Six Persimmons Apothecary

840 Pearl Street – Boulder, CO 80302 – 303 583-0179

Fall Health Focus: Strengthen the Immune System

Autumn is the time of transition from the bright, yang energy of Summer to the dark, yin season of Winter. As we gather and store the last of our harvest, we let go of what is not essential. Autumn is an emotional season as we experience the juxtaposition between the fullness of summer and the retreat of winter. Oriental Medicine focuses on the Lung in autumn and the associated emotion is grief. Grief acknowledges loss but also leads us to a deeper understanding of life by encouraging us to look within.

It is also the time to take long brisk walks, prepare the hearth, and eat plenty of harvest fruits and vegetables. Include time every day for reflection or meditation and listen to the rhythm of the breath.

For one’s health, autumn is the critical season to strengthen the immune system before the coming winter months.

One of the best ways to boost the immune system is to take a Chinese herbal tonic formula such as Ginseng & Astragalus or to prepare a classic tonic chicken soup for the whole family with Chinese herbs.

Prepare this Chicken Soup Recipe for you and your family:

2 T. organic cold-pressed sesame oil

4 slices fresh ginger

1 large sweet onion, diced

1/4 lb. shiitake mushrooms

2 cups root vegetables

1 organic chicken + stock

2 T miso paste

1 oz. Astragalus Root

1 oz. Panax Ginseng & American Ginseng roots

1/2 oz Lycium berries

3 pieces Dioscorea Root

2 pieces Chen Pi

4 pieces Red Date (Da Zao)

3 pieces Cardamom (Sha Ren)

4 pieces Poria (Fu Ling)

2 oz. Job’s tears (Yi Yi Ren)

Cook the chicken with onion, celery, carrots & water for several hours. Shred the chicken & reserve stock. Fry onions, ginger & mushrooms in sesame oil. Add chicken, root vegetables, herbs and stock to cover 3 inches. Bring to a boil & lower to medium-low. Cook for 1 hour in heavy non aluminum pot with lid. 10 min. before finishing add miso —salt & pepper to taste. Feel free to eat the ginseng, lycium, dates & Job’s tears.