tcm

白露 Bai lu "White Dew"

By Floor Tuinstra

白露 Bai lu "White Dew"

Bailu, or the white dew, is the 15th of 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar. For many, Bailu seems to describe the changes in color of the morning dew. The “white” in the name of this solar term comes from the “Wuxing” (five element) theory in Chinese medicine.
During Bailu, the temperature difference between day and night gradually increases. The temperature drops significantly, especially at night. You could notice that earlier this week, during the night it was 13-14 degrees and I noticed that we needed an extra blanket as the night progressed. Although the last 2 nights were very warm with 17 degrees. In the afternoon you still crave ice cream or a refreshing drink, but at night and in the morning you can use some extra layers such as blankets and clothing with long sleeves, long legs or a scarf for the throat. This is the period of “autumn dryness”, people with sensitive skin may experience various symptoms that may increase such as; a dry sensitive throat, coughing, dry skin, nosebleeds or eczema. Food choices can be mild, nutritious and soothing, such as pear which moistens the body, relieves a dry cough after a virus or bacterial infection and soothing autumn tea such as Oolong tea.
Bailu is also an ideal period for outdoor activities.