A u t u m n

Our Lungs and the Metal Element:
Purification & Protection

As we journey through the Yin of the year, we can nurture ourselves with foundational foods that anchor us, steady us, and support building our immunity during the colder seasons.

We can enhance the protective nature of our lung tissue by eating onions and other pungent ingredients whose beneficial drying and purgative qualities keep our lungs vigorous and healthy.

We also highlight the importance of eating foods that contain beta carotene, as Vitamin A protects the mucous membranes of our body- especially important when we are dealing with the drying effects of the Autumn season. We can also prioritize the cleansing and rebuilding nature of mucilaginous foods by eating more dark leafy greens, especially local spinach, and upping our fiber intake. There is a beautiful connection between the renewal and restoration of our large intestine (the paired meridian of our lungs) and the protective and purificatory quality of our lung tissue. Moistening and nourishing foods help keep the lung tissue supple and healthy. The strength and vitality of our immunity manifests through our skin: when our skin is dry, itchy, or scaly, it may be an important time to address the lung and large intestine meridians.

Everything is connected. 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. For a more comprehensive exploration of healing with seasonal food-as-medicine, we can explore a personalized plant-based healing meal program together.

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, grapes, lemon, lime

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

Teas to assist building Qi in the Lungs | Promoting Moisture in the Throat/Soft Tissues
Marshmallow root, slippery elm, Solomon’s seal, licorice root

Eating to Align with the Energy of Autumn

When the weather begins to cool, and the air turns dry and crisp, we can begin simmering, roasting, and baking our ingredients. As we continue to combine the five flavors, our menu gradually shifts towards emphasizing beta carotene, white foods (providing a protective coating for our lungs), moistening foods, and fibrous foods. The Autumn is a time for gently cleansing and revitalizing ourselves.

Our immunity is highlighted during the Autumn. We may experience a common cold, or other transitional ailments, which require our care and consideration through herbal and dietary support.

Recipe Suggestions to Support our Lungs & Bolster Immunity during the Autumn Season

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

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