As the sweltering summer gives way to the crisp embrace of autumn, a phenomenon known as “autumn dryness” sweeps in. With the dropping temperatures, the air takes on a parched quality, heralding a shift in our body’s internal environment. The ancient wisdom of the “Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic” aptly describes this with the phrase “dryness wins the dry,” a concept that rings true as many individuals start to experience a litany of discomforts. Throats turn scratchy, mouths feel arid, eyes and noses itch incessantly, and skin and hair don’t escape unscathed – dry, itchy skin and brittle, even thinning hair become all too common complaints. In response, the cornerstone of autumn health lies squarely in “nourishing Yin and moistening dryness,” a principle that has guided traditional medicine for centuries.
One tried-and-true method to combat autumn dryness is through proper hydration. Among the array of beverages, the “five juice drink” stands out as a time-honored remedy. Concocted by the eminent Qing Dynasty physician Wu Jutong, this elixir combines the juices of pear, lotus root, water chestnuts, fresh reed root, and fresh riotone. For a touch of sweetness, honey or brown sugar can be added, or it can be gently boiled and sipped cooled, imparting a soothing Yin-nourishing, lung-moistening, and dryness-alleviating effect. In the event that sourcing all these ingredients proves challenging, fear not – substituting with coconut water, milk, fresh dendrobium, fresh lily, or fresh tremella while keeping one or two of the originals is a viable alternative, ensuring everyone can partake in this autumnal tonic.
However, for those grappling with diabetes, autumn presents an added layer of complexity. As the disease progresses to certain stages, the telltale “three more and one less” symptoms – excessive thirst, hunger, and urination, accompanied by weight loss – often surface. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) characterizes this as “Yin deficiency as the foundation and dry heat as the standard.” When this already precarious state collides with the seasonal onslaught of autumn dryness, symptoms can rapidly spiral out of control, exacerbating the patient’s discomfort and health risks.
Controlling blood sugar thus takes center stage. It’s a well-known fact in the medical realm that elevated blood sugar levels can leave the body feeling parched, a sensation that dovetails with autumn dryness all too perfectly. TCM advocates the principle of “bitter and sour cure sweet,” urging patients to incorporate more bitter and sour foods into their diet. Bitter melon, wild edibles, bitter tea, and coffee are not just palate-puckering treats but also possess potential hypoglycemic properties. Herbs like coptis, matrine, and scutellaria within the TCM pharmacopeia have long been revered for their blood sugar-lowering effects. Complementing this, acidic foods play a crucial role. They help restrain qi, preserve Yin, and curtail excessive sweating – a godsend for diabetic patients plagued by profuse urination, sweating, and restless sleep. Hawthorn, plum, and sour jujube kernel are among the recommended sour morsels to quell these symptoms.
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