White Dew

Welcome to the 23rd episode of 24 Solar Terms & Health!

When we usher in White Dew, the chapter of autumn has begun across China. Deriving its name from glistening dew formed due to widening temperature difference between morning and evening, this solar term signals crisper weather, golden harvests, and the gentle rustle of falling leaves painting the earth in warm hues.

Health tips from our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician:

Acupoint Massage: Autumn correspond to the lungs in TCM, so it is recommended to focus on acupoints related to lung health during the season. Gently massage LI20 daily to help prevent colds and rhinitis. You can also tap to stimulate BL13 to promote lung Qi flow.

Eat Longan: In Fuzhou, eating longan during White Dew is a tradition. Longan replenishes Qi, nourishes the blood and calms the mind in TCM, and can offer remarkable nourishing effects during this solar term.

Drink White Dew Tea: White Dew tea refers to leaves picked after the White Dew solar term. There’s a folk saying: “Spring tea is bitter, summer tea is astringent; if you want good tea, try White Dew in autumn.” These leaves are mellower and richer in flavor, ideal for relieving the dryness of autumn.