Late summer is upon us, with its hot, muggy weather and heat-breaking afternoon thunderstorms. Late summer is considered one of the five major seasons in the East, according to the Five Element Consciousness Framework. This ancient theory of interrelationships describes how we are influenced by many aspects of Nature. We are all energy beings. All life—human, plant, animal, and Universal—are connected in the larger picture.

Late Summer begins around the third week of August and runs through the Fall Equinox. In August, Nature is undergoing its last burst of growth before harvest time. The energy of this season corresponds to the nurturing Earth element. The next few weeks are an important time for self-nurturing and self-cultivation. This a powerful time to fully ripen and transform, using the last of summer’s bountiful energy.

The Stomach and Spleen resonate with Late Summer’s energetic vibration. If this organ pair is low on energy, you may experience nausea, stomach flu, IBS, weight gain, blood sugar disorders, or low energy. However, if your Stomach and Spleen are harmonizing with the energies of Late Summer, your digestive system may be feeling more balanced than usual.

Just as all of Nature relies on Mother Earth for sustenance, we also rely on our digestive system for emotional and physical support. Think about all that we ask our bodies to digest—foods that we eat, things that we see or hear, and emotions that we feel and experience. Keeping our Stomach and Spleen energy balanced provides a solid foundation for lifelong mind-body-spirit health.

Healing Foods for Late Summer

Late Summer is the season associated with the Stomach and Spleen—your energy generators. These digestive organs process worries, thoughts, emotions, and of course, foods! Remember, you are what you eat, but at a higher level, you are what you think!

Here are some foods to support your Stomach and Spleen function:

Chinese barley

Lotus seed

Red apples

Chinese red dates

Sweet potato

Mango

Papaya

Peanuts

Pumpkin

Ginger

Cinnamon

Turmeric

Fennel seeds

Garlic

Black and white pepper

Get Creative!

What recipes can you create with the foods on this list?

Interested in Exploring More?

Discover the tremendous power of Stomach/Spleen function: The Body Never Lies: Stomach and Worry, Worry, Worry

Then explore our eating-for-healing recipes to fill your plate with what fuels you.