The descent of the frost

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar periods. Frost’s Descent, the 18th solar term, which is also the last in autumn, falls approximately on October 23, when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 210 degrees.

This solar term takes its name from the typical weather conditions around October 23. On the day of the frost, water vapor in the air freezes on the ground, usually overnight, in the form of tiny ice needles or hexagonal flower shapes. In the eyes of the ancient Chinese, this was the first time of the year that they saw the frost coming. Therefore, they called the day “The Descent of Frost”
The frost reflects the dryness of the air, because most regions of China are dominated by dry continental cold air masses at this time. The occurrence of frost means that the local night weather is cold and sunny, and the cooling caused by ground radiation is relatively strong.[1]

During this period when the temperature drops, our immune system can be expected to weaken as well. We all know that viruses tend to survive longer in such an environment, making respiratory illnesses more likely. It is important to be mindful of clothing choices as the weather can be tricky during this time with sunny afternoons but cool evenings and chilly nights. The best way to boost our immune system is also to spend more time exercising.[2]

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is known to recommend a variety of foods and liquids to boost the immune system. Here are three ways you can avoid getting sick:

1. Warm water
Since the weather is dry in autumn, you should consume more water to achieve a healthy lifestyle. According to traditional Chinese medicine, we should consume more hot water and reduce the consumption of cold drinks. Hot water can not only act as a ‘heater’ to warm us up, but it also has a positive effect on the spleen and stomach by adapting the intestinal flora to the colder weather.[4]

2. Hot tea

Another soothing drink in the change of seasons is tea, especially black tea, which is properly brewed by letting the leaves steep for 5-6 minutes. Black tea has many health benefits, such as moistening dry lungs, eliminating cold, warming the intestines and stomach, and improving appearance.[4]

In addition to black tea, the following teas have also been shown to be beneficial: [6]

2-1. DandelionIt is known as a “natural antibiotic” and can help our lungs fight fever and eliminate unwanted toxins faster.

2-2. Flowers of Platycodon grandiflorum:This plant is widely used in TCM for its biological applications, such as hypertension, lipid lowering, arteriosclerosis, inflammation, to relieve cough and phlegm, to promote cholic acid secretion, and as an antioxidant.

2-3. Polygonatum odoratum root:This plant is able to lower blood sugar and blood lipid levels, regulate and strengthen the immune system, and fight aging. It is also used in TCM to restore yin balance.

3 Soups

There are many famous Chinese sayings that emphasize the importance of eating hot soups in cold weather. Various soups are known in China to warm and nourish the body.[7] According to TCM, the following three types of soups are best for the transition into winter and colder weather:

3-1. Radish and crucian soup
“Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer” is a famous advice in China. Radish is a winter vegetable that can help the human body replenish water and promote digestion. The carp in the soup can help replenish “qi” and improve the function of spleen and stomach.

3-2. Duck soup with Chinese yam
Duck meat has the effect of nourishing the body fluid and stomach, nourishing yin and tonifying deficiency, eliminating heat and strengthening the spleen, while yam is also beneficial to lung qi and nourishes lung yin.

3-3. Lotus Root Rib Soup
Autumn is the ripe season of lotus root. The fresh lotus root has the function of eliminating heat and producing liquid. A delicious soup contains lotus root pairing and pork chops.

Why should I choose pure and good water?

First-class ingredients must be combined with first-class water. Whether it is tea or soup, its quality and taste are closely related to the quality of water we use. The pollution of rivers and lakes by the effluents of modern industry is a constant threat to our water and thus a danger to our health. It is extremely important to install safe and professional water filters that are technologically superior and capable of filtering out pollutants while preserving the beneficial minerals.

Life Solutions’ professional water purifiers keep the whole family healthy by providing exceptional quality water.

All Life Solutions filtration products have received CCC (3C) certification, exceeding the Chinese drinking water treatment standard CJ94-2005. Life Solutions’ professional water purification equipment is taking care of the entire family’s health by providing water that is of exceptional quality.

01 Product Certification
Exceeding Industry Standards

All filtration products of Life Solutions have passed CCC (3C) certification, exceeding the CJ94-2005 Chinese drinking water purification industry standard. We use NSF certified water filters in all RO products.

02 RO reverse osmosis filtration
Safe and healthy

Life Solutions’ purification equipment adopts RO reverse osmosis membrane with an accuracy of 0.0001 μ m, which can separate pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, viruses and bacteria.

03 Fast heating speed
Time-saving convenience

The water purification equipment of Life Solutions can heat water at any time, and can obtain safe and healthy drinking water without complications.

Reference
[1] Zhuang Kai. 24 The Autumn of the Solar Term: Cold Frost Falling in Autumn [J]. Popular Literature and Art, 2022 (12): 2
[2] Dong Fang. After the frost falls, the feet should be kept warm and the stomach should be nourished [J]. Jiangsu Health Care, 2020 (10): 40
[3] Wang Yun Cold Dew is better for keeping warm and moistening the lung and spleen than for winter [J]. Health Care for the Middle and Old, 2021 (10): 32-33
[4] Yang Pu Frost and rain marks fade, green scales reveal the distant continent — frost falls on the solar term to prevent autumn dryness [J]. I wish you good health, 2021 (10): 43-45
[5] Wu Dazhen, Shi Yongqing. Frost Regulating Spleen Nourishing Tea [J]. Health Care for the Middle and Old, 2020 (10): 50
[6] Sun Qing. Frost can reduce dryness, nourish yin and astringe yang [J]. It is beneficial to open the book – seek medical advice and medicine, 2021 (10): 66-67
[7] Han Muzhen After the frost falls, be good at adjusting and keeping fit to survive the cold winter [J]. Modern Health Care, 2019 (19): 13