Autumn means it is time for big tonics?

The Department of Health's Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office cautions that tonics should suit the individual. Early autumn in Hong Kong is often still warm and humid, and rich tonics can leave you feeling hot.

Where does the autumn tonic tradition come from?

The custom comes mainly from northern China, where autumn cools quickly and winters are harsh. People ate more warm, nourishing food in autumn to prepare for the cold; there is even a saying about "putting on autumn fat". TCM also speaks of nourishing yin in autumn and winter and of winter as a time to store, when the body draws inwards and conserves energy.

The ideas make sense, but they belong to a climate. Hong Kong's autumn is very different from the north's, so copying northern habits wholesale may not suit you.

Hong Kong's autumn is different

After Start of Autumn, Hong Kong often still sees days above thirty degrees, the so-called "autumn tiger". Around October the northerly winds arrive and the air dries out. Many people get a dry throat, cracked lips, itchy skin and a dry cough: what TCM calls "autumn dryness".

At this stage the body usually needs moisture, not heat. If you start eating lamb brisket pot, ginger vinegar and ginseng chicken soup every day, you may well end up with a dry mouth, sore throat, breakouts and poor sleep.

Moisten first, warm later

A Hong Kong-friendly approach has two steps. In autumn, start with moistening foods. Asian pear helps moisten the lungs and soothe a dry cough. Snow fungus nourishes yin and moistens the lungs. Lily bulb moistens the lungs and calms the mind. Lotus root becomes gentle once cooked, making a soup that is moistening but not cold. Pear and snow fungus sweet soup, lily bulb and lotus seed sweet soup and lotus root soup are all good choices.

When it turns truly cold, around the Winter Solstice, with dry chilly air and cold hands and feet, consider warmer soups according to your constitution. Even then, start gently with foods such as Chinese yam and red dates rather than jumping to the strongest tonics.

Pear and lily bulb are cooling. If your digestion runs cold or you have loose stools, stew pears rather than eating them raw, and keep lily bulb moderate. Never eat over-soaked or spoiled snow fungus. Go light on rock sugar, or skip it if you have diabetes. For more on each one, see the Related ingredients section below.

Start with the basics

Balanced meals and sleep come first. Before herbs or medicinal soups, especially if pregnant, chronically ill or on medication, ask a registered Chinese medicine practitioner.

As the days shorten, go to bed a little earlier than in summer. The air is dry, so sip warm water through the day and moisturise skin and lips. Autumn's cooler weather is perfect for hiking and walking, but avoid exercising until you are drenched in sweat, which only dries you out further.

A common misunderstanding: expensive tonics suit everyone?

Many people assume the pricier the tonic, the better it works, or simply eat whatever tonic their family is having. Tonics have natures of their own, from cooling to warming, and they need to match the person. A warming tonic that suits someone cold and tired can backfire in someone who runs hot.

Start by noticing your own state. Do you feel cold or hot? Do you have a dry mouth or loose stools? How is your appetite? If you want advice, a registered Chinese medicine practitioner can suggest what fits your constitution, which is far safer than following the crowd.