Solar Terms Wellness: Minor Cold

As we enter Minor Cold (Xiaohan), the 23rd solar term of the year (around January 5-7), winter embraces us with its coldest days. Interestingly, Minor Cold often brings lower temperatures than the following Dahan (Major Cold) period. This aligns with the ancient saying, "The deepest chill arrives in the Third Nine Days," a phase nestled within Minor Cold.

TCM wisdom holds that "Nourishment during the Third Nine Days ensures a healthy winter and a pain-free year ahead." Minor Cold is the prime time for gentle, warming supplementation, combining herbs and foods.

Common TCM Tonics: Ginseng, Astragalus, Donkey-Hide Gelatin, Cordyceps, Goji Berries, and Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui) are often used under guidance.

Dietary Choices: Incorporate warming proteins like mutton, chicken, eel, and prawns. Plant-based treasures such as walnuts, black sesame, Chinese yam (Shan Yao), sweet potatoes, red dates, and chestnuts also provide essential nourishment for the season.

Recipe Spotlight: Nourishing Chinese Yam & Mutton Soup

This classic soup is a perfect Minor Cold tonic, known to strengthen the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidneys.

Ingredients: 500g mutton, 150g Chinese yam (fresh or dried), ginger, scallions, a pinch of pepper, cooking wine, salt.