FoodRoot.tcm

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dietary therapy involves controlling and promoting the intake of certain foods to achieve Balance, Flow, and Prevention. It is usually done by aligning with an individual's unique health condition, concerns, body constitution, and seasonal changes.

While Western nutrition assesses food recommendations based on macro and micronutrients, TCM food therapy considers the energetic properties of foods, such as their thermal nature (cold/cool/neutral/warm/hot), taste (sour/sweet/bitter/spicy/salty), targeted meridians, and healing functions.

I'm also considering doing a detailed post comparing Western nutrition and TCM food therapy. Let me know in the comments below if you will be interested! 😆

Iced drinks aren't the sole (and optimal) answer to combat the recent heatwave! 🔥

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), exposure to extreme heat can profoundly affect the body. It can result in body fluids drying, heat accumulation in organs, inflammation, and toxin buildup. When compounded with dampness, a combination often seen in humid climates, individuals may experience a range of symptoms including fever, heaviness in the head and body, headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, restlessness, nausea, dizziness, and irritability.

For the beverages recommended above, it is best to have them warm or at room temperature. Yes yes, you heard me right, WARM or ROOM TEMPERATURE 😌. Iced drinks may provide instant relief, but TCM advises against them as they can weaken the spleen and stomach, and will negatively impact digestive functions in the long run. P.S. If you can't live without ice but want to make a change, here's a tip: start requesting drinks with less or no ice when ordering (That was how I made the switch too!).

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐈𝐟 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐂𝐌 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

Have you been feeling unusually fatigued lately? Or maybe you've noticed a decrease in appetite, loose stools, coupled with bloating and a sense of heaviness. Do you also experience stiffness in your joints and find that your tongue feels thicker with teeth marks on the side and a thicker coating than usual? These could be signs of excess dampness in your body.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dampness is recognized as one of the six external pathogenic factors that can invade the body, potentially leading to a variety of symptoms and health issues. Depending on your unique body constitution and health condition, excessive accumulation of dampness in the body may result in conditions such as edema and swelling.

Both internal and external factors can contribute to the accumulation of excess dampness in the body. For instance, living in a humid climate or environment increases the likelihood of external dampness invading the body. Internally, dampness is often caused by an impaired digestive system, which TCM associates with the functions of the Spleen and Stomach. When the function of the 2 organs weakens, they are unable to effectively transform and transport fluids in the body (Spleen) and carry out proper digestive functions (Stomach). Numerous dietary and lifestyle factors may contribute to poor digestive functions, but I'll delve into those reasons in another post!

With the weather getting hotter and more humid, particularly here in Singapore, let’s also be mindful of dampness accumulation in the body. Hope this guide helps you plan your next meal! 😉

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐈𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐂𝐌 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

#濕氣 #水腫 #中醫 #药膳

Nourish the little ones the TCM way 💪

*𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐃𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐝𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧.

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General dietary guidelines for children's nutrition in TCM: Strengthen the Spleen and Stomach to improve digestive functions, and moisturize the Lungs for better respiratory health Send this ingredient guide to fellow mommies and daddies! 👧🏻👦🏻

How's everyone's new year going? Many of my friends are embracing motherhood, and in response to your numerous requests, one of my goals for the new year in 2024 is to delve deeper into TCM nutrition for the little ones. 👶👦🏼👧🏻 It is on my to-do list to provide diet tips and more recipe inspiration for young parents, so stay tuned for that!

This year, I'll also be sharing additional TCM lifestyle content on TikTok (), covering topics such as applying TCM diet therapy principles when dining out and sharing interesting TCM discoveries. Meanwhile, on Instagram, my focus will continue to be more on educational and graphic-centered content.

Can't wait to share the wonders of TCM through food therapy with all of you this year! 🥳

#2024

Pumpkin season is here, and it’s not just about tricks and treats. What’s your favorite way to savor this fall delight? 🥧 🎃

I adore everything about the fall season, with one minor exception—the autumn dryness 🥲 Don't forget to grab these foods on your next grocery trip to nourish your body's Yin energy, effectively moisturizing it from the inside.
Visit my previous autumn solar term posts for more diet tips!

