begins to slightly contract. This naturally starts the process of “release.” Think about the body being gently squeezed by the elements.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs and large intestine do their job by pushing excess phlegm created by sugars and sweets (fruits) that were abundantly available during the summer season out of the body. This helps prepare the body for winter.
Most people recognize this “squeeze” as a cold, runny nose, or congestion at this time of year. It’s perfectly normal. There’s no need to run to the pharmacy for cold medicine to stop this discharge process – just let your body do what it is designed to do… release and clear out the excess mucus.
If you stop this natural process by taking cold medication, you run the risk of developing a more severe type of congestion later in the year: flu, pneumonia, bronchitis or another lung ailment.
Instead of taking medicine to stop the body’s natural process, aid this seasonal transition with warming pungent soups that help the lung/large intestine organ systems expel excess mucous.
Fall is the perfect time of year to reduce or eliminate cooling fruits, and icy smoothies and instead have something more warming.
A Miso Soup prepared with scallions, alaria, tofu and ginger would be a great choice.
The pungent flavor of ginger and scallions helps support the lung and large intestines at this time of year. The miso is great for supporting digestive health, and alaria sea vegetable nourishes the kidney element.
Another great choice at this time of year, would be an old fashioned Chicken Soup made with chicken stock, onions, garlic, and parsley. The bone stock used to make the chicken soup strengthens the digestive system and the kidneys. Plus, the onions, garlic and parsley, help amp up the pungent factor.
Use these two nourishing and delicious soups to help you find seasonal relief. And, remember… just go with the flow of the seasons.
If you want more Food as Medicine knowledge, get my FREE guide here: Using Food and Herbs as Medicine
Andrea Beaman is an internationally renowned Holistic Health Coach, Natural Foods Chef, Speaker, Herbalist and best-selling author. Named one of the top 100 Most Influential Health and Fitness Experts, she is also a recipient of the Natural Gourmet Institute’s Award for Excellence in Health-Supportive Education and a Health Leadership award from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Since 1999, Andrea has been teaching people how to harness the body’s own preventative and healing powers using food, herbal remedies and alternative medicine.
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