🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Autumn marks the arrival of the golden season for tonic supplementation, but improper methods can not only fail to achieve desired results but may also harm health. What should one eat for autumn tonic supplementation?
Ginseng, bird's nest, lotus seeds, sesame... Facing a variety of tonics, some consumers feel lost. What is best to consume for autumn tonic supplementation? Here are some recommended foods for ordinary individuals seeking supplementation:
Lily: has effects of nourishing the lungs, moistening the lungs, clearing the heart, calming the spirit, and relieving fatigue. Lotus seeds: can dispel residual summer heat and nourish the body. Yam: widely applicable regardless of gender, age, or physical condition—suitable for all. White kidney beans: boil into porridge or decoction for consumption, beneficial for strengthening the spleen and stomach and enhancing appetite. Lotus root: cooked lotus root strengthens the spleen and stimulates appetite, ideal for autumn tonic supplementation. Beef and mutton: consuming beef and mutton in autumn helps warm and supplement qi and blood. Chestnuts: have functions of strengthening the spleen and stomach, nourishing the kidneys, and reinforcing bones. Red dates: nourish yin, moisturize dryness, benefit the lungs, and supplement qi.
High-end tonics such as ginseng and bird’s nest are not suitable for everyone. These tonics are best taken under medical supervision. It is advisable to consume more foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness during autumn. Examples include silver ear fungus, sesame, black-boned chicken, pork lung, soy milk, honey, etc. Regular intake of these foods can prevent autumn dryness from harming the body. Additionally, dairy products, legumes, fresh vegetables, and fruits should be consumed more frequently—they contain abundant carbohydrates, proteins, and various vitamins, making them excellent supplements.
For the elderly and those with weak constitutions, supplementation methods should be determined based on individual physical conditions; blind supplementation must be avoided. Before selecting food or medicinal products, consultation with a professional physician is recommended.
Due to excessive consumption of cold foods during summer, the spleen and stomach have not fully recovered at the beginning of autumn; thus, overly greasy foods should be avoided. With dry autumn weather, people are prone to internal heat; therefore, spicy foods like scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers should be reduced.
Four Taboos in Tonic Supplementation
Avoid Excessive Consumption
Overconsumption of any tonic medicine can be harmful. Believing that "more tonics mean better results, curing illness when sick and strengthening health when healthy" is unscientific. Excessive supplementation increases the burden on the spleen and liver. During summer, due to frequent consumption of cold drinks and frozen foods, many people experience weakened spleen and stomach function. Sudden large-scale supplementation would abruptly increase the load on the digestive organs, which are already fatigued, potentially leading to digestive dysfunction.
Avoid Replacing Food with Medicines
Prioritizing medicines over food is unscientific. Many foods are also excellent tonics. For example, eating more shepherd’s purse can help treat hypertension; eating more radishes aids digestion and relieves bloating; eating more yam nourishes the spleen and stomach. Commonly consumed items like walnuts, sesame, peanuts, red dates, and kidney beans are also excellent choices for supplementation.
Avoid Assuming Higher Price Equals Better Quality
Each person’s constitution differs, so suitable tonics vary accordingly. Expensive tonics like bird’s nest and ginseng are not necessarily suitable for everyone. Each tonic has specific indications and target populations. The principle of supplementation should be practical and effective—supplement what is lacking.
Avoid Focusing Solely on Meats
After summer, the spleen and stomach have not fully regained normal function, so greasy foods are difficult to digest and absorb. Moreover, excessive accumulation of fats and sugars may trigger cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. While appropriately consuming beef and mutton for supplementation, one must not neglect vegetables and fruits, which provide essential vitamins and trace elements.