What's In Season: September

Posted: 01 Sept 2025 by MYG

As the vibrant green of summer gently fades into the rich golds and ambers of autumn, our bodies instinctively begin to crave deeper nourishment. This is no coincidence. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and many ancient wellness traditions, eating with the seasons is considered fundamental to vibrant health.

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The Energetic Focus of September

September is a month of dynamic transition. We are moving from the expansive, humid energy of late summer, governed by the Earth element (Spleen and Stomach), into the more contracting, dry energy of autumn, ruled by the Metal element (Lungs and Large Intestine).

Our dietary focus shifts accordingly to:

Moistening Dryness: Autumn’s dry air can easily injure the Lung Yin, leading to a dry cough, scratchy throat, parched skin, and dryness in the intestines.

Strengthening the Spleen: Although we are moving into a new season, supporting the Spleen remains crucial for strong digestion, which is the source of our Qi (energy) and Blood.

Supporting the Lungs: We begin to incorporate foods that specifically nourish and protect the Lung system, our first line of defense against external pathogens.

 

What to Eat in September: A TCM Guide

Here are the powerhouse seasonal foods to incorporate this month and how they work holistically to support your well-being.

Vegetables

Winter Squash
Nature & Flavour: Warm; Sweet.
Actions: The ultimate autumn food. It strengthens the Spleen, benefits the Stomach, and actively lubricates the Lungs to combat dryness.
How to Use: Roast for a caramelised treat, puree into creamy soups, or add to stews.

Sweet Potatoes 
Nature & Flavour: Neutral; Sweet.
Actions: A superb tonic for Spleen Qi and Blood. They benefit the Stomach and naturally lubricate the intestines.
How to Use: Bake, steam, or add chunks to a warming congee.

Pumpkin
Nature & Flavour: Warm; Sweet.
Actions: Tonifies Spleen Qi, helps to disperse dampness, and soothes the stomach.
How to Use: Don't just carve it—roast it, soup it, or stew it for a comforting meal.

Carrots
Nature & Flavour: Neutral; Sweet.
Actions: Benefits both the Liver and Spleen, improves digestion, and moistens the Lungs and intestines.
How to Use: Enjoy roasted to bring out their sweetness, added to stews, or juiced with ginger.

Dark Leafy Greens (Spinach, Swiss Chard)
Nature & Flavour: Cool; Sweet.
Actions: Nourish Yin, moisten dryness, and cool the Liver. Perfect for counteracting any lingering internal heat.
How to Use: Lightly sauté or steam to make them easier to digest.

Mushrooms (Shiitake, Maitake)
Nature & Flavour: Neutral; Sweet.
Actions: prized in TCM for their ability to tonify Qi, strengthen the immune system (Wei Qi), and moisten dryness.
How to Use: A must-add to soups, broths, stir-fries, and stews.

Onions & Leeks
Nature & Flavour: Warm; Pungent.
Actions: Excellent for early autumn colds. They release the Exterior, disperse Lung Qi to relieve coughs, and warm the middle.
How to Use: Use as an aromatic base for countless cooked dishes.

Fruits

Pears
Nature & Flavour: Cool, Sweet.
Actions: The number one fruit for autumn! They moisten the Lungs, transform phlegm, relieve coughs, and generate fluids.
How to Use: Eat raw for a cooling effect, or poach or bake with a little honey to make them more warming and targeted for the Lungs.

Apples
Nature & Flavour: Cool; Sweet, Sour.
Actions: Generate fluids, nourish Yin, and lubricate the Lungs and intestines. Their slight astringency can help with loose stools.
How to Use: Enjoy raw, baked with cinnamon, or stewed into a simple compote.

Grapes
Nature & Flavour: Neutral; Sweet, Sour.
Actions: A wonderful tonic for Qi, Blood, and Yin. They benefit the Liver and Kidneys and help moisten dryness.
How to Use: Eat fresh in moderation.

Pomegranate
Nature & Flavour: Warm; Sweet, Sour.
Actions: Astringent, which helps to hold in fluids and stop dryness-related leakage (like a chronic dry cough or night sweats). Nourishes the Blood.
How to Use: Eat the seeds fresh.

Figs
Nature & Flavour: Neutral; Sweet.
Actions: Moistens the Lungs and intestines, relieves cough, and strengthens the Spleen.
How to Use: Eat fresh or dried, stew in congee or tea.

This September, we invite you to see your plate as a reflection of the landscape outside your window. By choosing these seasonal, local foods, you’re not just making a delicious choice, you’re making a profound choice to support your body’s natural wisdom and thrive through the transition into autumn.

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