In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late summer belongs to the Earth element. It is a time of ripening, grounding, and transition. During this period, the focus shifts to the Spleen and Stomach — the organs responsible for digestion, nourishment, and the smooth transformation of food into energy.

When Spleen Qi is strong, digestion is easy, the mind is clear, and energy flows steadily throughout the day. When it becomes weak, we may experience fatigue after meals, bloating, sugar cravings, foggy thinking, and emotional worry. Late summer is the ideal season to strengthen the Spleen and build a stable foundation for the colder months ahead.

Here are three simple, Spleen-friendly foods you can enjoy now to support digestion and stay balanced.

1. Millet

Millet is a warming, mildly sweet grain that gently strengthens the digestive system. In TCM, it is considered one of the top foods for tonifying Spleen Qi. Its light texture and neutral flavor make it easy to digest, especially when cooked as a porridge or blended into soups. Millet is also rich in fiber and magnesium, which support gut health and calm the nervous system.

Try starting your morning with warm millet congee or using it as a base for lunch with roasted vegetables. Avoid eating it cold from the fridge, as the Spleen prefers warmth and softness over chilled or raw foods.

2. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, warming, and grounding — perfect qualities for late summer nourishment. In TCM, their golden color and gentle sweetness make them ideal for rebuilding Qi and calming an overworked digestive system. They help resolve internal dampness, which often shows up as sluggishness or digestive bloating.

Roasted sweet potatoes with warming spices like ginger or cinnamon can help stimulate digestion and provide steady energy. They are also a good source of beta-carotene and complex carbohydrates that feed the body slowly, without spikes.

3. Red Dates (Da Zao)

Red dates are a classic Spleen tonic used in Chinese herbal formulas and traditional cooking. They strengthen Qi, nourish blood, and calm the spirit. In addition to being used in decoctions, they can be added to soups, teas, or even congee to enrich the flavor and support digestion.

Red dates are especially beneficial if you feel fatigued, anxious, or depleted. Just two or three soaked in warm water or added to rice porridge can provide a gentle lift. Their naturally sweet flavor also satisfies the palate without overwhelming the system.

Closing Thoughts

In late summer, less is more. Keep meals simple, warm, and gently cooked. Avoid excessive raw, cold, or greasy foods, which burden the Spleen and create internal dampness. By choosing ingredients that are naturally sweet, soft, and easy to digest, you allow your center to rest and rebuild.

When the Earth element is nourished, everything else comes into harmony. Start with your plate, and let the nourishment ripple through your body and mind.

Jake