Energizing Herbs & Traditional Chinese Medicine Practices for Seasonal Transition
Entry into Autumn can be a time to slowly strengthen the body through more grounding foods and rituals according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic Medicine. As the heat of Summer that calls for lightness eases and more comfort ultimately calls, the transitory period into Autumn is an opportune time to strengthen the body. In TCM, we can support the Liver meridian with the below protocol. These practices can then make space for more grounding during Ayurvedic Medicine's Vata season of Autumn/early-Winter, which make us susceptible to increased anxiety as well as emotional and physical fragility when imbalanced.
Both the Vata dosha and the liver are aggravated by the cold or wind energies—either from the external environment or internal conditions created through organ dysfunction and nutrition. When these systems are clogged, sluggish, or working improperly, we can experience lack of daily elimination to dry skin.
In the Kitchen
Spices & Sours
Spices not only heighten the flavour and aromas of a meal, but infuse medicinal qualities that often increase the nutritional uptake of foods. Some herbs to incorporate are fresh and dried turmeric, ginger, oregano, mint, thyme, and cinnamon. Cinnamon is especially warming to the system and can balance out blood sugar levels. You can also take it as a tincture in water and same with Oregano. Lemons and limes also aid optimal liver function as not only do they alkalise the body but nurture the liver's need for pungent or sour tastes. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kombucha, or kvass and enzymatic additions such as raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar are also daily sour staples.
Turmeric & Ginger
These two are considered the "universal medicine" to target most of any ailments as they're anti-inflammatory; expectorating; energising and warming; and stimulating yet soothing. Their astringent and bitter properties are also a great aid in digesting odd food combinations or indulgences that are difficult on our systems during the holidays and out of our regular schedules. You can take them fresh, as a juice, or in tincture form—click here for turmeric tincture and here for the ginger one.
Astragalus root
A root that can be spotted in some health food and more often in Asian markets, astragalus is an adaptogen that allows our bodies to combat the oxidative effects of tension and illness by restoring them to equilibrium. It can be added to soups, stews, and broths or consumed as a tea or tincture.
Tea
In addition to simple teas made from a mixture of the above ingredients, bags of chamomile, turmeric, ginger, pukka relax, vpk vata tea, dandelion root, burdock root, ashitaba, marshmallow root, slippery elm, and tulsi are a warming way to hydrate during the season. Dandelion and burdock root are especially clearing, acting as a gentle broom for the digestive tract. Both marshmallow root and slippery elm provide the necessary lubrication for proper assimilation, movement, and elimination for cleansing of accumulated toxins. Ashitaba is a supportive addition to build blood when the season pools it away from our extremities. Tulsi or Holy Basil is a great herb to unwind both during the day and night. It releases tension without the drowsy effects most other herbs induce by providing a mellow and content state of mind that is conducive for both work and sleep.
Radishes & Bitters
Radishes are called "the little ginseng" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. They are touted to be the equivalent of "an apple a day" with a prescription of radishes in the Winter and ginger in the Summer for homeostatic balance. Although radishes are "cooler" foods, they provide hydration for the body and aid in elimination that can become stagnant in the cooler and indulgent seasons. They provide the body with pungency and bitterness for liver function that can be heightened with the inclusion of other foods such as dandelion greens, arugula, jerusalem artichokes (this syrup is also a great addition to holiday sweets), kale, dill, cocoa or coffee if tolerated, medicinal mushrooms, and Urban Moonshine herbal bitters.
Triphala
This Ayurvedic digestive tonic of three fruits—amalaki, bibhitaki, and haritaki—is a potent antioxidant and mild laxative aid for the season. Unlike other cleansing or expectorating agents, triphala nourishes the supportive elements already in place while aiding in the elimination of toxins from our bodies. If you have a sensitive or already compromised system, however, take triphala (or any other herbal agent) with caution and with the direction of a health professional as it can be too heavy for some bodies.
