December 6th marks the arrival of the Great Snow solar term in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms.

 

Great Snow signifies the official start of the mid-winter season. As the saying goes, "slight snow for pickling vegetables, great snow for pickling meat." At this time, many families salt and air-dry meats, poultry, and fish in preparation for the coming New Year.

 

As all things conserve themselves,, health preservation should also align with the seasons. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes "nourishing Yang in spring and summer, and nourishing Yin in autumn and winter." This is a crucial time for nourishing the spleen and stomach, and replenishing Qi and Yin.

 

Winter Consumption of Reishi

 

Nourish the Kidneys, Strengthen Immunity

 

In autumn and winter, all things are in a state of conservation, and it is essential to protect the Yin essence to concentrate vital energy, thus nourishing the internal organs. Among the five internal organs, the kidneys "store essence" and are the source of vitality, making winter the ideal time for kidney nourishment.

 

The Shennong Materia Medica records that Reishi is "bitter, neutral, benefits the heart Qi, supplements the center, and benefits essence." Reishi, when taken in winter, supports the body's natural tendency to conserve energy and aligns with the seasonal need for nurturing essence through tangible substances.

 

Modern medical research confirms that Reishi can provide excellent protection for the liver and kidneys by regulating the immune system, offering antioxidant benefits, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects.

 

During the cold winter, consider boiling a pot of Reishi tea or drinking a cup of Reishi spore powder daily to warm the heart, protect the kidneys, and nourish the body.

 

 

Internal Balance, External Nourishment

 

Warm Nourishing Congees for Spleen and Stomach Health

It is recommended to use Medicine Food Homology ingredients like lamb, beef, quail, walnuts, ginger, and fox nut in congee, as they are both nourishing and easily digestible.

 

A recommended recipe for Fox Nut and Lotus Seed Congee:  

Ingredients: 30g fox nut, 50g lotus seeds, 300g rice. Rinse the ingredients and place them in a pot with sufficient water. Simmer over low heat until the congee becomes soft, and add a pinch of salt to taste.

 

Avoid Spicy Foods

With the cold exterior and heat inside during Great Snow, consuming stimulating foods can easily lead to dry coughs, digestive discomfort, and other symptoms. It is better to eat soft and moist foods such as snow pears, soy milk, eggs, fish, sesame, honey, and lilies, and avoid hot foods like chili, pepper, and fennel.

 

Reishi in Diet, Nourishing Qi and the Kidneys

When using Reishi in medicinal food, it can be used alone or paired with other ingredients. Common dishes include Reishi chicken stew, Reishi pork rib stew, and Reishi and tremella soup. These dishes not only taste good but are also nutrient-rich, providing the energy and nutrition needed during winter.

 

Angelica, Reishi, and Lamb Soup  

Warm the Spleen and Kidneys, Tonify Qi and Promote Blood Circulation

Ingredients: 250g lamb, 30g angelica, 30g Reishi slices, 5 red dates, 5 slices of ginger.  

Instructions: Cut the lamb into pieces and blanch. Place all ingredients into a slow cooker, add water, bring to a boil on high heat, then simmer on low heat for 90 minutes. Add salt to taste.

 

Health Tips for Great Snow: Moderation in Lifestyle

 

Traditional Chinese medicine theory holds that during Great Snow, Yin energy is at its peak and Yang energy is at its lowest, making the body vulnerable to cold. Therefore, health practices should follow the season.

 

1. Dress Warmly to Ward Off the Cold  

Cold enters through the feet, so it is advised to wear long socks and thick-soled shoes, and regularly soak feet in warm water. When going outside, wear scarves or loose turtleneck sweaters to protect the head, neck, back, and feet.

 

2. Prevent Dryness  

As the weather gets colder, the skin’s surface blood vessels constrict, and the sebaceous and sweat glands reduce their secretion function, causing skin dryness. Apply moisturizers to protect the skin.

 

3. Exercise for Emotional Health  

The desolate winter may lead to low mood and irritability. To counter this, physical activities such as jogging or dancing are excellent methods to preserve emotional well-being.

 

4. Sleep Early, Wake Late

According to Sun Simiao, a famous physician from the Tang Dynasty: “In winter, it is unwise to leave early and return late, as it exposes one to cold.” Wear warm clothing to prevent colds and preserve Yang energy.

 

Winter health emphasizes "not disturbing Yang, going to bed early and waking late, waiting for the daylight." Maintaining adequate sleep and adhering to the natural biological rhythm is crucial for preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in winter.