Traditional Chinese Herbal Tea: Nourishing the Body in Winter

How to Drink Traditional Chinese Herbal Tea in Winter

　　Prunella vulgaris L., also known as Self-heal, is a perennial herb that grows in damp areas such as mountain valleys, river banks, and roadsides. It is widely distributed in various regions of China, with Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Hunan provinces being the main production areas. Self-heal has the effect of clearing heat and improving eyesight, and can be used to treat red and swollen eyes, as well as headaches.

　　For individuals with Yin deficiency constitution, it is important to nourish Yin and replenish moisture in winter. Recommended herbal teas include wolfberry chrysanthemum tea, dwarf lilyturf root tea, and American ginseng tea.

　　For individuals with Qi deficiency constitution, it is common to feel a lack of energy and easily get fatigued. In winter, the cold weather can further deplete their Qi. It is important for Qi-deficient individuals to focus on replenishing Qi and strengthening the body. Recommended herbal teas include astragalus wolfberry tea and codonopsis tea.

　　For individuals with Phlegm-dampness constitution, they may not feel thirsty, but it doesn't mean they are not in need of water. It is important for them to focus on promoting spleen function and resolving dampness. Recommended herbal teas include coix seed and red bean tea, as well as lotus leaf water.

　　What to Pay Attention to When Practicing Traditional Chinese Herbal Tea in Winter

　　1. Warm Up the Body Before Supplementing

　　After the start of winter, it is important to gradually adapt the body to the process of supplementation. It is recommended to start with mild and warming foods such as peanut jujube soup and ginger stewed beef. Drinking hot porridge in winter is also a good choice for nourishment. Wheat porridge can nourish the heart and calm the mind, sesame porridge can nourish the essence and Yin, radish porridge can aid digestion and resolve phlegm, and poria cocos porridge can invigorate the spleen and stomach.

　　2. Increase the Intake of Salty Foods to Nourish the Kidneys and Supplement Yin and Blood

　　According to the principles of "nourishing Yin in autumn and winter" and "nourishing the kidneys in winter", it is recommended to consume moderate amounts of umami foods such as kelp, seaweed, and jellyfish, which have the effect of nourishing Yin and blood.

　　3. Consume More Warm and Less Cold Foods

　　In cold weather, it is beneficial to increase the intake of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to withstand the low temperatures. Some examples of warm foods include glutinous rice, sorghum, chestnuts, dates, walnuts, longan, leeks, pumpkins, ginger, beef, and lamb.

　　4. Increase the Intake of Vitamin A and C

　　Increasing the intake of vitamin A and C can enhance the body's ability to adapt to the cold. Vitamin A can be obtained from animal liver, carrots, and dark green vegetables, while vitamin C can be obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, consuming spicy peppers in winter can promote blood circulation and increase appetite.

　　Traditional Chinese herbal tea is a form of medical practice that aims to nourish life, enhance physical fitness, prevent diseases, and prolong life. It is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, with the famous work "Huangdi Neijing" as its representative. Traditional Chinese herbal tea has a holistic and systematic approach to health preservation, focusing on disease prevention. While the level of traditional Chinese medicine has declined in modern times, it is still worth exploring and studying its ancient wisdom.

　　The term "yangsheng" refers to the preservation of life, including its existence, growth, and vitality. Therefore, "yangsheng" means nurturing life. Guided by traditional Chinese medical theories and the laws of Yin, Yang, the Five Elements, and the transformation of Qi, scientific methods are used to regulate the body and maintain health.

　　As the "Huangdi Neijing" states, "Calmness and tranquility, true Qi follows, spirit resides within, and diseases are at peace." Therefore, the focus of health preservation is on nurturing the mind, nourishing essence, Qi, and spirit.

　　Through methods such as nurturing the mind and spirit, regulating emotions, and adjusting lifestyle, the goal of preserving the body, reducing diseases, promoting health, and prolonging life can be achieved.

　　On June 7, 2008, traditional Chinese herbal tea was approved by the State Council to be included in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.