Late Summer, from mid-August to the Fall Equinox, is the perfect time to slow down, savor seasonal foods, and align with nature’s rhythms. In Classical Chinese Medicine, this transition is supported by cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber, herbs like chrysanthemum and mint, and practices such as acupuncture to ease the shift into Earth’s grounding season.

Certain herbs actually enhance the body’s ability to retain moisture and maintain fluid balance. Astringent herbs help to tighten leaky tissue that may be allowing fluids to escape, mineral rich herbs provide electrolytes that are crucial to fluid balance, and herbs rich in mucilage are wonderful for moistening dry, irritated mucous membranes.  Herbal infusions offer a little something extra: they not only hydrate but can also tone, soothe, and restore tissue function.

Perimenopause isn’t a problem to fix-it’s a sacred transition. In Chinese medicine, this phase invites women to reconnect with their body, spirit, and deeper wisdom. By honoring natural cycles, nourishing the body, and creating space for reflection, perimenopause becomes an opportunity for growth and clarity, opening the door to a new chapter of vitality and self-empowerment.