Clinic Location:           16897 Placer Hills Rd.    Meadow Vista, CA  95722             (530) 878-4828
Alleviating the Ailments of Autumn

Autumn in the foothills is generally dry and breezy with cool crisp
nights.  Chinese medicine associates autumn with the lung,
large intestine, skin, mucous membranes, nose and throat.
Common ailments are cough, asthma, hoarseness, sore throat,
dry cracked skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds, and digestive
problems. While the weather is dry, phlegm is particularly sticky
and hard to cough up.  Grief and sorrow are also associated
with this time of year.

Here are some general guidelines for balancing the cold and dry
elements of autumn:

  • Stay well hydrated. Remember, air-conditioned spaces,
    especially airplanes, create similar conditions as
    autumn.     
  • Drink soothing herb teas for the throat, lungs and
    intestines, such as licorice root, marshmallow root,
    slippery elm bark, chamomile, rosehips, lemon grass,
    fresh ginger and mint.
  • Avoid bitter and drying herbs unless otherwise directed
    by a professional herbalist. (Echinacea and goldenseal



    are dry and bitter, and although they are excellent herbs
    for many conditions, they are over used.)
  • Use sweet spices with moist food, such as anise, bay,
    basil, cardamom, fennel, nutmeg, coriander, and orange
    peel.
  • Eat warm, moist foods such as soups, stews, and well-
    cooked grains and vegetables.
  • Eat fresh or stewed fruit, particularly those that are moist
    and sour, such as lemon, grapefruit, grapes, tangerines,
    applesauce, papayas, pears, figs, bananas.  Avoid dried
    or astringent fruits.
  • Dairy is best consumed in the form of yogurt and
    buttermilk (organic of course).  Limit hard cheeses,
    unless cooked to soften.
  • Wear protective clothing, particularly around the neck,
    head and shoulders.
  • Avoid things that aggravate the nerves, such as fans,
    fluorescent lights, TV, computer screens, caffeine, and
    white sugar.
  • Create calmness in your daily life and surround yourself
    with warm and nurturing people.
Linnie O'Flanagan, L.Ac.