Best Teas to Drink During the Autumn Equinox for Balance and Lung Health
Autumn Equinox and Tea: Finding Physical and Mental Harmony in Balance
The Autumn Equinox (usually between September 22–24) marks a turning point in the 24 solar terms: day and night are roughly equal, and nature begins its gradual shift from outward abundance to inward consolidation.
What the Equinox Means
On the equinox, the concepts of yin and yang reach a momentary balance—an apt reminder to slow down, collect energy, and realign daily rhythms. While summer’s outward activity recedes, autumn asks us to focus on harvest, preservation, and inner balance.
- Natural signal: daytime shortens and temperatures cool.
- Climate trait: air becomes drier—watch for throat and skin dryness.
- Cultural note: historically a time for harvest and ritual reflection in Eastern traditions.
Autumn landscapes often reflect the calm, harvested energy of the season.
Why This Matters for Your Health & Rituals
Because the season favors contraction and balance, this is an ideal moment to adjust habits—shift toward nourishing, warming foods and teas, protect the lungs from dryness, and include gentle daily rituals that ground the body and mind.
Tip: consider adding a short tea ritual at dawn or dusk to mirror the equinox’s balance—soft light, mindful sipping, and a moment of inward attention.
How the Body Responds During the Autumn Equinox
As the season shifts, the body and emotions reflect the rhythm of nature. The Autumn Equinox is not just about climate change—it also signals subtle internal transitions.
Crisp air and falling leaves mirror the inward movement of energy in autumn.
Climate Effects on the Body
- Temperature shifts: Larger differences between day and night can cause chills and fatigue.
- Dry air: Increases the likelihood of dry throat, nasal irritation, and rough skin.
- Weakened defenses: Sudden weather changes may challenge the immune system.
Internal Organs & Emotions
In traditional Eastern understanding, autumn corresponds to the Lungs, which belong to the Metal element in the Five Elements (Wu Xing). The lungs govern respiration and also influence skin and immunity.
- Lungs: May become more sensitive, leading to coughs, shortness of breath, or nasal issues.
- Skin: Prone to dryness, cracking, or loss of moisture.
- Emotions: This season often brings sadness, nostalgia, or sensitivity. It’s a time to cultivate calmness and balance.
Gentle breathing practices help balance the lungs and emotions in autumn.
Best Teas to Drink During the Autumn Equinox
Choosing the right tea during the Autumn Equinox helps the body adapt to seasonal dryness, cooler nights, and emotional shifts. Here are some recommended teas that nourish balance and wellness.
🍵 White Tea – Gentle Moisture
White tea, such as Shou Mei or Gong Mei, is mild and cooling. It soothes the lungs and throat, countering autumn dryness.
- Moistens the lungs and relieves dry throat.
- Supports immunity with natural antioxidants.
- Helps regulate body temperature gently.
White tea: a gentle way to moisten and balance the body in autumn.
🌿Oolong Tea – Harmonizing
Oolong teas, like Phoenix Dancong or Tie Guan Yin, bridge the gap between green and black teas, symbolizing balance—perfect for the equinox.
- Aids digestion after heavier autumn meals.
- Balances internal yin and yang energy.
- Supports metabolism and gentle detox.
Oolong tea brings balance and warmth, aligning with the equinox’s energy.
🍂 Black Tea – Warming Protection
Black tea, such as Yunnan Dianhong or Lapsang Souchong, offers warmth and comfort as temperatures drop.
- Warms the stomach and protects against chills.
- Helps improve circulation and energy.
- Soothes emotions and supports mental clarity.
Black tea adds warmth and grounding as autumn nights grow longer.
🌸 Scented Tea – Emotional Comfort
Gentle blends, such as rose with white tea or goji berry with ripe pu-erh, provide both nourishment and emotional balance.
- Rose + White Tea: lifts mood, nourishes skin, and calms the lungs.
- Jasmine + Ripe Pu-erh: supports liver and kidney health, boosts resilience.
- Osmanthus + Green Tea: clears heat, soothes eyes and throat.
Floral and herbal blends soothe both body and emotions in autumn.
Why These Teas Are Suitable for the Autumn Equinox ❓
White Tea
White tea nourishes Yin and moisturizes dryness, helping the body combat the dryness of autumn.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea balances Yin and Yang within the body, aligning with the equilibrium of the Autumn Equinox.
Black Tea
Black tea warms the stomach and protects the Yang, helping the body resist the chill of cooler mornings and evenings.
Scented Tea
Scented Tea, such as rose with white tea or goji with Pu-erh, nourish both the body and emotions, offering a dual effect of health and emotional balance.
☕ How to Brew & Drink Tea on Autumn Equinox
Water Temperature & Strength
- Use warm water, not boiling or iced, to maintain smoothness and warmth.
- Do not brew tea too strong; focus on gentle and nourishing infusions.
Time & Occasion
- Morning: Light tea to soothe the throat and gently awaken the body and mind.
- Afternoon: Herbal or floral tea to calm emotions and refresh the mind.
- Evening: Black tea or ripe Pu-erh tea to warm the body, aid sleep, and support relaxation.
Tea & Health Practices
- Combine tea drinking with quiet sitting or meditation to experience the balance of the Autumn Equinox.
- Pair your tea with seasonal fruits like pears or apples and light, balanced meals.
🌟 A Gentle Reminder for Autumn Wellness
The Autumn Equinox is a solar term of balance and contraction. During this time, the body benefits from moisturizing dryness, protecting the lungs, and harmonizing Yin and Yang.
Choosing the right teas allows you to align naturally with the season, supporting both physical health and emotional balance. White tea, oolong, black tea, and carefully selected floral or herbal blends provide gentle nourishment and harmony for body and mind.
Enhance your seasonal wellness by incorporating mindful tea rituals, pairing your tea with light, seasonal fruits, and enjoying quiet moments of reflection.
Shop now and experience the beauty of balance this Autumn Equinox!