Autumn Dryness Solutions: Three Moisture Secrets for Health After Frostfall

Once the autumn wind has started blowing and the frost has appeared, temperatures are dropping and so is the humidity—which means that the “evil of dryness” has arrived. This rare seasonal dryness especially affects the liquids of the lungs, spleen, and intestines, and thus the mentioned organs become uncomfortable due to dry mouth, cracked lips, rough skin, dry nasal passages, irritated throat, and constipation. People with yin deficiency who are not careful will find that these problems become more severe; their immunity and even mood may get affected as well. Below you will find three moisture-retaining secrets that will save your health, which are based on traditional Chinese medicine as well as modern science.

1. Drink Warm Water First Thing in the Morning

Drinking 40-45°C warm water on an empty stomach is very beneficial for the internal organs as it humidifies them, in particular, it is lungs and spleen that are favored in this regard, and the process of absorption is gentle and effective at the same time. Instead of drinking a large amount at one go, divide the whole volume of water into small portions and take slow, small sips (about 200 ml) as if you were watering a drought-stricken garden. Besides that, this practice invigorates digestive tract motility, triggers the secretion of gastric juice, and encourages fluid circulation, thus it is lungs that get ready for a dry day.

2. Focus on White and Smooth Foods for Moisture

According to traditional Chinese medicine, foods of white color nourish the lungs and are of moistening and yin-protecting nature; whereas modern nutrition substantiates this view by saying that these foods are mostly rich in water, polysaccharides, mucilaginous substances, and vitamins and that they form a protective layer for the mucous membranes thus lessening evaporation. The main components are:

• Tremella (white fungus): It is an immune booster, it provides moisture to the lungs, and it is helpful for the production of fluid.
• Yam: strengthens spleen and lungs, provides moisture to the intestines, as well as helps with constipation.
• Pears: are extremely water-rich, they are good for thirst and they hydrate the throat.
• Water chestnuts, okra, fungus: These are sticky and smooth, rich in fiber, and are good for digestion as well as for the skin.
• Make these foods a part of your soups or porridges, and add flavor to them mildly so that you don’t get too much of the spice or oil, which can further dry out your body.

3. Add Black Plum for Sweet and Sour Moisture

Coming up with a singular sweet-sour flavor, black plum is the perfect candidate to stimulate body fluid production, to quench thirst, and to improve oral moisture. One plum (about 3-5 grams), or black plum-soaked water, every day is enough to make saliva production, digestion, and hydration work smoothly. The sour taste is a trigger for the gastric juice, thus water intake is more efficient as the body holds and absorbs it better.

Lifestyle Boosts for Autumn Moisture

• Keep the air fresh and moderately humid inside: The use of a humidifier or some indoor plants will maintain the air moisture at 45–55% thus preventing the skin and the respiratory tract drying out.
• Recharge your batteries regularly: Make sleep (7–8 hours) and a fixed bedtime your priority if you want balanced body systems.
• The circulation and the lungs will benefit from mild activities such as Tai Chi, jogging, and yoga. Gentle activities like Tai Chi, jogging, and yoga support circulation and lung health.
• Avoid irritants: Avoid spicy and fried foods, caffeine, and alcohol that lead to speedy fluid loss and instead limit their consumption.

Scientific and Traditional Support

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the dryness that causes the most harm to yin is the one that affects the lungs most; Therefore, the three suggested measures are intake of warm water and consumption of white foods. Modern science confirms that the antioxidants contained in those foods along with their high moisture content are ways to prevent damage to mucosa and to maintain hydration.

Conclusion:
If you use warm water in the morning, consume white and smooth foods, eat a little bit of black plum, and follow a healthy lifestyle, then you will be able to get over the autumn dryness and feel comfortable, full of vitality, and healthy all the time during the season.