In traditional medicine, employing medicinal herbs according to the seasons is not merely folk wisdom but a principle refined over thousands of years. Each season brings its own "timely" herbs, maximizing their therapeutic properties and preventing illnesses based on weather changes.

The damp spring is an ideal time for using warming herbs like Perilla frutescens or Elsholtzia ciliata, helping the body adapt to erratic climate shifts. In contrast, the sweltering summer calls for cooling herbs such as Houttuynia cordata or Centella asiatica, which dispel heat and detoxify the body.

During the dry autumn, lung-nourishing herbs like Adenophora stricta or Ophiopogon japonicus become particularly beneficial. In the cold winter, yang-tonifying herbs such as cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) or Eucommia bark (Eucommia ulmoides) shine, keeping the body warm and boosting immunity.

Traditional medicine experts explain that the human body undergoes seasonal changes, and using herbs at the right time creates a synergy between the herbs’ medicinal properties and the body’s needs. This differs significantly from the notion of using remedies year-round without considering weather factors.

However, the principle of "using what’s in season" also depends on individual constitution and regional geography. Some herbs can be used year-round, but with varying dosages and combinations depending on the season.

Understanding this principle not only enhances the effectiveness of medicinal herbs but also fosters a more harmonious connection with nature. In an era where people are increasingly disconnected from natural rhythms, the lesson of using herbs seasonally serves as a valuable reminder of the bond between humans and their environment.