A u t u m n

Purification & Protection

As we journey through the portal into the Yin of the year, we prioritize nurturing our energy with rooting, foundational foods that anchor our energy, steady our spirit, and support our immunity.

We can enhance the protective nature of our lung tissue (our first line of defense against internal pathogens) by eating more local onions, garlic, and other pungent ingredients whose beneficial qualities keep our lung tissue vigorous and healthy, and our immune system strong. There is a beautiful connection between the protective and purificatory quality of our lung tissue and the renewal of our large intestine tissue; moistening and nourishing foods help keep our lungs and large intestine supple.

Autumn is also Vata Season - a time of increased dryness and brittleness in our environment - which can permeate our physical body and manifest as dry skin, chapped lips, and a dry cough. Moistening our lungs and lubricating our large intestine with more water and salt in our foods during the transition into Autumn can also help boost our vitality and strengthen our immunity.

We also emphasize the importance of eating foods that contain beta carotene during the Fall, as Vitamin A protects the mucous membranes of our body. This support is especially important when dealing with the drying effects of the Autumn season. Nourishing and lubricating oils like peanut and sesame are highly beneficial for Vata season and Vata dosha especially. We can prioritize the cleansing and rebuilding nature of mucilaginous foods by eating more dark leafy greens like local spinach, and upping our fiber intake. The incorporation of more warming spices and ingredients like cinnamon, garlic, and black pepper into heavier Autumn recipes also helps support the stabilization of our energy as we prepare ourselves for the colder seasons.

We nourish and sustain the vital elements of all of our organs when we eat a colorful and varied diet, rich with fiber and beneficial nutrients, and containing all of the necessary flavors that help balance our unique energetic blueprint.

For a more comprehensive exploration of your Ayurvedic Dosha, connect for personalized guidance with a seasonal food-as-medicine program.

Everything is connected.

The Metal Element

healing and balancing Ingredients

Root Vegetables, Orange Foods, and Dark Leafy Greens
Squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, turnips, rutabaga, broccoli, chard, kale, spinach

Herbs & Spices
Sage, rosemary, cinnamon, black pepper, parsley, mustard seeds, cardamom, fenugreek, fennel, cumin, turmeric

Purifying Foods for Lung Health
Onions, garlic - pungent foods - ginger, horseradish, cabbage, radish

Foods to Counteract Dryness in our Environment
Soybean derivatives - especially tofu, tempeh, and soy milk - spinach, millet, seaweeds, mushrooms, almonds, pinenuts, honey

Seasonal Fruit
Apples, pears, persimmons, plums, cranberries

The Sour Flavor
Helps us organize and focus our energy to align with the essence of Autumn: the preparatory stage of Yin-building and internalization.
Sourdough bread, sauerkraut, olives, pickles

Nuts, Seeds, and Cheeses
Vegan cheese made with almonds or walnuts, nourishing nuts and seeds, as well as local hard fermented cheeses (vegetarian) eaten during the Autumn season can help promote the stabilization of our mental energy and promote calm for Pitta and Vata dosha.

Teas to assist building Qi in the Lungs, Promoting Moisture, and Encouraging Warmth
Marshmallow root, slippery elm, Solomon’s seal, licorice root, ginger, golden milk, chai

Eating to Align with the Energy of Autumn

Autumn is a time for gently cleansing, warming, and revitalizing.
When the weather turns cool and the air feels dry and crisp, we can begin simmering, roasting, and baking our ingredients.

Meals that Support our Lungs & Immunity

Autumnal Kitchari:
Local Squash, Spinach, Carrots, Onions & Garlic
Miso-Ginger Soup:
Tofu and Mushrooms
Wild Rice Tagine:
Roasted Acorn Squash, Cranberries, Almonds, and Black Pepper
Rosemary Mashed Potatoes:
Balsamic Brown Lentils, Black Garlic, & Fresh Parsley
Sourdough Bread:
Orchard Apples, Honey, & Almonds
Roasted Root Vegetables:
Wild Rice & Mushrooms

Interested in more personalized guidance? Let’s explore a healing meal plan together.