(18/24) Frost Descent ❄️

The eighteen solar term, Frost Descent (Shuāng Jiàng), signals the end of the autumn season as it slowly transits into winter. With temperatures plummeting, frost begins to form, and dew turns into ice. This period also showcases the stunning transformation of autumn, with leaves turning into shades of gold and red.

💡 According to traditional beliefs, there is a Chinese proverb that states, "Eating persimmons during Frost Descent prevents flu during winter." Although the saying might be somewhat exaggerated, consuming persimmons (in moderation) during this time is indeed beneficial. Fresh persimmons possess a cooling TCM nature, aiding in clearing heat and moistening the lungs, while promoting the generation of body fluids (Yin) and relieving thirst. However, they are not recommended for individuals with a cold or weak spleen and/or those experiencing diarrhea. Dried persimmons, on the other hand, support spleen strength, aid in generating body fluids (Yin), and help with constipation.

(*) While autumn and winter are commonly linked to dry and cold weather, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acknowledges the existence of dampness during these seasons. This recognition is based on various factors, including the accumulation of dampness resulting from a weakened spleen (associated with digestive functions and metabolism), decreased physical activity, and the body's inherent response to seasonal changes, which in this case refers to the retention of body fluids.

Frost Descent is also an excellent time for engaging in joint-intensive sports like badminton, running, hiking, cycling, or rock climbing. Be sure to warm up your joints before participating in these activities to protect them effectively.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period.

#霜降

(17/24) Cold Dew 🌫️

During this seventeen solar term, known as “Cold Dew or "Hán Lù”, there will be significantly lesser rain and temperature drop significantly. There are usually bright and clear skies during the daytime, while nighttime tends to be colder.

In this period, it's crucial to keep your feet warm to prevent the "cold pathogen" or "cold evil" from entering your body through them. According to TCM, maintaining warm feet ensures the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood along important meridians in the feet. This helps maintain the balance of Yin and Yang in your internal organs and prevents disruption due to cold. Therefore, it is advisable to wear socks and consider foot baths or massages using warming herbs or essential oils to promote circulation and maintain the warmth of the feet.

Additionally, it's advisable to avoid engaging in strenuous outdoor sports that cause excessive sweating before sunrise. This practice helps protect your Yin energy and preserves Yang energy, preventing harm to your body's balance.

💡 The Chrysanthemum flower, one of the most commonly used flower herbs in TCM, blooms during the Cold Dew solar term, making it an iconic symbol of this season.

(16/24) Autumnal Equinox 🌾

The sixteen solar term, known as "Autumnal Equinox" or "Qiū Fēn," signals the official start of the harvest season. In 2018, the Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival was strategically scheduled to align with the Autumnal Equinox. During this celebration, farmers from all over China come together to commemorate their successful harvest, engaging in joyful activities that include singing and dancing.

💡 Fun Fact: In the past, people used to worship the moon at Autumnal Equinox. However, since this solar term has no set date each year, the "moon-worship day" was rescheduled for Mid-Autumn Day, when the moon is brightest and roundest.

Hiking is an excellent outdoor activity during this time to enhance joint agility and improve blood circulation. In addition to strengthening the lungs, exposure to nature and fresh air will also help to improve one's mood.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period.

(15/24) White Dew 💧

During the fifteenth solar term, "White Dew," or "Bái Lù," marks the true beginning of cool autumn as temperatures start to decline, and the moisture in the air and on the ground condenses into white dew. This is also the time when more harvesting activities start to take place.

In this season, you may notice your skin becoming itchy due to dryness, and at times, relying solely on body lotion may not suffice. (I experienced this for myself during my recent trip to Shanghai earlier last week🥹) Accompanying symptoms, such as a dry throat and mouth resulting from autumn dryness, can be relieved by nourishing the body's Yin energy, effectively achieving internal "moisturization."

As the weather cools down, outdoor activities like hiking, jogging, and practicing Tai Chi become ideal choices for strengthening the lungs and promoting overall health during this period. Staying active is also an effective means of dispelling negative emotions, which are often associated with this season as the greenery and flowers start to wither.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period.

(14/24) End of Heat 🌬️

The fourteenth solar term, the "End of Heat," or "Chù Shǔ," signifies a significant transition from summer to autumn, with temperature changes becoming more pronounced.

