During the cold winter months yin energies draw inwards – with winter comes quiet, hibernation, storage, and rest. The winter season can bring a tendency towards congestion, and excess mucus.
During winter, we should build Kidney Qi (especially Kidney Yang). We should warm the body, and focus on moving Qi to reduce congestion. To encourage these energetics, you can use specific herbs and foods that are warming and pungent.
Black Sesame Seeds
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the winter is the season of the water element. It is related to the Kidney meridian, and the deepest essence of the body is the Jing. Black sesame helps to build Kidney Qi and support the Jing essence. It is also rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it a wonderful food to support the deep life force within. Try adding black sesame seeds to salads, on top of rice and other various dishes.
Ginger
Fresh ginger (dried ginger has different qualities) is a pungent and heating rhizome that is commonly used in Traditional Chinese. There are many uses for ginger – it offers protection against colds and flu, it has anti-inflammatory properties (great for arthritis, aches, and menstrual pain), and it is used as a digestive herb to stoke the digestive fire.
A ginger tea is fabulous!
Cut ginger into small pieces.
To make the tea use 1 tsp of the ginger in hot water in your favourite mug.
Sweeten if you need and enjoy!
Garlic
Garlic is a very stimulating winter food that has some powerful properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, garlic is considered energetically heating and pungent. It is said to tonify yang, enhance Qi circulation, and resolve dampness and phlegm. Garlic is also a powerful antibacterial medicine – in Chinese Medicine we say it “expels wind” and treats “wind-cold” – essentially it’s a great food for the common cold. Be careful not to overdo garlic though, as it is very strong, and can be aggravating if you have excess heat or aggression.
Here is a list of other seasonal winter foods that support the Kidneys:
Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Fennel, Potatoes, Spinach, Celery, Leek, Pumpkin, Sweet potato, Cabbage, Lamb, Chicken.
Right, so you may be thinking 'that list is all well and good but what can I cook?' Easy peasy, a stew with a combo of these ingredients! Enjoy over noodles, or rice or simply as is.
Incorporating the foods listed above during the winter months, can be a wonderful way to boost your energy throughout the season. And this will also help in the seasons to follow, as the body will be healthier and better prepared.