Self Care Series #12
Winter Yin & Yang TCM Food Therapy
TCM Food Therapy
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of yin and yang represents the balance of opposite forces in the body. During the winter months, it's believed that supporting both yin and yang aspects is crucial for overall health, skin health, and a strong immune system.
Winter is associated with the Water element and the Kidney system, symbolizing introspection, rest, and conservation. However, the lungs are also associated with the fall and winter seasons.
The lungs are part of the Metal element in TCM. As winter follows fall, the lungs may be influenced by the transitional energy between these seasons, making them more susceptible to imbalances.
Here are some recipes based on TCM principles, addressing yin and yang aspects to help fortify you through the cold, dry winter months.
Winter Yin Yang Tonic
This simple recipe helps to stop dry cough, clear the lungs, soothe a stubborn sore throat, and moisten the skin from the inside-out.
Ingredients:
Pears
Ginger
Red Dates
Honey (Optional)
Step 1
Add 1 sliced up fresh pear, a knob of ginger and some red dates and water
Step 2
Bring to boil for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3
Cool and add honey.
About the ingredients
Pears ❉
Pears are delicious and crispy Earth-candy rich in fiber, vitamin C, copper, potassium, and manganese.
In TCM food therapy, Pears maintain the health of cell tissues and soften blood vessels. Its cool properties make it good for relieving heat in the Lung, or any kind of dry cough, skin problem, or constipation. It is the best fruit for preventing autumn-winter dryness.
Raw pears also have the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, moistening and moisturizing the skin.
Red Dates ☀
Red dates help to replenish and nourish the blood, thus improving circulation and digestion. Their warming effects also help in fighting the cold, making them one of the best foods to eat in winter.
Ginger ☀
A healing herb used extensively in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Ginger aid numerous ailments, such as colds, nausea, arthritis, migraines, and hypertension. It improves circulation and dispel internal cold as it increases the Yang energy in the body.
❉ Cool Nature ☀ Warm Nature
For those who prefer something fast and easy, you could try our special blends of Chi Tea. Our Tea Collection promotes Chi and brings balance to one’s internal system, facilitating beauty and radiance from within. Enhances your overall well-being but also promotes clear, supple skin that reflects your inner vitality.
Thoughtfully blended, they include a combination of yin and yang properties such as Ginger, Rosehip, Chamomile, Orange Peel and mint to help refreshes Chi, bringing balance to your constitution.
The teas are high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that help promote skin protection and provides a calming effect.
Embrace Warming Foods
To nourish the Yin aspect and counter balance the cold and dryness of winter, it is recommended to add warming foods like soups, stews, and herbal teas to your diet. These foods support the body's internal warmth and moisture. Foods like ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and root vegetables can help stoke the internal fires, providing essential Yang energy.
Here is a simple recipe for congee, a fortifying savory porridge which is both warming, hydrating and calms the gut.
Mom’s comforting Chicken Congee
Ingredients:
(serves 4)
2 cups organic jasmine rice
4 organic chicken drumsticks
5 quarts water or organic chicken stock
2 tsp pink Himalayan salt
2 tbsp fresh organic ginger, finely chopped
Optional toppings: ginger, scallions, chilli oil, gluten-free tamari/coconut aminos, peanuts, dark sesame oil.
Instructions:
- In a large pot, mix rice, chicken, water/stock, and salt.
- Boil on high heat before lowering to medium-low. Let it simmer for roughly an hour until rice turns soft, the broth thickens, and the chicken becomes tender.
- Debone chicken, shred meat and pop it back into the pot with ginger. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Top off your congee with optional extras like chilli oil, ginger, scallions, gluten-free tamari/coconut aminos, or dark sesame oil for a flavor boost. Enjoy!
We hope that you will enjoy and benefit from these recipes.
As always, please feel free to reach out to use for any questions.
Have a great Sunday everyone!
♥
GingerChi
