As autumn brings “dryness,” incorporating white-colored foods can help nourish the lungs, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM practitioner Yu Ya-Wen shared the case of an elderly man who had been a long-time smoker, enjoyed heavily seasoned foods, and frequently drank alcohol, all of which had taken a toll on his throat and lungs. After catching a cold in autumn, he developed persistent coughing. Alongside prescribed medication, Yu recommended increasing intake of “white foods” such as Chinese yam, lotus root, and white fungus. Within weeks, his dry, itchy throat and thick phlegm improved noticeably. The white fungus also helps prevent skin aging and delays the formation of age spots.
Yu explained on her Facebook page that the man had suffered repeated coughing episodes for years whenever he caught a cold, often producing thick yellow phlegm. Medications alone offered limited relief, and his preference for spicy, alcohol-accompanied dishes added further stress to his respiratory system. In addition, he experienced dry, itchy skin on his lower legs during autumn.
To complement his treatment, Yu suggested including cooling, moistening white foods in his diet. Rich in natural gelatin, these foods help lubricate the lungs and promote body fluids. By adjusting his diet and replacing some of his usual spicy dishes with white foods, the man’s symptoms gradually improved, and his overall complexion brightened.
Yu emphasized that autumn’s low humidity often leads to “autumn dryness,” causing symptoms like dry cough, nasal congestion, dry or itchy skin, dry mouth, and irregular bowel movements. In TCM, “autumn dryness harms the lungs, and nourishment is key to health.” White foods such as white fungus, Chinese yam, lotus root, lily bulbs, and pears are especially beneficial during this season. Foods with gelatinous or sticky textures enhance the moisturizing effect.
Nutritionally, white fungus is similar to black fungus, containing protein, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, vitamin B2, polysaccharides, and plant-based gelatin. It supports blood health, strengthens bones, improves digestion, reduces fat absorption, and has antiviral and anti-tumor properties. Specifically, white fungus helps prevent skin aging and delays age spots, while black fungus is better at improving blood circulation and reducing blood viscosity, aiding cardiovascular health. Consuming both together offers complementary benefits.
