During the season of early autumn, the principle of nourishment is to reduce pungency and increase acidity.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that metal restricts wood, meaning that excessive lung qi can damage the liver function. Therefore, in autumn, it is important to "increase acidity" to enhance the liver's function and resist excessive lung qi invasion.
Eating less pungent food is recommended because the lungs belong to the metal element, which is associated with autumn and has an abundance of lung qi. The liver belongs to the wood element, and in the five elements theory, metal restricts wood. Pungent flavors correspond to the lungs and can strengthen their function. Consuming excessive pungent food can easily lead to excessive lung qi and damage the liver.
Following the principles of Chinese nutrition, during the early autumn, it is advised to eat fewer pungent foods such as onions, ginger, garlic, leeks, and peppers, and instead consume more acidic fruits and vegetables to nourish the liver.
After the beginning of autumn, it is not recommended to eat excessive amounts of watermelon or cantaloupe, as it can damage the spleen and stomach's yang qi. It is important to remember the saying "autumn melons harm the stomach." Traditional Chinese medicine experts also advocate for eating congee every morning during autumn. As ancient people believed, "eating congee in the morning can clear out old impurities, benefit the lungs and stomach, generate fluids, and leave one refreshed for the day."
