In Chinese medicine, food and herbal medicine exist on a continuum. Here, three sweet, simple fruits — prunes for bone health, dates for labor readiness, and pineapple for inflammation — show just how powerful everyday eating can be, with recipes to match.

Quite often, patients arrive with similar complaints in clusters. Last week was clearly International Perimenopause Week. I'm joking, but only a little. The women I worked with had complaints of frequent periods, vaginal dryness, brain fog, hot flashes and digestive upset.In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a woman's life follows the natural rhythms of seven-year cycles, with significant transitions occurring every seven years. These cycles are closely tied to the Kidney energy (Jing), which governs growth, development, fertility, and aging. Each cycle marks an essential stage in a woman's physical and emotional health, culminating in a profound shift during perimenopause.

Low milk supply is one of the most stressful experiences a nursing mother can face — and one of the most treatable. Practical strategies from food and rest to classical Chinese herbal formulas, plus two lactation cookie recipes worth baking.