Solar Terms Wellness: White Dew

White Dew (Bailu), arriving around September 7 or 8, is named after the white dew that forms on vegetation during cool nights. As the old saying goes, "When White Dew arrives, do not expose your body." This means it's time to stop going shirtless to avoid catching a chill. Keeping yourself covered at night is also wise, and older adults should consider replacing their summer sleeping mats. Following a routine of going to bed early and rising early helps protect the body's yang energy and allows the lung qi to function optimally.

During this period, it is important to guard against nasal ailments, asthma, and bronchitis. People with allergies should avoid or limit seafood, cold dishes, pickled foods, and spicy seasonings such as pepper. Instead, choose light, easily digestible foods rich in vitamins.

White Dew is also a time to guard against "autumn dryness". In traditional Chinese medicine, this seasonal dryness can deplete the body's fluids, leading to symptoms such as dry mouth, nose, throat, and skin, as well as constipation. To help counter these effects, increase your intake of vitamin-rich foods and consider TCM herbs that moisten the lungs and nourish yin, such as ginseng, adenophora root, American ginseng, lily bulbs, apricot kernels, and fritillary bulb.

Recipe Spotlight: Pomelo Chicken

Ingredients: 1 pomelo, 1 rooster, salt to taste.

Method: Clean the rooster by removing the feathers and innards. Peel the pomelo and keep the flesh. Stuff the pomelo flesh into the cavity of the chicken. Steam until the chicken is fully cooked, then season with salt before serving.

Health Benefits: Helps nourish the lungs and replenish qi, resolve phlegm, and relieve coughs.