Seasonal Sadness: Grief, Depression, and Emotional Balance in Autumn

Autumn is a season of transition, not just in nature but also within our bodies and minds. As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air becomes crisp and cool, many of us feel a subtle shift within ourselves, too.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is intimately connected with the Lung and Large Intestine, which influence our emotional state and our ability to let go of the old and make space for the new.

If you've ever felt a wave of melancholy or a twinge of sadness during autumn, TCM has some interesting insights into why this happens and how we can support our emotional health. Let’s dive in.

Autumn and Emotions in TCM

In TCM, the Lung and Large Intestine are paired organs that play important roles in our physical and emotional well-being. The Lung is responsible for the breath, skin, and immune system, while the Large Intestine manages the elimination of waste. Together, they manage the taking in and letting go of our external environment (air, food and waste, relationships with others, and material items).

Emotionally, the Lung and Large Intestine are associated with grief and sadness. Just as the trees shed their leaves, autumn invites us to let go of what no longer serves us, so we can make room for new opportunities and experiences.

The shorter days and cooler weather of autumn can also make us more introspective, and this inward focus can sometimes stir up feelings of sadness or unresolved grief. If the Lung and Large Intestine are out of balance, these emotions can become particularly overwhelming in autumn.

Grief, Sadness, and Letting Go in Autumn

Autumn's connection to the Lung means that many of us may feel more sensitive to emotions such as grief and sadness during this season.

If you’ve been feeling more blue than usual, it’s not all in your head! According to TCM, the Lung's energy influences our ability to process and release these feelings. This can manifest as struggling with sadness, grief resurfacing, or having trouble letting go of past events, and might be a sign that your Lung energy needs extra support.

Beyond the emotional shifts in autumn, you may notice some physical changes that also signal your Lung and Large Intestine systems need a boost. Issues like dry skin, a persistent cough, or digestive issues indicate an imbalance in the Lung and Large Intestine (which also rule immunity).

By addressing these imbalances, we can improve not only our physical health but also our emotional resilience.

Find Emotional Balance in Autumn with Herbs

Along with cold and flu season comes grief and saddess season. But with the help of TCM herbal formulas for depression, you can support your Lung and Large Intestine systems to enhance immunity, improve your resilience, and balance your emotions.

1. Bai He Gu Jin Tang
   Bai He Gu Jin Tang is a helpful fall remedy, especially when autumn's dry air starts to affect you. If you’re dealing with a dry cough, sore throat, or just feeling a bit down, this formula is a great pick. It’s designed to nourish your Lung Yin and clear out any lingering heat in your body. What about your emotions? Because this formula helps moisten your lungs and soothe any irritation, it also eases emotional unrest due to Lung imbalances.
   
   
2. St. John’s Wort Herbal Tincture
   If you’re experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or general emotional unrest, St. John's Wort may help you find relief. This herb works by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which are crucial for regulating mood. By promoting a sense of calm and improving your overall mood, St. John's Wort can help you navigate the emotional ups and downs that often come with the autumn season.
   
   
3. Xiao Yao Tang Herbal Tincture
   Xiao Yao San (or Free and Easy Wanderer) is like a breath of fresh air when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or moody. This popular formula balances emotions by supporting the Liver, which in turn benefits the Lung. By soothing the Liver and strengthening the Spleen, Xiao Yao San helps to ease emotional tension and promote a sense of calm and well-being. It’s perfect for those times when you need to find your inner balance.
   
   
4. Ban Xia Herbal Tincture
   Have you ever felt that tight, lump-in-the-throat sensation when you’re stressed or dealing with unresolved emotions? Ban Xia is the perfect herb for moments like these. This herb works by regulating Qi and dissipating phlegm, effectively easing that constricted feeling in your throat. It’s a go-to for addressing emotional distress and those physical symptoms linked to stress.

Embrace Better Mood Balance in Autumn

Autumn is a time of transition, which opens the door to reflection and self-care. By aligning with nature's cycles and supporting our Lung energy, we can navigate this season with greater ease and emotional balance.

Feeling more saddness, grief, or depression at this time of year is a normal experience, but you don’t have to let your emotions overwhelm you. TCM herbal formulas like these can give you the physical and mental support you need to embrace this season and pave the way for a joyful winter.