🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Spring marks the retreat of yin and the rise of yang, the departure of cold and the arrival of warmth. With the flourishing of all life, human metabolism also accelerates. Yet spring winds carry not only warmth but also revive pathogens, allowing them to spread via air currents. Medical meteorology shows that seasonal health preservation must consider not only “timing” but also the distinct characteristics of the “three springs.”
Early spring brings fluctuating temperatures—still cold, with winter’s chill returning. Wind pathogens begin to prevail, easily causing colds and flu. Thus, maintain warmth and guard against wind—“spring warmth” should last through “late spring cold spells.” For elderly people and hypertensive patients with reduced vascular elasticity and impaired vasoconstriction, cold snaps can trigger cerebral vessel spasms, leading to stroke—vigilance is essential. Epidemiological data show that post-Lunar New Year is a peak period for hepatitis A. Effective measures must target sources of infection, transmission routes, and susceptible populations. After spring arrives, pathogenic microorganisms multiply in nature, bringing respiratory infections like meningococcal meningitis, mumps, measles, diphtheria, whooping cough, and scarlet fever. Children, as vulnerable groups, must receive vaccinations and take preventive steps. Differentiate these from ordinary colds to avoid mistreatment.
Middle spring sees gradual warming. People often experience “spring sleepiness.” Adjust routines in sleep, diet, and lifestyle to combat this. With blooming flowers, airborne pollen triggers allergies in many—some develop asthma, even life-threatening reactions. Those with prior pollen allergy histories should minimize outings. Warm breezes affect the skin—the body’s external barrier—leading to conditions like peach blossom eczema, urticaria, and neurodermatitis. Protect skin carefully to prevent worsening. During yellow rape bloom, irregular changes in air pressure, temperature, and humidity can trigger emotional fluctuations. Mentally sensitive individuals may experience mood swings, exacerbating psychiatric conditions. Temperature shifts also affect coronary artery function and blood supply, potentially triggering myocardial infarction. In short, “all plants sprout, all diseases flourish.” As nature revives and life awakens, especially around the Spring Equinox, dormant illnesses resurface—remain vigilant.
Late spring brings rising temperatures, increased body heat and sweating, commonly causing boils, carbuncles, and other purulent skin diseases. Combined with the off-season for vegetables, oral inflammation, angular cheilitis, and glossitis may occur. To address these “heat-related” symptoms, drink mung bean soup, red bean soup, or green tea to prevent internal heat buildup. Increase intake of green-yellow vegetables and seasonal fruits to replenish vitamins and inorganic salts. Limit consumption of lamb, dog meat, spicy hot pot, chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and black pepper—foods that are excessively hot and stimulating. With summer approaching, bacteria proliferate—pay extra attention to food hygiene. Clean and disinfect food thoroughly to prevent gastrointestinal infections like acute gastritis, bacillary dysentery, food poisoning, typhoid, and infectious diarrhea entering through the mouth.