Chinese Medicine is a popular alternative medicine with a long history and tradition. It encompasses various therapies and practices, including diet therapy – a practice of using food to prevent and treat health disorders. In Chinese medicine, the diet plays a crucial role in promoting fertility and overall health.
Autumn is a vital time of the year when the environment and nature change, which affects our body’s condition. During this season, your focus should be on nourishing your body due to the cooler and drier weather. Here are some of the best Autumn seasonal foods recommended in Chinese Medicine for Fertility. Organic is always best, especially with strawberries.
- Squash: is high in beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help boost the immune system and protect against oxidative stress. It is also loaded with folate, a nutrient essential for fetal development. neutral to cooling energy. It is believed to benefit the spleen and stomach and can help improve digestion.
- Pumpkin: is believed to be good for fertility due to its high content of antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and E, which can protect sperm and eggs from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, which is essential for male reproductive health and has been shown to increase sperm count and motility. Pumpkins are also rich in folate, which is important for female reproductive health as it helps prevent birth defects in newborns. Pumpkins nourish and tonify the spleen and promote the healthy production of Qi and blood, which are essential for reproduction, also cooling nature to clear heat and toxins from the body, which can also support fertility. It is commonly recommended for women who are struggling with irregular periods, menstrual cramps, or fertility issues related to a weakened digestive system.
- Apples: are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for promoting fertility. The flavonoids present in apples can improve sperm quality and help regulate menstrual cycles in women. Apples have a cooling energy and are believed to benefit the lungs and spleen. They can help improve digestion and are thought to have a cleansing effect on the body.
- Pears: are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and copper. They are particularly beneficial for women due to their ability to strengthen the uterus. Pears have a cooling energy and are believed to benefit the lungs and throat. They are also particularly good for soothing coughs and reducing phlegm.
- Chestnuts: are a low-fat and high-fiber source of nutrition. They are rich in vitamins and have a warming energy to strengthen the kidneys and spleen.
- Sweet potatoes: are an excellent source of vitamin A, which helps with fetal development. Sweet potato is warming energy, sweet, neutral or slightly cool flavor. They nourish the spleen and stomach, tonify qi and blood, and support the yin energy of the body. Sweet potato is also believed to have a soothing effect on the digestive system and promote healthy bowel movements. Additionally, it is thought to benefit the lungs and reduce inflammation.
The following fruits are cooler in nature & are best in early Autumn or can be warmed where digestion is weaker:
- Figs: were considered sacred fruit and were closely associated with fertility and love. Scientifically, figs improve fertility and libido because they are loaded with minerals like zinc, manganese and magnesium which play an important role in boosting reproductive health. Figs also have a cooling effect on the body, which helps to balance out the excess heat that can accumulate during the summer months.
- Strawberries: are considered valuable for trying to conceive. They are also high in vitamin C and folic acid, which provides a conducive environment for conception. Beta-carotene and anthocyanins present in berries have powerful antioxidant properties and help with the production of hormones responsible for optimum egg growth. Strawberries are also one of the most potent allergens. But please note that this berry is strictly forbidden to women who have inherited food allergies.
- Plums: will bring the maximum benefit for fertility if you consume them raw. Potassium that is contained in the fruit also protects against birth defects in the brain and spine that can develop in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Plums are considered to be cool in nature, so they also help counteract the heat and dryness of the season, nourish the Yin energy in the body, and promote digestion and detoxification. Additionally, plums are thought to have a sour taste which corresponds to the Metal element and the Lung and Large Intestine organs, making them beneficial for respiratory and digestive health.
In addition to the above foods, Chinese medicine also recommends incorporating warm foods and spices during the autumn season. These include cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and onions, which have the ability to boost circulation, warm the body, and boost immunity.
Overall, Chinese medicine diet therapy can play a crucial role in promoting fertility and overall health. By incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods and warming spices, you can improve your chances of conceiving while nourishing your body during the cooler autumn season.