Due to shifts in seasons, daylight patterns, and reduced sunlight, it's common for individuals to experience symptoms of "autumn fatigue" or "fall fatigue," characterized by feelings of tiredness, weakness, and decreased energy levels. To counteract this, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advises adjusting your daily routine by waking up and going to bed earlier, which can facilitate the smooth flow of Lung Qi. Additionally, taking a short nap in the afternoon can help alleviate the effects of autumn fatigue.

Because of the notable temperature difference between daytime and nighttime, it's advisable to bring along your sweaters and jackets to shield your body from the cold when the sun sets. However, be mindful not to wear excessively thick clothing, as this may lead to sweating and loss of Yin energy.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period.

#處暑

(13/24) Start of Autumn 🍂

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the 13th solar term “Start of Autumn” (立秋, Lìqiū) signals the transition from hot summer to cooler autumn. Like all seasonal transitions, this term places significant emphasis on maintaining the balance between yin and yang energies.

During this period, our focus shifts towards the well-being of the Lungs, aligning with the Metal Element associated with the autumn season. The cooling and drying weather can make the Lungs vulnerable, necessitating proactive measures to protect and strengthen them. Engaging in practices like deep breathing exercises, brisk walking, tai chi, or qigong is beneficial during this time.

Have you ever noticed feeling a bit down during autumn? TCM associates autumn with grief and sadness, emphasizing the need to actively manage these feelings known as “autumn blues” or “autumnal melancholy” in a constructive manner.

Participating in healthy activities such as meditation, maintaining a regular sleep pattern, spending more time in nature, and prioritizing self-care are crucial for ensuring emotional balance.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover recommended foods for this period.

😡 Do you often find yourself getting angry more easily than others?

In TCM, emotions are seen to be interconnected with the meridians. Each emotion is associated with a specific organ, and if a strong emotion persists over an extended period, it can affect that organ's function.

Anger, specifically, is closely associated with the Liver according to TCM principles. The Liver's role involves ensuring the smooth circulation of Qi (vital energy) and blood throughout the body. When intense anger, persistent frustration, or prolonged irritability set in, they can disrupt the harmonious flow of Qi within the body.

If you've been experiencing these symptoms for an extended period, seeking advice from a physician is recommended. The primary TCM therapies to manage these symptoms encompass herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion, massage, cupping, and physical exercises aimed at enhancing the flow of Qi, such as taiji or qigong.

💡 Maintaining a continuous awareness of your emotions is the first step to monitoring what imbalances you might be prone to, thus aiding in their early-stage prevention.

Swipe ⬅️ to find out more about the common TCM patterns associated with people that get easily angered and how to effectively manage them

Roses are red, violets are blue,
If flowers were herbs, let me share them with you,
Their healing powers, potent and true,
Unlocking nature's wonders for me and you 💐

Tell us what are your favorite flowers in the comments below!

(6/24) Grain Rain 🌾

The sixth solar term marks the transition from spring to summer.

The term “Gǔ yǔ” name is derived from ancient Chinese observations about seasonal changes and their implication in agriculture. "Gǔ" (谷) symbolizes grains or cereal crops, while "yǔ" (雨) means rain. "Gǔ yǔ" indicates the time when rainfall becomes more frequent, nourishing crops and aiding in the growth of vital grains like rice, wheat, and barley. Farmers utilize this period to prepare for planting and cultivating various crops, benefiting from the increased rainfall.

As we enter this phase, it's essential to continue practicing the health maintenance tips mentioned in the previous five spring solar terms, including prevention against allergies, respiratory, and digestive problems, as well as liver health care. Additionally, being mindful of emotional well-being is crucial, as the shift from spring to summer can impact some individuals emotionally, leading to mood swings, irritability, and restlessness.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period.

Clear & Bright 🏞️

The fifth solar term is the only solar term that coincides with a traditional Chinese festival: Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping Day.

Clear and Bright is a time when the weather becomes more pleasant and inviting, making outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or practicing Tai Chi highly recommended. Ba Duan Jin (a form of medical Qi gong) is also encouraged to improve immunity.

