What porridge should you eat for health preservation after the Start of Autumn?
Dec 10, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
After the Start of Autumn, the weather gradually becomes cooler and drier. Suitable health-preserving porridges include millet-pumpkin porridge, lily lotus seed porridge, Chinese yam and spare rib porridge, tremella-pear porridge, and red date-longan porridge. When consuming porridge for wellness after the Start of Autumn, it's important to follow principles of mild nourishment, moistening dryness, and supporting stomach health. Individuals can choose appropriate porridge types based on their body constitution. Consistently consuming these porridges helps better adapt to seasonal changes and maintain overall health.
Generally, after the Start of Autumn (Liqiu), the weather gradually becomes cooler and drier. Suitable health-preserving porridges for this season include millet-pumpkin porridge, lily lotus seed porridge, Chinese yam and pork rib porridge, tremella pear porridge, and red date longan porridge. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Millet-Pumpkin Porridge: Millet helps strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach, while pumpkin is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins. When cooked together, the porridge has a soft, glutinous texture and is easily digested and absorbed. After Liqiu, gastrointestinal functions may be affected; this porridge helps protect the stomach and intestines and provides essential nutrients to the body.
2. Lily Lotus Seed Porridge: Lily bulbs nourish yin, moisten the lungs, calm the mind, and relieve irritability, while lotus seeds strengthen the spleen, stop diarrhea, benefit the kidneys, and nourish the heart. After Liqiu, dry air can lead to restlessness and insomnia. This porridge helps alleviate discomfort caused by dryness and improves sleep quality.
3. Chinese Yam and Pork Rib Porridge: Chinese yam tonifies the spleen and stomach, generates fluids, and benefits the lungs, while pork ribs provide high-quality protein and calcium. As temperatures drop after Liqiu, the body needs extra energy to resist the cooling weather. This porridge offers both nourishing and stomach-soothing benefits, making it ideal for regulating physical health during autumn.
4. Tremella Pear Porridge: Tremella fungus nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, and promotes gastric fluid production, while pear clears heat, relieves dryness, generates fluids, and quenches thirst. After Liqiu, autumn dryness becomes more pronounced, often causing symptoms such as dry, itchy throat and dry skin. This porridge effectively alleviates discomfort caused by dry pathogens.
5. Red Date Longan Porridge: Red dates tonify the spleen and lungs, replenish qi, nourish blood, and calm the spirit, while longan fruit strengthens the heart and spleen and nourishes blood. After Liqiu, the body's qi and blood may become deficient, especially in women who might experience fatigue or dull complexion. This porridge helps replenish qi and blood, supporting recovery and overall well-being.
When consuming porridge for health after Liqiu, it is important to follow principles of gentle nourishment, moisturizing dryness, and protecting the stomach. Individuals should choose appropriate porridge types according to their body constitution. Consistent consumption can help better adapt to seasonal changes and maintain good health.
