Li Qiu (立秋): Start of Autumn

On the calendar, Li Qiu is the Start of Autumn. On your skin, it is still Late Summer. Try not to be devoured by the 'Autumn Tiger'—where lingering humidity outside meets the first signs of internal seasonal dryness. You aren't imagining it: your body is managing two seasons at once, which is why your nose and throat might itch while your limbs still feel heavy.

The "Autumn Tiger" bites back: why does it feel extra hot when autumn starts?

While the sun's trajectory has shifted, the external environment is releasing the intense heat and moisture built up during Xiao Shu and Da Shu. The "Autumn Tiger" bites back hard just when you expect the shift in the sun to bring relief from the heat, but are met with a muggy, intense heat that can feel even more oppressive than in previous months.

In TCM, Autumn is when the season turns towards the Metal element, and Metal energy is all about sharp focus and consolidation. Hence, the Kingfisher (翠鸟) is chosen as the bird to represent the transition into Autumn. Kingfishers don't waste energy flapping aimlessly in the heat - they stay motionless on a branch, observing the water with absolute intent until the precise second to strike.

In Singapore, this transition into Li Qiu and start of Autumn also overlaps with the Southwest Monsoon where the air feels stickier yet the rainfall is less frequent. (The haze season beckons!) With its connection with the Lung system (and Skin), we become more prone to the following:

• Dry, itchy, or scratchy throat ("aircon cough")
• Parched lips and dry skin despite high outdoor humidity
• Irritated nasal passages and subtle tightness in the throat

In the spirit of the Kingfisher, we can pick out subtle signs with precision and take action to protect our Lung system with some simple recipes and ingredients (including our recommended tea of the season: Tranquil Dew).

What are some quick & easy TCM recipes for Li Qiu?

Quick Recipe #1: Snow Pear & Lily Bulb Dessert

• Snow Pear (雪梨) gently generates fluids to soothe dry, scratchy throat.
• Lily Bulb (百合) supports Lung yin and calms that "aircon dryness" feeling.
• Toasted Job's Tears (炒薏苡仁) or Toasted Barley helps drain lingering Late Summer dampness.

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 1 Asian snow pear, peeled and cut into chunks (core removed)
• 1-2 tbsp fresh or soaked dried lily bulbs (百合)
• 1-2 tbsp Job's Tears or toasted barley (炒薏米 — toasted keeps it gentler on the Spleen)
• 3-4 cups water
• Optional: rock sugar

Instructions:

1. Prep: Soak Lily Bulbs & Job's Tears for 15 minutes before use (or soak overnight which I personally find easier!)
2. Drain soaking liquid, then add Lily Bulbs & Job's Tears to a fresh pot of water and bring to a boil.
3. Simmer: Lower to a steady simmer for 15 minutes to give the grains more time to soften.
4. Add the pear: Add pear chunks and simmer another 15-25 minutes until the pear is soft and the liquid is slightly thickened.
5. Finish: Sweeten lightly if needed with rock sugar or honey

Watch out for cold & damp traps! While snow pear is famous for soothing throats, raw pear is still "cold" and can be difficult for sluggish Spleens to digest. This simmered version keeps the moistening benefits while being easier on digestion.

For anyone with pronounced Dampness, which is when your body can't drain moisture properly so it shows up as water retention, excess mucus, weeping, itchy skin flare-ups or even excessive leukorrhea, try the next recipe for a more savory approach instead.

Quick Recipe #2: Solomon's Seal & Toasted Barley Chicken Soup

Solomon's Seal is renowned in TCM as a Slightly Cool to Neutral fluid builder. Unlike sweet fruits that might add more Dampness to a heavy system, Yu Zhu like targeted hydration directly for the Lung and Stomach channels.

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 15-20g Solomon's Seal (玉竹), rinsed
• 2 tbsp Toasted Barley or Toasted Job's Tears (炒薏米)
• 1 small piece (~1/3 full orange peel) Aged Chen Pi (陈皮)
• 2-3 Red Dates (红枣), pitted and sliced
• 4-5 cups Water
• ~300g Chicken Thigh

Instructions:

1. Simmer: Combine all ingredients and water in a small pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Gently Extract: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 45-60 minutes until fragrant.
3. Serve: Add salt to taste, serve with grains and steamed vegetables for a full meal.

How to take care of your body during Li Qiu: Draining Dampness + Nourishing Fluids

• Protect Your Nose & Throat 🍵: Keep a warm, moistening drink at your desk to protect your throat lining from drying out in air-conditioned environments.
• Soothe & Prevent Dryness🍐: Add gentle, hydrating ingredients targeting the Lung system like Snow Pear, Solomon's Seal & Tremella to your menu
• Drain the Humid Dampness 🌤️: While keeping your throat moist, keep up the good work from summer with draining dampness. Opt for warm fluids over iced for hydration, especially immediately after meals.

Looking for an effortless daily desk ritual?

If stewing fruit or boiling soup feels like one step too many amidst busy workdays, try Apothecary Brew's Tranquil Dew tisane—our answer to the Li Qiu seasonal shift.

Crafted with fluid-nourishing Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon tuber) to target aircon-induced throat dryness, Chinese Yam Powder (Shan Yao) to anchor and support the Spleen, alongside soothing Licorice Root and Red Date for gentle Qi support. It delivers that exact "moistening without excessive dampness" balance straight into your desk mug—scratching the itch for a warm afternoon comfort drink while protecting your system from the elements.