Introduction: The Proper Autumn Diet, Recipes To Try & Recommendations for Optimal Health
According to Tibetan Medicine and its constitutional theory, the seasons influence to human body. Especially in the fall our immune system is affected very strongly. It is recommended to balance our diet and lifestyle to neutralize seasonal conditions and to maintain healthy habits.
The summer provides us with warm and hot temperatures and we tend to be more active which increases the fire element and increase the Tripa (bile) energy (discussed in my previous blog). During the autumn the days shorten, and the temperatures become cooler, but the sun rays can still be intense. All combines it causes the body energies to become out of balance.
Sometimes too much Tripa remains during the transition and it can show up as heat in sense of fever, inflammation, stomach ache or burning, change in thirst or hunger, and behavior.
According to Tibetan Medicine we can support and balance our body in a natural and gentle way with diet, positive behavior and lifestyle and herbal blends.
The Autumn Diet
The Tibetan energy teachings recommend foods that are sweet, bitter, and tart in the fall to calm the Tripa energy. Pears, apples, bananas, sweet vegetables like pumpkin, chicory, artichokes, lentils, chickpeas, chestnuts, walnuts, dairy products (not too fat), rice, oatmeal and warm soups. Also, small amounts of fresh fruit juices and jasmine tea can harmonize the hot Tripa energy. It is recommended to avoid salty, sour and spicy food which can increase the Tripa (hot) energy.
During the fall it is advised to take the meals regularly and not to skip lunch, breakfast or dinner. Meals should be richer and contain more protein compared to summer meals.
Autumn Recipes to Calm Tripa Energy
Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients
1.5 kg Hokkaido pumpkin 200 g carrots
100 g butter
400 ml vegetable stock
4 fresh orange or 0.5 l orange juice 200 ml coconut milk
2 tbsp dried tarragon
1 tbsp. Sour cream to taste.
Preparation
Core pumpkin and dice. Peel carrots and slice. Steam pumpkin cubes and carrots in butter. Fill with vegetable stock, orange juice and coconut milk, add tarragon and cook for 20 – 30 minutes. Finally, purée the whole thing. Serve to taste with a little sour cream.
Herb Potato Pancakes with Mushroom Sauce and Vegetables
Ingredients
Potato Pancakes:
1.5 kg potatoes
4 eggs
1 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp long pepper
5 tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
5 tbsp sage (finely chopped)
5 tbsp dill
2 – 3 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) a little potato flour
Sauce:
500 g mushrooms
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1⁄2 tsp long pepper 200 ml crème fraîche 2 tbsp parsley
Vegetables:
1 bunch of rocket 2 red peppers
12 cherry tomatoes
Preparation
Rub the raw potatoes, salt a little and let water in a strainer for 30 minutes. Knead the potatoes with the eggs, chopped herbs and spices into a dough and tie something with potato flour. Bake the buffers in portions in ghee.
Steam the cleaned and sliced mushrooms in ghee. Season with salt and pepper, cook the crème fraîche a little. Sprinkle the sauce with parsley and serve with potato pancakes and vegetables such as rocket, red pepper and cherry tomatoes
Banana Buttermilk
Ingredients
500 ml buttermilk 2 bananas
Preparation
Pass the bananas in the blender and mix with the buttermilk.
Autumn Herbs to Calm Tripa Energy
Herbs and plants help strengthen the immune system and balance the body during autumn. In Tibetan Medicine the myrobalan fruits are important in strengthening the immune and liver functions. They help supporting the detoxification and cleansing of the body. The Tibetan formula Bras bu 3 consists of 3 different myrobalan fruits and harmonizes the body as well as supports the discharge of foreign and harmful substances.
Ginger, cardamom and nutmeg enhance the well-being during this season. Ginger can be used as a spice or infused in tea with honey, as well as, cardamom. Nutmeg is known to strengthen the nerves and often recommended to add to warm milk in the evening or morning.
Additional Recommendations
- In addition to diet you can help balancing your body with massage using mustard oil, relaxing baths, walks in nature and exercises like Lu Jong Yoga.
- Make sure you wear warm clothing and don’t forget to keep your feet and hands warm. Your head should be kept warm as well.
- Wearing a hat will keep your body temperature more balanced.
- Keep your house warm. Inspect the insulation of your home. Let warm sun rays into your home for additional warming whenever you can. Be aware of windy drafts which can be challenging to your body’s heat regulation and immune system.
- Also, you can promote the body’s blood and energy flow by external hot compresses to the back, the stomach and the joints, decreasing seasonal joint pain and aches.
- Tibetan Medicine teaches to find inner balance to support balance of the body within and without.
- Slow down, give your body and mind time to relax and rest to promote health and happiness.
References:
Recipes adapted from ” Buddha Cooks” (by Eleonore Michaele Hild and Klaus Herkommer).
