Traditional Herbal Wisdom

My understanding of the scientific validity of “spring warmth, autumn cold” evolved from initial affirmation to eventual rejection.
Due to rapid temperature changes in spring and autumn—especially in northern regions—the indoor temperature lags behind outdoor changes because of building thermal inertia (particularly in bungalows and lower floors). Thus, the indoor-outdoor temperature difference reverses during these seasons. For example, stepping from sunny warmth into a cold room in spring may cause elderly or weak individuals to catch cold if they don’t wear extra layers (“spring warmth”) or remove winter clothing too early.
However, I soon realized the concept fails in explaining “autumn cold.” More importantly, the phrase “spring warmth, autumn cold” itself lacks scientific grounding. For instance, “spring warmth” only applies in specific indoor conditions. Who would “warm up” outdoors under direct sunlight? People often need to remove clothes to avoid sweating.
Even more critical is that “spring warmth, autumn cold” is impractical and dangerous when misapplied. According to a February 20 report in *Science and Technology Daily*, pneumonia is the leading cause of death among people over 80. Most cases begin with cold-induced flu. During the 2003 SARS outbreak in Beijing, neither government announcements nor expert advice promoted “spring warmth, autumn cold”—instead, they emphasized “keeping warm, adjusting clothing timely.”
Thus, debates persist in publications about “spring warmth, autumn cold,” with claims like “not suitable for everyone,” “individualized approach required,” or even “spring warmth, autumn cold causes illness where none existed.”
I questioned its origin. Found that major dictionaries—including the *Great Chinese Dictionary*, *Cihai*, and *Ciyuan*—do not list this term. Among 89 Chinese idiom dictionaries in the National Library and about 30 collections of proverbs, idioms, and sayings, only four include it. Their sources are not ancient medical texts but literary works like Lao She’s *Under the Red Banner* and Li Jiantong’s *Liu Zhidan*. Some earlier similar folk sayings exist, such as “spring warmth, autumn cold, never sick in old age” or “don’t rush to shed clothes in spring, don’t rush to wear hats in autumn.”
I believe “spring warmth, autumn cold” likely originated from Qiu Chuji’s *On the Preservation of Vitality* in the Yuan Dynasty, which states: “Clothing should not be added or removed abruptly.” In spring, “temperatures fluctuate; do not suddenly discard cotton clothes. Elderly with weak Qi should keep layered garments, changing gradually—remove one layer at a time, never abruptly.” In winter, “only when extremely cold should cotton be added, increasing thickness gradually—not all at once, unless no chill remains.” This confirms it’s context-specific. Otherwise, how could young people slowly remove layers in rapidly changing outdoor temperatures? Modern travel involves frequent shifts between air-conditioned and heated spaces—how can one “spring warmth, autumn cold”? Moreover, “autumn cold” is a misinterpretation—“no chill means no need to endure cold.”
Actually, ancient medical texts clearly prescribe proper seasonal health practices for elders and the frail. The *Huangdi Neijing* states: “Yin-Yang and the four seasons are the beginning and end of all things, the root of life and death. Disregard leads to disasters; following them prevents serious illness.” Thus, “wise people nurture health by aligning with the four seasons and adapting to cold and heat… thus avoiding pathogens and living long.” Later scholars elaborated: “Adjust clothing according to weather, change daily multiple times” (Qing Cao Tingdong); “Remove or add clothes quickly—better than medicine” (Jin Li Zhiyan); even “dress before cold, undress before heat” (Jin Ge Hong). Crucially, “never force oneself to endure slight cold or heat.” In short: follow the seasons without excessive warmth or cold, adjust clothing quickly. How simple and practical! Truth is often simplicity.
Moreover, “spring warmth, autumn cold” addresses only spring and autumn. Yet strong cold and warm fronts move across China throughout the year (indoor-outdoor temperature differences can reverse). Therefore, “quick removal and quick addition” is truly the safest strategy for elders and the frail.