Solar Terms Wellness: Pure Brightness (Qingming)

Pure Brightness (Qingming), occurring around April 4th or 5th, signifies "clear skies and bright earth." During this term, the sun reaches 15° of celestial longitude. Across most of China, average daily temperatures rise above 12°C, marking the blossoming of peach flowers and the greening of willow trees.

Dietary Choices: Green Artemisia 

Around Qingming, Northern China often experiences windy and dry conditions, which can lead to internal "dryness-fire" symptoms. Green Artemisia (Qinghao) is at its most tender and delicious during this time. For those prone to internal heat, a soup made with Green Artemisia and Pig Trotters is highly recommended to clear heat, nourish the body, and moisten dryness.

Recipe Spotlight: Stir-Fried Cabbage with Dried Mushrooms 

For those seeking dietary support against high blood pressure, here is a simple yet effective dish:

Ingredients 

Chinese Cabbage (Bai Cai): 250g 

Dried Button Mushrooms (Kou Mo): 3g 

Seasonings: Soy sauce, sugar, salt, MSG, and vegetable oil to taste 

Preparation:

Wash the cabbage and cut into 3cm sections. Soak dried mushrooms in warm water until soft. 

Heat oil in a wok. Stir-fry the cabbage until 70% cooked. 

Add mushrooms, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir-fry until fully cooked. 

Add MSG, mix well, and serve. 

Health Benefits:

Clears heat, relieves irritability, benefits stomach Qi, and lowers blood lipids. Ideal for individuals with hypertension, coronary heart disease, or gum bleeding.