The Pear In Traditional Chinese Medicine

A Medicinal Food For The Lungs

In light of the season, acknowledging the pear goes hand in hand with the gathering of thoughts on Autumn.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the seasonal elements may influence our internal landscape. Because the Lungs have relevance to Fall, they can be easily vulnerable to the changing air and drier climate.

“External Dryness often interferes with the circulating and descending functions of the Lungs, manifesting perhaps a dry cough with little phlegm, thirst, bleeding nose, or chest pain” (Kaptchuk, 2000, Chapter 5).

While there’s greater complexity and nuance to understanding health and disease through Chinese medical philosophy, this quote brings simplicity to grasping some of its concepts. Through this, we become exposed to the potential expression of symptoms related to Lung Dryness, as well as the relationship between the season, the body, and the way in which we care for ourselves.

Therapeutically, the pear can be of comfort and nourishment. In Paul Pitchford’s book, Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition, he writes:

“Pear

Cooling thermal nature; sweet and slightly sour flavor; specifically affects the lungs, eliminating heat and excess mucus; stops coughing associated with hot lungs; moistens the lungs, throat, and dryness in general; quenches thirst resulting from heat conditions” (Pitchford, 2002, p. 622).

From an energetic perspective, this explains why the pear can be regarded as a medicinal food for the Lungs. Within this paradigm, it may be used as a supportive fruit, one that can be both enjoyed and thoughtfully eaten when in need.

Red, yellow, or green, I love a good pear, especially during the Autumn season. Whether I’m eating it fresh or cooked, a dash of cinnamon is always such a nice and warming touch.

References

Kaptchuk, T. J. (2000). The web that has no weaver: Understanding Chinese medicine (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill. [Ebook]

Pitchford, P. (2002). Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and modern nutrition (3rd ed.). North Atlantic Books.