The sweet last days of summer, the creeping in of crisp fall mornings, and the start of the new school year for many, bring a natural shift in how we maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. East Asian Medicine respects the dynamic shift in seasonal energy – it is precisely at these times that one can be more susceptible to illness.
Wind and cold together can bring on the sniffles and a scratchy throat. Astragalus is a wonderful herb that is used in a formula called Jade Windscreen that can help to prevent the “invasion of wind and cold” in the body. Astragalus is an immune-boosting herb that helps maintain and raise the defensive layer of qi that circulates around the body. Wearing a scarf can protect a vulnerable neck and maintaining core body warmth is key. Remember to keep that down vest handy and drink warming teas!
At Reboot Center we have Jade Windscreen for patients that are prone to seasonal colds, especially during the fall and winter change in season. If one is mindful of one’s health in the previous season, such as eating appropriately during the summer months, while making the most of summer’s glorious warmth, the transition to autumn should be smooth. With the fall, changes in diet and lifestyle will help support the transition to winter, and also the jump into spring. Each season has tenets of health to abide by.
Here’s a beautiful recipe that prepares the body for cooler months ahead:
Warming Tea
Ingredients
- 1 1bsp ginger Dried ginger is considered more warming than fresh in TCM
- 10 whole goji berries Goji berries are considered to nourish the eyes and blood in TCM
- 1 tsp licorice root
- 3-4 whole red jujube dates Licorice and red jujube dates are harmonizing herbs that help assist the king herbs to their full potential
- 1/2 tsp dried ginseng root Ginseng is considered a king herb that travels to all 12 channels
Instructions
- Steep ingredients in 10 oz pre-boiled water for 20 minutes and enjoy, especially as the days get chillier.
Notes
Parent tip: feed your kids warm meals in the morning with protein, to encourage sustained energy.
General foodie tip: go for a dinner-like breakfast. Be creative. For example, a yummy “breakfast” soup with veggies and chicken broth can be a phenomenal way to start the day, and won’t give you the carb crash often experienced after a more typical carb-rich breakfast.
