As autumn breezes bring drier weather, many of us start feeling that uncomfortable tickle in our lungs—think dry coughs, an itchy throat, or general irritation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is ruled by "Dryness," an external pathogen that can easily harm the Lungs and deplete their vital Yin energy. That's why nourishing and moisturizing your lungs this season is incredibly important. This article will share some classic TCM dietary remedies to help you nurture your lungs and find relief from those common autumn discomforts. Autumn Lung Nourishment, natural herbs, seasonal wellness

Absolutely Essential: Tremella & Lily Congee for Deep Lung Nourishment

This soothing congee is a classic choice for hydrating your system.

Ingredients: 15g Tremella mushroom (snow fungus), 30g fresh lily bulbs, 100g white rice, rock sugar to taste.

Instructions:
  1. Soak the tremella mushroom in water until softened, then remove the tough yellow base and tear it into small pieces.
  2. Rinse the lily bulbs thoroughly.
  3. Wash the white rice until the water runs clear.
  4. Combine the tremella and rice in a pot with an adequate amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 40 minutes.
  5. Add the lily bulbs and rock sugar, continuing to cook for another 10 minutes until the congee reaches a thick, creamy consistency.
Benefits: This congee wonderfully nourishes Lung Yin, calms coughs, and helps clear phlegm. It's particularly great for addressing dry coughs due to Lung dryness, throat discomfort, and a dry mouth or tongue. (PMID: 29509890)

Remarkably Soothing: Steamed Pear with Fritillary for Cough Relief

A renowned blend, this steamed pear is a go-to for many respiratory woes.

Ingredients: 1 large Asian pear, 3-5g Fritillary bulb powder (Chuan Bei Mu), rock sugar to taste.

Instructions:
  1. Wash the Asian pear, then cut off the top third and carefully scoop out the core.
  2. Place the Fritillary bulb powder and rock sugar inside the hollowed-out pear.
  3. Replace the pear top and secure it with a few toothpicks.
  4. Place the pear in a steaming pot or double boiler and steam for 1 hour.
Benefits: This classic remedy moistens the lungs, suppresses coughs, resolves phlegm, and helps ease wheezing. It's especially beneficial for dry coughs caused by Lung Heat, accompanied by yellowish, sticky phlegm, or a hoarse voice. (PMID: 29871781)

Wonderfully Restorative: Almond & Pork Lung Soup for Lung Qi Support

This traditional medicinal soup offers deep replenishment for your lungs.

Ingredients: 10g sweet almonds (Nan Xing), 250g pork lung, 3 slices fresh ginger, seasoning to taste.

Instructions:
  1. Clean the pork lung thoroughly, cut it into pieces, and blanch in boiling water to remove any impurities and odor.
  2. Soak the almonds in water, then remove their skins.
  3. Place the pork lung, almonds, and ginger slices into a stew pot. Add enough water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
  4. Add your preferred seasonings to taste before serving.
Benefits: This traditional medicinal soup replenishes Lung Qi, eases coughs, and alleviates wheezing. It's recommended for chronic coughs due to Lung Qi deficiency, shortness of breath, and general fatigue.

Surprisingly Effective: Ginkgo Nut & Tofu Skin Congee to Soothe Chronic Coughs

A unique combination, this congee is known for its ability to address persistent coughs.

Ingredients: 10g ginkgo nuts (Bai Guo), 50g dried tofu skin (Fu Zhu), 100g white rice, rock sugar to taste.

Instructions:
  1. Remove the shells and inner germ (embryo) from the ginkgo nuts. Important Safety Note: Always remove the germ/embryo from ginkgo nuts. Ginkgo nuts should not be consumed in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods, as they contain substances that can be toxic in high doses.
  2. Soak the dried tofu skin until softened, then cut into desired lengths.
  3. Wash the white rice until the water runs clear.
  4. Combine the ginkgo nuts, tofu skin, and rice in a pot with an adequate amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 1 hour.
  5. Add rock sugar to taste before serving.
Benefits: This congee helps astringe the Lungs, suppress coughs, resolve phlegm, and alleviate wheezing. It's particularly useful for persistent chronic coughs with excessive phlegm and shortness of breath. (PMID: 23620353) These dietary remedies are all based on natural ingredients, designed to gently nourish your lungs. Please remember, these food therapies are intended as complementary support. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it's crucial to seek prompt medical attention.

References

(PMID: 29509890) [Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide has demonstrated protective effects on lung tissue and can mitigate inflammation, suggesting its use in respiratory health support. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29509890/]
(PMID: 29871781) [Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don, commonly known as Chuan Bei Mu, has been widely used in TCM for its antitussive and expectorant properties, effective in treating various coughs and respiratory conditions. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29871781/]
(PMID: 23620353) [Ginkgo biloba, the source of ginkgo nuts, has been traditionally used to address respiratory conditions, although its use in food should be cautious due to potential toxicity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23620353/]

Quick Self-Check & 30-Second Self-Help!

If you're constantly clearing your throat and feeling a tickle:
Immediately brew a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and a slice of ginger.

If your cough is dry and persistent, especially at night:
Right away, steam a pear with a pinch of rock sugar and enjoy it warm before bed.

If you're feeling generally fatigued with a weak cough:
Quickly prepare a simple congee with rice and a few softened tremella mushroom pieces.

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.