When the morning dew condenses into pure white crystals, when wild geese begin their southward flight and birds busily store food, we welcome the White Dew solar term.

Now, the temperature difference between day and night widens, and "autumn dryness" and chill quietly arrive. Read on to help you align with the season and transition into autumn smoothly.

The "Signals of Autumn" in White Dew

The Collection of the Seventy-Two Hou records: "In the eighth month... the Yin energy gradually grows heavier, the dew condenses and turns white," vividly depicting how moisture in the air condenses into white dew droplets upon encountering the cold night air.

During this period, the day-night temperature difference is significant, and air humidity decreases, hence the saying, "At White Dew, don't expose your body; add clothing morning and night."

White Dew Customs

• Gathering Clear Dew:

• The Compendium of Materia Medica states: "When autumn dew is abundant, collect it on a plate, boil it until it resembles malt sugar; it can make people live long without hunger." Thus, gathering clear dew became a unique White Dew "ritual."

• Drinking White Dew Liquor:

• The ancients brewed rice wine from grains like glutinous rice and sorghum, sometimes even collecting dew from grass leaves to prepare it. This liquor, used for hosting guests and personal consumption, was called "White Dew rice wine."

• Eating Eel:

• Eel is at its plumpest during White Dew. People in Suzhou, Jiangsu have the custom of eating eel around White Dew, leading to the saying, "Eel at White Dew, crab at Frost's Descent."

• Sipping White Dew Tea:

• A folk saying goes, "Spring tea is bitter, summer tea is astringent; if you want to drink tea, choose autumn White Dew." White Dew tea refers to tea leaves picked around this time.

White Dew Health: "Three Avoidances, Three Recommendations, Three Tips"

The core of White Dew health preservation is "supporting the righteous Qi and avoiding pathogenic factors" – preventing the invasion of cold while also moistening dryness and nourishing the lungs.

▶ Three Avoidances

• Avoid Raw/Cold Foods: As temperatures drop, the spleen and stomach's tolerance for cold decreases. Icy drinks and cold dishes can easily damage Yang energy, leading to diarrhea or bloating. Opt for warm foods like millet porridge or Chinese yam soup.

• Avoid Exposing the Body: Remember "At White Dew, don't expose your body"! Carry a light jacket when going out early or late. Don't sleep with windows open or under direct airflow. Keep your waist, abdomen, neck, shoulders, and feet warm to avoid catching colds or bronchitis.

• Avoid Staying Up Late: Follow the principle of "nourishing Yin in autumn and winter." Aim to sleep before 10:30 PM, ensuring 7-8 hours of rest, allowing the body to properly "consolidate Yang energy."

▶ Three Recommendations

• Recommended Teas:

• Lily Bulb and Ophiopogon Tea (10g lily bulb + 8g Ophiopogon root, steeped): Nourishes Yin and moistens the lungs.

• Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea: For dry eyes and fatigue; clears heat and nourishes the liver and kidneys.

• Recommended Lung Nourishment:

• Diet: Eat moistening foods like pear, snow fungus, lily bulb, and honey. Try steamed pear with Fritillaria or snow fungus and lily bulb soup.

• Exercise: Choose gentle activities like jogging, brisk walking, or Ba Duan Jin, 3-4 times weekly.

• Recommended Foot Soaks:

• Soak feet nightly in warm water around 40°C for 15-20 minutes, water level above ankles. Wear socks afterward to warm feet, dispel cold, and improve sleep.

▶ Three Tips

• Warm Water Morning and Night:

• A cup of warm water upon waking moistens the throat and aids bowel movements.

• Drink 100-150ml of warm water 1 hour before bed to prevent blood thickening. Ideal temperature: 35-40°C.

• Moderate Exercise:

• Best times: 9-10 AM or 4-5 PM. Keep movements gentle, not intense. Dry sweat promptly afterward. A moderate amount of warm salt water can be consumed post-exercise.

• Calm the Mind, Nurture the Spirit, Avoid Sadness:

• Autumn's ambiance can induce melancholy. Counter it by walking outdoors, listening to light music, or chatting with family. Maintain a cheerful mood to help the spirit settle.

Seasonal Recipes

• Adenophora Root and Goji Berry Porridge:

• Boil 20g Adenophora root to extract juice. Add 20g goji berries, 100g japonica rice to make porridge. Finally, add 5g rose buds and rock sugar. Nourishes Yin, moistens dryness, enriches blood, and brightens eyes—suitable for those who stay up late.

• Double Bean, Lily Bulb, and Trotters Soup:

• 500g pig trotters + 30g each of adzuki beans, mung beans, and lily bulbs. Bring to a boil, then simmer until cooked. Invigorates blood, cools blood, moisturizes skin, and reduces spots—suitable for rough skin or difficulty urinating.

• Celery Porridge:

• Chop 60g celery, cook with 50-100g japonica rice. Strengthens kidneys, promotes diuresis, clears heat, and soothes the liver—suitable for those with hypertension or diabetes. Best eaten fresh.

• Solar Term Tea:

• 12g Astragalus root + 9g Atractylodes macrocephala + 6g Saposhnikovia root, boiled in water. Suitable for those with pale complexion, physical weakness, spontaneous sweating, or susceptibility to colds.

Wishing you good food, good sleep, and a good mood as you enjoy these crisp, delightful autumn days~