Late Summer: Embrace the Earth Element in preparation for Fall

Late summer is a unique and transitional phase between seasons, embodying its own distinct energy.

In Chinese medicine, this period is associated with the Earth element, representing stability, nourishment, and harmony.

It is a time when nature reaches its fullness, and the abundance of the harvest is celebrated. Embracing the energy of late summer involves cultivating a deep sense of gratitude and connection with the earth and its bountiful gifts. It is a time to savor the fruits of our labor and appreciate the abundance that surrounds us.

Nurturing ourselves through nourishing foods, self-care practices, and grounding exercises helps us to stay balanced and harmonized during this transformative phase. By embracing the energy of late summer, we can tap into the earth’s wisdom and find a sense of stability and fulfillment within ourselves. It is an opportunity to cultivate a deep connection with the present moment, appreciate the beauty of life, and nurture our inner selves in preparation for the upcoming seasons.

• Yin Organ: Spleen

• Yang Organ: Stomach

• Color: Yellow

• Taste: Sweet

• Smell: Fragrant

• Sound: Singing

• Sense Organ: Mouth and Lips

• Seasonal Significance: The mouth and lips are related to the Earth element, which symbolizes nurturing, grounding, and stability. In late summer, we can more deeply engage with our sense of taste and speech, in order to enjoy the harvest of nourishing foods as well as communicate our Gratitude for the abundance of whatever we can.

Foods to have on hand and consume regularly:

Seasonal vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, corn, leafy greens, parsnips

Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa, millet

Slightly sweet and grounding foods: Honey, dates, peaches, melons, pears

Herbal teas: Chamomile, peppermint

Hydrating foods: Cucumbers, watermelon

Legumes: lentils, chickpeas

Spices: Ginger, Cardamom and cinnamon spices

Listening to your body’s needs and focusing on balanced meals that include a variety of nutrient-dense foods is key. By aligning our diet with the energy of late summer, we can support our overall well-being and maintain harmony during this season of abundance and transition.

Delicious Date Beverage

Ingredients:

• 10 dates, pitted and soaked in warm water for 15 minutes

• 2 cups coconut water

• 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Ice cubes

• Optional: a pinch of ground cinnamon, turmeric or nutmeg for added spice

Instructions:

1. Drain the soaked dates and discard the soaking water.

2. In a blender, combine the soaked dates, coconut water, almond milk, vanilla extract, and optional ground cinnamon, turmeric and/or nutmeg.

3. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Taste the beverage and adjust the sweetness or flavors as desired by adding more dates or spices.

5. Fill glasses with ice cubes.

6. Pour the date beverage over the ice, dividing it evenly between glasses.

7. Stir gently to chill the drink and incorporate the flavors.

8. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy and naturally sweet taste of the date beverage.

This date beverage is perfect for late summer as dates are in season and provide a natural sweetness to the drink. Dates are also known for their nutritional benefits, including being a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The combination of coconut water and almond milk adds a creamy and refreshing element, while the hint of vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile. Sip and savor this delightful date beverage as a nourishing and hydrating treat during the late summer days.

Roasted Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups mixed salad greens

• 1 ripe avocado, diced

• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.

3. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.

4. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

6. Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the salad bowl and drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to combine.

7. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top for garnish.

8. Serve the salad immediately and enjoy the flavors of late summer!

This salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients from the sweet potatoes, avocado, and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect light and refreshing dish to savor during the late summer season.

Qigong: Grounding exercises, such as standing or walking barefoot, and movements that focus on the spleen and stomach meridians

Aromatherapy

Here is a list of essential oils that are commonly associated with supporting the spleen and stomach meridians in Chinese medicine:

Ginger: Known for its warming and digestive properties, ginger essential oil can help stimulate the spleen and stomach meridians and promote healthy digestion.

Peppermint: Peppermint essential oil has a cooling and refreshing nature, which can help soothe the spleen and stomach meridians and relieve digestive discomfort.

Fennel: Fennel essential oil is often used to support the digestive system and promote healthy digestion. It is believed to have a harmonizing effect on the spleen and stomach meridians.

Lemon: Lemon essential oil has a cleansing and uplifting aroma. It is believed to help invigorate the spleen and stomach meridians and promote mental clarity.

Cardamom: Cardamom essential oil is known for its digestive benefits and can help support the spleen and stomach meridians. It has a warm and spicy aroma.

Sweet Orange: Sweet orange essential oil has a cheerful and uplifting scent. It is believed to have a harmonizing effect on the spleen and stomach meridians and can help improve digestion.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon essential oil has a warming and stimulating effect. It is believed to help invigorate the spleen and stomach meridians and promote healthy digestion.

Remember to use essential oils safely and consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare professional for personalized advice.

These essential oils can be used in diffusers, added to bathwater, or blended with carrier oils for massage to create a calming and soothing atmosphere during the late summer season.

DIY Grounding scrub for the Earth element

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar or sea salt

• 1/4 cup of carrier oil (such as sweet almond oil or coconut oil)

• 5 drops of patchouli essential oil

• 5 drops of vetiver essential oil

• 5 drops of cedarwood essential oil

• 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil

• 5 drops of frankincense essential oil

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar or sea salt with the carrier oil.

2. Stir well until you achieve a consistent texture.

3. Add the essential oils (patchouli, vetiver, cedarwood, sandalwood, and frankincense) to the mixture.

4. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the essential oils are evenly distributed.

5. Transfer the scrub to a clean, airtight container for storage.

6. To use, take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto damp skin in circular motions.

7. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.

8. Enjoy the grounding and nurturing properties of the Earth element through the aromatic blend of essential oils in the scrub.

Remember to perform a patch test before using the scrub on a larger area of your skin to ensure there are no sensitivities or allergies. Adjust the amount of carrier oil and essential oils according to your preference and the desired consistency of the scrub. Enjoy the rejuvenating and grounding benefits of this DIY essential oil scrub for your late summer self-care routine!

We hope you enjoy an abundant harvest and the last warm days of late summer!