This time of year, I am all about the pear. Whatever an apple can do, a pear can do, too! Pears are extra special in the fall. In Chinese Medicine, pears are a good remedy to reduce coughs and expel phlegm. Pears help nourish lung yin (moisten the lungs), which can remedy those dry coughs that plague many of us when the temperature falls. As heat starts to kick in to warm our homes, our delicate lungs can get irritated and parched, leading to dry, hacking coughs. Pears are a natural, soothing way to combat this problem.
There are multiple varieties of pears, including the common Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett. Handle your pears with care, pressing gently at the neck of the pear to check the ripeness. If it’s soft, it’s ripe. The more fragrant, the more ready it is to devour. Pears bruise easily so be kind. Bake the fruit in the oven, add a little honey, and enjoy. A baked or steamed pear with honey makes a nice breakfast or evening treat, as well as providing extra lung support this time of the year.
Contributor:
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.