Turmeric and Cracked Pepper in Fall: TCM and Ayurveda

by admin

Turmeric and Cracked Pepper in Fall: TCM and Ayurveda

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, turmeric and cracked black pepper are potent allies for fall, addressing seasonal challenges like dryness and cold. TCM links fall to the Metal (Ether) element, focusing on Lung and Large Intestine health, while Ayurveda sees it as Vata season, requiring warming, grounding remedies. Together, these spices combat inflammation, boost immunity, and aid digestion, with pepper enhancing turmeric’s bioavailability.

TCM Perspective:

+ Turmeric: Warm, bitter, and pungent; enters Spleen, Stomach, and Liver. It moves Qi and Blood, countering fall’s sluggishness, clears heat and dampness for sore throats or sinus issues, and moistens Lungs to ease dry coughs. Add 1/2 tsp to soups (e.g., pumpkin) or turmeric tea with honey and pepper for immunity.

+Cracked Pepper: Hot and pungent; warms the Stomach, expels cold and dampness, and clears mucus. Sprinkle a pinch in congee, soups, or stir-fries with turmeric to support Lung health and digestion.

Ayurveda Perspective:

+Turmeric: Heating, bitter, and pungent; balances Vata and Kapha. It grounds Vata’s dryness, boosts Agni (digestive fire), reduces joint stiffness, and detoxifies Ama (toxins). Use in golden milk (1/4 tsp turmeric, pinch of pepper, milk, cardamom) or roasted veggies for warmth.

+Cracked Pepper: Heating; ignites Agni, clears congestion, and enhances turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects. Add to dals or baked apples with turmeric for Vata balance.

Combination Benefits: Piperine in pepper boosts curcumin absorption, maximizing benefits for circulation, immunity, and digestion in fall’s dry, cool climate.

Practical Uses:

TCM: Turmeric-pepper congee with ginger for Spleen and Lung health.

Ayurveda: Golden milk or turmeric-pepper roasted root vegetables to ground Vata.

Both: Add to fall soups or teas for warmth and immunity.

Precautions: Avoid excess if you have Yin deficiency (TCM) or high Pitta (Ayurveda, e.g., heartburn). Consult myself or another practitioner if pregnant or on medications.

These spices align with fall’s needs, warming and nourishing the body. Try them in seasonal dishes to stay balanced and resilient.

Pin
Print

TCM Method: Turmeric-Pepper Congee for Spleen and Lung Health

Servings

2-4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

60-120

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric (fresh grated or powder)

  • a pinch of cracked black pepper

  • 1 cup basmati rice (soaked and rinsed)

  • 6-8 cups clean water or your favorite stock

  • 1-2 tsp fresh ginger (grated)

Directions

  • In a large pot, add rice and water or stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.

  • Add 1/2 tsp. turmeric, a pinch of cracked black pepper, and ginger.

  • Simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the rice breaks down into a creamy consistency. Add more water if needed for desired thickness.

  • Serve warm. Optionally, garnish with green onions or cilantro for additional Lung support.

    The pears are in many peak season in the Northern Hemisphere. This is when they are most abundant and deeper flavors. The Late Season continues on through January. The pears are in season. Pears are gentle and add sweet undertone to many dishes and baked goods where incorporated. The sweet taste is cooling and grounding in Ayurveda. The sweet taste supports building tissues, calming the nervous system and balancing (vata and pitta). It is very soothing if you have excessive heat or dryness in the body. The astringent taste is supportive and can help balance pitta and kapha by drying excessive dampness and/or reduce inflammation.

    Pin
    Print

    Baked Pears

    Servings

    1-2

    servings
    Prep time

    10

    minutes
    Cooking time

    20-25

    minutes

    This is a warm, nourishing dessert or snack for fall, this recipe uses pears (moistening the lungs) with turmeric and cracked pepper to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and support the fall element of Metal (ether). The spices and honey will warm the Spleen, counter balancing the fall’s dryness and cold.

    Ingredients

    • 1-2 ripe, frim pears

    • 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric

    • pinch of cracked pepper

    • 1 tbsp. honey

    • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

    • 1 tsp. of ghee or coconut oil

    • 1/4 tsp. cardamom

    • 1-2 Tbsp chopped walnuts

    Directions

    • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    • Wash pears, cut in half lenghtwise, and scoop out the core with a spoon. Place pears cut-side up in a glass baking dish.

    • In a small bowl, mix the spices together. Then, melt the ghee or coconut oil with the honey. Stir in the spices. It will look like a paste.

    • Fill Pears with the spice-honey paste and spread over the top face of the pear halves. Sprinkle with chopped nuts.

    • Cover the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pears are tender. Remove the cover for the last 5 minutes to carmalize the topping.

    • Serve warm. You can add a yogurt* or a nice cream*. Enjoy.

      *Dairy free is more supportive during the fall and winter months. Vegan or Vegetarion options are optimal. This would be a good proactive approach if you tend to get the annual upper respitory mucous in the lungs.

      Mind You + Food

      Comfort Food: a warm bowl of anything and everything soup. Simply go to your garden, fridge, and/or pantry. Select the ingredients that make your heart sing. Work from the bottom of the pot up. Add your spices, herbs and base notes (garlic, onion, celery, carrots, and/or etc.) with ghee, olive oil and/or water. Once things are popping off and become translucent, add half of your favorite stock or fresh water. Then, add your favorite veggies. Let this all simmer. Add any delicate greens last. This pot can simmer for hours on low or be placed in the fridge and finished off before you plan to eat. A simple, fun way to nourish yourself and anyone you choose to enjoy a bowl of soup with.

      Recycling breakthrough in France: The world’s first commercial plant for recycling polycotton fabrics is under construction, tackling textile waste and supporting sustainable fashion.

      Rarest Monkeys Now Number Close to 2,000 Thanks to One Man’s Jane Goodall-like Passion.

      From war zones to inner-city London, a new generation of land defenders are digging in: reclaiming soil, space and power through community gardens and regenerative action.

      Young chess prodigy shines: 13-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan wins 2025 British Chess Championships. A 10-year-old chess prodigy from north-west London has become the youngest person to earn the woman international master title.

      Tap into the marvellous power of Reishi, known as “the mushroom of immortality” for its all-encompassing health supporting properties such as; nervous system regulation, quality sleep, immune system modulation as well as the more mysterious heart-opening and spirit-lifting qualities.

      Used as a medicinal herb for over 4,000 years, SuperFeast Reishi is sourced Dì Dào from the pristine Dabie Mountains of China, preserving the wisdom of this treasured mushroom.

      Traditionally used to calm the spirit, promote a healthy stress response, and enhance sleep quality, Reishi works holistically on the body, mind, and soul.

      Buy Here
      Close