For many, the transition from Summer to Fall is a welcome one, as we move from the long, hot days filled with activity into the seasons in which we might embrace more cooking, baking, coziness and perhaps some more introspection and down time. While we are conscious of these transitions, each shift in season has more influence on our well-being than most people realize. To embrace and adapt to these changes can help to keep us well and happier. The Fall season gives us the opportunity to focus on boosting our immune system to better face the coming cold months, address stress and overwhelm, and to better prepare the body for the seasons ahead.
In the Fall, cooler, dryer, air may have a dramatic effect on the body. You may notice that the cool makes you want to eat heartier, and a bit differently. Most of us naturally want to eat warmer foods that tend to be cooked, and that are naturally available in this season- roots, greens, sweet potatoes, winter squash, etc. Warmer, cooked foods help to keep the body warm, and to counteract the dry, sometimes windy nature of Fall days. The dryer air may cause a dryness in the eyes, throat, lungs, etc., and decrease the ability of the defensive barriers there to fight off invaders- such as bacteria and viruses that cause colds, flus, etc.
We may also be burned out and exhausted in the Fall after the long days and higher activity level of the Summer. To some, Fall feels like a natural time to slow down and become more introspective. There is great benefit to this practice, and by doing so, we mimic the natural slowing and declining of the living word around us.
To counteract the dryness of the Fall, there are several herbs that can help to maintain a healthy moisture level in the body, and in particular our protective mucous membranes. One such herb is marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). This herb is most effective as a tea, and can be used to soothe irritations caused by dryness in the eyes, throat, etc. An herb that is specific to irritations of the lungs is mullein (Verbascum thapsus). The recipe for Dry Cough Tea below includes both of these herbs, plus others to help reduce inflammation and fight off invading pathogens.
To deeply boost the immune system and ward off stress, adaptogenic herbs can be used. These are herbs that help us to adapt to stressors, and to mitigate the effects of stress on the body and mind. Examples of such herbs are ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which is especially good for those who are burned out and need help relaxing, and astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous) and reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), which are especially good at building the immune system so that we are better prepared when challenged by illness.
The Fall is also a great time to be looking forward to the challenges of the seasons ahead. As already mentioned, working to boost immunity in the Fall can make for a healthier Winter. But we can look even further ahead and start to prepare ourselves for the challenges of the Spring. Many who work with holistic health believe that the Fall is a great time to set the conditions for a more allergy-free Spring. Allergies are best addressed much in advance, by helping to build an immune system that is less prone to overreactions, and by getting the digestive and elimination systems in better shape, making the processing of foods and wastes more efficient and less likely to provoke a reaction. While there are many herbs that can be used to address these needs, reishi mushroom is one that can help to address both proper immune response, and aid in the function of the liver, one of our most important organs of elimination. Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis) is a gentle herb that can help to improve both digestion and elimination, and can be used over long periods of time.
To embrace the seasonal transitions is to more consciously mark time, to pay attention to the needs of our bodies and minds, and to set conditions for better health. As Henry David Thoreau suggested, “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth”
Join me for The Autumn Herbal on September 23 to learn more!
~Some Fall Herbal Recipes~
Roots Chai
Warming, digestive and immune system stimulating
1 part dandelion root (Taraxacum officinalis)
1 part astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceous)
1 part cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or other)
1 part marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)
1 part ginger (Zingaber officinalis)
1 part cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
1 part clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
1/2-1 part licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) -omit if high blood pressure
1/2 part peppercorns (Piper nigrum)
Dry Cough Tea
To be used for any dry irritation of the throat and lungs
1 part mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
1 part marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)
1 part yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum)
1 part elderberries (Sambucus nigra)
1/2 part thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
1/2 part licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) -omit if high blood pressure
*This information is for educational and personal interest purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. Please check with a qualified health practitioner before using herbs, particularly if you are on prescription medications.