Drink More Honey, Eat Less Ginger in Autumn
Nutritionists suggest that upon entering autumn, one should drink more honey and eat less ginger. What’s the reasoning?
Autumn’s primary climatic feature is dryness—air lacks moisture, and so does the human body. To adapt to this dry condition, our bodies must constantly "replenish fluids" to mitigate the harm caused by dryness. Drinking more water thus becomes a necessary measure against "autumn dryness." However, simply drinking plain water cannot fully counteract the negative effects of autumn dryness. Water enters the body and quickly evaporates or is excreted. Ancient Chinese physicians therefore offered an optimal dietary solution for combating autumn dryness: "Drink salt water in the morning, honey water in the evening." In other words, plain water is easily lost, but adding a small amount of salt makes it harder to lose. This method aligns with modern medicine’s practice of administering saline solutions to patients. Drinking salt water in the morning and honey water in the evening not only effectively replenishes bodily fluids but also serves as an excellent autumn health regimen and anti-aging diet. Furthermore, it helps prevent constipation caused by autumn dryness—truly achieving three benefits in one.
Honey is a precious gift from nature, rich in nutrients. Its main components are glucose and fructose, totaling about 70%. It also contains proteins, amino acids, vitamins A, C, and D. Honey strengthens the body, enhances intelligence, increases hemoglobin, and improves heart function. Long-term consumption promotes longevity. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, "Honey has five benefits: clearing heat, tonifying the middle energizer, detoxifying, moisturizing dryness, and relieving pain." Modern medicine confirms honey’s efficacy in treating neurasthenia, hypertension, coronary artery sclerosis, and lung diseases. Regular consumption in autumn not only aids recovery from these conditions but also prevents harm from autumn dryness, moisturizing and nourishing the lungs—contributing to health and longevity.
During autumn dryness, one should increase intake of salt water and honey water while avoiding or minimizing spicy, grilled, or fried foods, including chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, cinnamon, ginger, onions, and alcohol—especially ginger. These foods are hot in nature and lose much moisture during cooking, easily causing internal heat and worsening the impact of autumn dryness. Of course, using small amounts of onions, ginger, or chili as condiments poses no major issue, but avoid regular or excessive consumption. For example, ginger contains volatile oils that accelerate blood circulation; it also contains gingerol, which stimulates gastric juice secretion, excites the intestines, and promotes digestion. Ginger also contains shogaol, which reduces gallstone formation. Thus, it has both benefits and drawbacks. Folk wisdom says, "Eat radish before bed, ginger after rising," indicating ginger can be consumed but not excessively. Especially in autumn, it’s best avoided, as the dry climate damages the lungs, and consuming spicy ginger further harms the lungs and exacerbates dehydration. Ancient medical texts warn: "Do not eat ginger throughout the year in autumn; do not eat ginger at night within a single day." Clearly, ancient people already recognized the importance of avoiding or limiting ginger and other spicy foods in autumn—a wise practice indeed.
Therefore, to protect your body from autumn dryness, when autumn arrives, you should "drink light salt water in the morning, honey water in the evening, and avoid ginger"—to safely navigate this "busy season" and maintain your health!