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Autumn, the transition period of the year, brings a cool feeling, but as the temperature drops, many people start to feel dry skin, throat irritation, and sometimes even coughing. Traditional Chinese medicine pays attention to "autumn dryness hurts the lungs", this saying has been circulated for a long time, but what exactly is "autumn dryness"? Why does autumn dryness hurt the lungs? What are the "4 whites" that the older generation often says? Can these foods really help us alleviate the discomfort that comes with this fall?
In this article, we'll answer these questions and take a closer look at how you can help your body adapt to the climate change in the fall, especially how to protect our lungs.
What is the scientific basis for the wisdom of the older generation to nourish the lungs in autumn? Next, we'll take you into the world of the "4 whites" and see how these common ingredients can help you have a healthy fall.
Autumn dryness hurts the lungs, why pay special attention?
The dry climate of autumn always affects our body silently. During this season, the moisture in the air decreases, and the skin, respiratory tract, and other parts tend to become dry.
For some people with weak constitutions and poor lung function, the body loses water more quickly, and the lungs are susceptible to the effects of dry air and discomfort. Symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and dry nasal passages may all be related to autumn dryness.
Uncle Li is a long-retired Chinese medicine practitioner, and his neighbor Aunt Zhang has been coughing a lot lately, especially when the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Aunt Zhang couldn't help asking, "Doctor Li, is this because I'm old and have bad lungs?" Uncle Li shook his head and replied with a smile: "This is autumn dryness!" Autumn hurts the lungs the most, especially for us older people, the lung qi is insufficient, and the body can't bear it as soon as the autumn dryness comes. ”
Aunt Zhang frowned: "Then what should I do?" Take medicine? Uncle Li patted her hands: "How can you get medicine, our older generation has a way, often eat '4 white' to ensure that your lungs are sufficient." ”
Hearing this, people can't help but wonder, what is the "4 whites"? How do these foods help us nourish our lungs? Next, we will explain in detail.
First white: pear
Autumn is dry, and pears are considered a great treasure for moisturizing the lungs. The sweetness and juiciness of the pear just counteracts the dryness of autumn. It can not only quench thirst, but also has the effect of dissolving phlegm and relieving cough, especially suitable for those who are prone to cough and dry throat in autumn.
The lungs-moisturizing effect of pears has been recorded in ancient medical books as early as before. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" mentions that pears can "moisten the lungs and cool the heart, eliminate phlegm and reduce fire". This is because pears are rich in water and a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and promote mucosal repair. Modern medical research has also shown that the antioxidants in pears help to strengthen the immunity of the respiratory tract and reduce the risk of infection.
Uncle Li often said: "Eating pears in autumn is the most nourishing, whether it is eaten raw or boiled pear water, it can play a role in moistening the lungs." He suggested that Aunt Zhang eat a steamed pear every morning and evening with a little rock sugar, which can not only moisten her throat but also relieve cough. Aunt Zhang did so, and after a few days, her cough was significantly reduced, and her throat was no longer dry and itchy.
In addition to steaming pears, you can also boil pears into soup, such as Sydney white fungus soup, which is a nourishing dessert that is perfect for autumn. Tremella itself also has the effect of moisturizing the lungs, and simmering with Sydney pears can enhance the effect of moistening the lungs. The addition of rock sugar can further relieve the discomfort in the throat.
Pears are not only a delicious fruit, but also a good helper for nourishing the lungs in autumn. Its effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough has been recognized by both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine, and it is suitable for regular food in autumn.
2. Second White: Lily
Lily, as a medicinal and edible ingredient, has been considered a good product for nourishing the lungs since ancient times. Lily has the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, clearing the heart and soothing the nerves, especially for those who feel lung discomfort, cough incessantly or sleep restlessly at night in autumn.
Traditional Chinese medicine theory believes that lilies are slightly cold, sweet in taste, and enter the lung meridian to clear away heat and moisten dryness. It not only nourishes the yin of the lungs, but also helps relieve dry cough caused by autumn dryness. Modern pharmacological studies have found that lily is rich in mucus and phytosteroids, which help repair the mucous membranes of the lungs and relieve inflammation and irritation.
Uncle Li once met a young patient who often stayed up until the early hours of the morning due to the pressure of work, and over time, his body became restless, and when autumn came, he coughed constantly. Uncle Li recommended Lily to him. A few days later, the patient reported that after eating lily white fungus soup, his throat was no longer dry, and his sleep quality had improved a lot.
Lilies are eaten in a variety of ways. Lily white fungus soup is the most common one, lily and white fungus are matched, which can not only nourish the lungs and moisten dryness, but also calm the nerves and help sleep. Lilies can also be used in porridge with lotus seeds or stewed with yams, which not only have a delicate taste, but also enhance the nourishing effect.
Lily is a mild lung-nourishing ingredient that is suitable for long-term consumption. Its lung-clearing and soothing effect is perfect for those who are prone to heat and insomnia in autumn.
The third white: white radish
White radish, known as "little ginseng" since ancient times, although it looks ordinary, its health value should not be underestimated. Especially in autumn, white radish is considered to be a good medicine to dissolve phlegm and clear the lungs. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that white radish is cool, spicy and sweet, enters the lungs and stomach meridians, and can eliminate food and phlegm, clear heat and detoxify.
Uncle Li often said to his patients: "It is better to eat white radish in autumn than to take tonics." "This is because the volatile oil and mustard oil in white radish have good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help clear the mucus in the lungs and reduce the burden on the respiratory tract. At the same time, white radish is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, which helps to improve immunity and prevent common respiratory infections in autumn.
White radish can be eaten in a variety of ways, it can be eaten raw, cold, stewed, or made into radish cake. Uncle Li recommends drinking white radish honey water in autumn, slicing white radish and boiling water, adding honey, which not only moistens the throat, but also effectively relieves cough.
Conclusion: White radish is an economical ingredient that has the effect of dissolving phlegm and clearing the lungs, especially suitable for consumption in autumn.
Fourth white: white fungus
White fungus, also known as "common bird's nest", is known as the "common bird's nest", and its moisturizing effect is particularly important in autumn. Tremella is rich in plant gum, which can moisturize the lungs and relieve dry cough and throat discomfort caused by autumn dryness. At the same time, Tremella also helps to enhance immunity, especially for the frail elderly and children.
When he was young, Uncle Li once took care of an elderly man with a chronic cough. Every autumn, the old man's cough always worsens, and Uncle Li suggested that he stew a bowl of white fungus lotus seed soup every day. After a month, the old man's cough was significantly reduced, and his body became much stronger than before.
There are many ways to eat white fungus, and the most common is white fungus lotus seed soup. In addition, white fungus can also be stewed with ingredients such as pears and red dates to enhance the nourishing effect. Uncle Li often said: "Although white fungus is ordinary, it is better than tonic when it is used well." ”
White fungus is a good product for moisturizing yin and dryness, especially suitable for autumn consumption. Not only does it moisturize the lungs, but it also boosts immunity and helps the body defend against the dry climate outside.
summary
Autumn dryness hurts the lungs, and the "4 whites" in the wisdom of the elders - pears, lilies, white radish, and white fungus can indeed help us maintain lung health in autumn. These ingredients are not only economical, but also have rich nutritional value, can moisten the lungs, relieve cough, clear the lungs and dissolve phlegm, and are an important choice in autumn diet. With proper mix and cooking, we can easily cope with the discomfort caused by autumn dryness and protect our lung health.
Bibliography:
Compendium of Materia Medica
Chinese Materia Medica
The Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine