Tonifying– tag –

Chestnut comes into season in autumn. Sweet and warm in nature, it is said to support the Spleen and Kidney. It works in chestnut rice, soups, Japanese sweets and Western baking alike, rich in nourishment and full of the season.

Japanese yam is neutral in nature and said to support the stomach and intestines, easing the sense of tiring easily and of heaviness after meals. It is a nourishing ingredient that works grated over rice, stir-fried or in a hotpot.

Goji berry is an ingredient with fine yakuzen properties, replenishing the Kidney and nourishing the Liver, and can be looked to for easing tired eyes, a heavy lower back and a dry cough. It is easy to use in soups, porridge and as goji tea, which makes it easy to bring into healthy eating.

Lily bulb is held to have the yakuzen effect of moistening the Lung and easing a cough. It helps steady the mind and is enjoyed as a taste of autumn. Its sweetness and floury texture work in soups, simmered dishes, cooked rice and much else.

Pine nut is held to nourish the yin fluids and moisten the Lung. It is useful in dry seasons in particular, for keeping moisture in the throat and the skin.

White wood ear is held to nourish the yin fluids and moisten the Lung and Stomach. In dry seasons in particular it helps keep moisture in the throat and the skin. By producing fluids, it can also be looked to for easing constipation and a dry throat.

Lychee is a sweet-sour, juicy fruit that replenishes energy and helps produce blood. It also produces fluids, which eases a dry throat and can be looked to for guarding against dryness.

Grapes are a fruit where sweet and sour sit in harmony, held to replenish qi and blood and strengthen the muscles and bones. They also encourage the passing of water, which can be looked to for easing swelling and a sense of heat in the body.

Spinach is a nourishing vegetable that comes into season from autumn into winter. In yakuzen terms it is held to replenish blood and cool heat in the body, and can be looked to for easing anaemia, constipation and irritability.

Peanut is a nourishing ingredient that comes into season in autumn, known for its sweet, roasted flavour. In yakuzen terms it is held to replenish blood and moisten the Lung and Stomach, which is said to be good for anaemia, constipation and coughs.