Traditional Chinese Medicine's (TCM) Best Winter Foods ❄️🥣
Winter is connected to the Water element (水, Shuǐ) and the Kidney system (肾, Shèn) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). To maintain balance throughout the winter season now is the time to boost the body's energy stores, build warmth, and nourish Yin.
To strengthen Kidney Qi (肾气, Shèn Qì), increase immunity, and preserve general health, the finest winter foods in TCM emphasize warming (温, Wēn) and nourishing (补, Bǔ) elements.
1. Warming and Nourishing Foods for Winter
🥩 A. Black and Dark-Colored Foods (Support Kidney Energy)
Why? In TCM, black-colored foods are associated with the Kidneys, which are crucial for energy storage in winter.
✔ Black Sesame Seeds (黑芝麻, Hēi Zhī Ma) → Nourishes the Kidneys and strengthens bones✔ Black Beans (黑豆, Hēi Dòu) → Boosts Kidney Qi and improves vitality✔ Seaweed & Kelp (海带, Hǎi Dài) → Detoxifies and strengthens the Kidneys✔ Wood Ear Mushrooms (黑木耳, Hēi Mù ěr) → Improves blood circulation and supports immunity
🍖 B. Warming Protein-Rich Foods (Boost Qi & Blood)
Why? Protein-rich foods help build Qi (气, energy) and Blood (血, Xuè), which are important for staying warm and energized in winter.✔ Bone Broth (骨汤, Gǔ Tāng) → Strengthens the Kidneys and bones✔ Lamb (羊肉, Yáng Ròu) → One of the best warming meats for winter, nourishes Yang✔ Duck (鸭肉, Yā Ròu) → Strengthens Yin without being too heating✔ Beef (牛肉, Niú Ròu) → Supports Spleen and Stomach Qi✔ Eggs (鸡蛋, Jī Dàn) → Nourish Blood and strengthen the body
🥬 C. Root Vegetables & Complex Carbs (Support Digestion & Energy)
Why? Root vegetables help ground the body's energy and support digestion.✔ Sweet Potatoes (红薯, Hóng Shǔ) → Strengthen the Spleen and warm digestion✔ Pumpkin (南瓜, Nán Guā) → Warms the body and boosts Qi✔ Carrots (胡萝卜, Hú Luó Bo) → Support digestion and vision✔ Turnips (白萝卜, Bái Luó Bo) → Aid digestion and reduce phlegm✔ Lotus Root (莲藕, Lián Ǒu) → Helps nourish Yin and clear excess heat
🍊 D. Nuts & Seeds (Strengthen Qi and Warm the Body)
Why? Nuts and seeds provide energy, nourish the Kidneys, and support brain function.✔ Walnuts (核桃, Hé Táo) → Strengthen Kidney Yang and brain function✔ Chestnuts (板栗, Bǎn Lì) → Warm the Spleen and Stomach✔ Almonds (杏仁, Xìng Rén) → Support Lung health and digestion
🍵 E. Herbal Teas & Warming Spices (Improve Circulation & Digestion)
Why? Herbal teas and warming spices help boost circulation, improve digestion, and protect against colds.✔ Ginger Tea (生姜茶, Shēng Jiāng Chá) → Warms digestion and dispels Cold✔ Cinnamon (肉桂, Ròu Guì) → Warms the Kidneys and promotes circulation✔ Goji Berries (枸杞, Gǒu Qǐ) → Strengthen Blood and improve immunity✔ Jujube Dates (红枣, Hóng Zǎo) → Nourish the Spleen and strengthen Qi
2. Cooking Methods for Winter
In winter, TCM recommends slow-cooked and warming meals to preserve energy. Ideal cooking methods include:🔥 Soups & Stews → Nourish Yin and provide deep warmth (e.g., bone broth, herbal soups)🔥 Braised & Roasted Dishes → Help retain warmth in the body🔥 Steam-Cooked Foods → Preserve nutrients and nourish digestion
3. Foods to Avoid in Winter
🚫 Cold & Raw Foods → Such as salads, iced drinks, and raw fruits (damage digestion and weaken the Spleen)🚫 Excessively Spicy Foods → Too much heat can deplete Yin energy🚫 Dairy & Excess Sugar → Can create Dampness (湿, Shī) and weaken digestion
❄️ Winter is the time of year to protect the body's warmth and nourish the kidneys, according to TCM. Keep an emphasis on filling, nourishing foods such as black beans, root vegetables, walnuts, lamb, bone broth, and herbal teas. Avoid clear of raw and cold foods to keep your energy and digestive system strong all season long ☃️.
❌ This information is merely informative and is not regarded as health advice. Any medical advice or diagnosis should be sought from a specialist. ⭕️
Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, New York
🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷🔶🔷
Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
🔖 By appointment only
☎️+1 (929) 269-4549
📍 75th Forest Hills, New York
🧾 We accept Cash/Credit Card/ Major Insurance & International Student Insurance
Commenti