Outside of the Kitchen
Dry brush
Daily brushing is not only a routine addition to jumpstart the day but also to rev up the metabolism and lymphatic system. It removes dead skin cells that can create blockages for our skin cells and allows for the stoking of digestive fire or agni. Practise this in the morning before your shower and, if you can, alternate the temperature from as hot as you can handle to as cold as you can handle three times from head-to-toe. People with uteruses should avoid allowing the cold water to hit the body directly around the pelvic area during menstruation as it can be too shocking.
Abhyanga
I make time for this ritual every night to reconnect with my body. Abhyanga is a time-honoured Ayurvedic tradition of daily self-massage with warm oil. The oil most suitable for the individual's constitution or dosha is selected—sesame for vata, coconut for pitta, and almond or olive for kapha—and is applied warmed to the entire body from the scalp right down to the toes. It pushes for the release of toxic ama from the tissues and aids in elimination by activating the lymphatic system. Please advise against this practise if you are menstruating, have mass-like inflammation, acutely ill or recovering, pregnant, or have a thick, white coating on your tongue that is indicative of high levels of ama.
Tongue scraping
This is one of the easiest practises to include in a daily routine to remove toxins from the body. Using a metal tongue scraper and stroking the tongue clean (seven to 14 times), especially in the morning, clears out undigested ama or toxins from the body.
Magnesium
Any addition of magnesium is a gentle way to aid in elimination as it has a mild laxative effect and allows for the release of muscles. Tension accumulates toxins in the body, so a meditative state is an essential part of cleansing. Either drink a cup of magnesium as tea, spray it on your body, or take a bath before sleep.
Twists & Hip Openers
We hold intense emotions in our hips and shoulders. Our hips relate to our second chakra, which rules sexuality, creativity, pleasure, desire, and need. Feelings of abandonment, denial, jealousy, and obsession hovers in this area when our relationships are not confronted or healed. Opening the hips are about opening our heart—they're about moving energy into a kinder, softer space. Practise daily hip openers and twists to release negativity stored within the crevices of your body and within your muscles.
Salt Scrub
A recommendation from our friends at the Kosmic Kitchen: “Salt scrubs have been life changing for me in terms of promoting healthy circulation, creating warmth in my body and leaving my skin feeling silky smooth and glowy. Its a ritual I’ll always make time for because I know I’ll feel the benefits immediately, plus it helps me get into my body and out of my head before bed. You can buy great scrubs, but making your own is inexpensive and easy to do.”
How to Make a Salt Scrub
Use inexpensive finely ground sea salt and an oil of your choice to form a thick paste. Sunflower oil is tridoshic, meaning good for all body types, but I prefer to use sesame as I’m after its warming nature. You can mix the salt + oil in a jar or small bowl to the texture of your liking, making sure its not so oily that the salt doesn’t exfoliate and not so salty that its too exfoliating or rough. Stand on a towel in your bathroom and apply the oil starting at your feet and working in upward motions towards your heart. You’ll want to “scrub” until your pink, indicating fresh blood coming to the skin. Work your way up vigorously as this helps to pump the lymph and get your circulation moving. Gently scrub your neck + face if you feel called to, though that can be irritating for some folks. Finally, slip into your bath carefully and try to focus on your breath for 10-15 minutes or until you’re ready to get out.
Editor’s Note
Our friends Summer Ashley and Sarah Kate of The Kosmic Kitchen are some fo the leading voices in accessible, creative, and fun herbal medicine. We’re thrilled to announce that their book has just premiered! With over 75 nourishing recipes and herbal remedies, this cookbook and seasonal guide to wellness brings the ancient wisdom of the elements to the 21st century.
About the Author
Almila Kakinc is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief of The Thirlby. She is also the author of the book The Thirlby: A Field Guide to a Vibrant Mind, Body, & Soul. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Nursing as a Dean’s Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. Her background is in Anthropology & Literature, which she has further enriched through her Integrative Health Practitioner training at Duke University. She lives in Baltimore, MD, where she regularly contributes to various publications. She is a member of Democratic Socialists of America and urges others to join the movement.