It is also observed that Liver Qi is the most active and energetic during Clear and Bright. Therefore, supporting the liver's energy and promoting its harmonious flow is important. Maintaining a relaxed and optimistic mindset can greatly help to ensure the smooth functioning of the liver and overall balance in the body.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period.

(4/24) Vernal Equinox ☀️🌕

The fourth solar term reflects a phenomenon where day and night are of equal length.

The Vernal Equinox represents a crucial transitional period as the season shifts from winter to spring. During this time, the body is adapting to the changing environmental energies, and TCM emphasizes the importance of balancing the body's internal energies (yin and yang) to maintain optimal health.

Hence, maintaining a balanced lifestyle and diet becomes crucial during this period. Engaging in lighter activities, such as Tai Chi, Qigong, and outdoor walking, is highly encouraged.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period.

(3/24) Awakening of Insects 🐝

The third solar term reflects the observed insect activity, as it is believed that the spring thunderstorms will startle hibernating insects during this period.

The Awakening of Insects is considered a crucial time for the body's adjustment to the rising 𝘠𝘢𝘯𝘨 energy, as nature begins to show signs of awakening. During this period, the Liver 𝘠𝘢𝘯𝘨 energy ascends, and it is common to experience symptoms of Liver 𝘠𝘢𝘯𝘨 excess, such as irritability, feelings of anger or frustration, headaches, and dizziness.

Additionally, the Liver is also particularly sensitive to emotional fluctuations during this period, extreme sports can be exhilarating but can also lead to emotional extremes, such as excitement, fear, or aggression.

Furthermore, the Liver is particularly sensitive to emotional fluctuations during this time, and engaging in extreme sports can lead to emotional extremes, like excitement, fear, or aggression. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid extreme sports that may exacerbate emotional imbalances, as it can lead to an accumulation of excess 𝘠𝘢𝘯𝘨 energy.

Instead of extreme sports, TCM suggests participating in more gentle and moderate activities during the Awakening of Insects. Exercises like Tai Chi, Qigong, walking, or yoga are considered more appropriate during this period. These activities help promote the smooth flow of 𝘘𝘪, harmonize the body with the changing season, and support overall well-being.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period

(2/24) Rain Water 💦

The second solar term brings increased rainfall and rising temperatures. However, day and night temperature discrepancies persist, and occasional low-temperature days still occur. Therefore, it remains important to wear sufficient clothing and stay warm.

As explained in our previous post, the wood element is associated with spring, highlighting the importance of liver maintenance.

According to TCM theory, the wood element, which includes the Liver, has a controlling or regulating effect on the earth element, which includes the spleen and stomach. This means that the Liver can influence the functioning of the spleen and stomach.

In a balanced state, the wood element supports the earth element by promoting the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood flow. This enhances digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall digestive health. Harmonious Liver energy contributes to the healthy spleen and stomach function.

However, an imbalance in the wood element, such as excessive Liver Qi or stagnation, can negatively impact the earth element. Excessive Liver energy can disrupt the functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to symptoms like poor digestion, bloating, fatigue, or loose stools.

Therefore, during this period, it is crucial to prevent excessive Liver Qi and strengthen the spleen.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period

(1/24) Start of Spring 💐 + Relevance of the 24 solar terms

The first solar term of the year marks the beginning of spring. In Chinese medicine, this period signifies a phase of heightened metabolic activity and emphasizes the importance of caring for the Liver, as it corresponds to the Wood Element associated with the Spring season.

During this season, it is crucial to remember to keep warm to prevent the invasion of "wind" and "cold" pathogens into the body's interior. The smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) is particularly vital in spring. Therefore, it is beneficial to avoid anger and maintain emotional calm to support the Liver, which plays a crucial role in facilitating the uninterrupted flow of Qi throughout the body.

Swipe ⬅️ to discover suggested foods for consumption during this period

___

How relevant are the 24 solar terms in TCM theory for health maintenance today?

The 24 solar terms system was developed thousands of years ago by wise farmers in ancient China to navigate their agricultural endeavors. Each solar term represents a specific phase that aligns with the changing seasons, climate, and natural rhythms.

It emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and its cycles and holds valuable insights into maintaining optimal health in today’s modern world. By attuning our lifestyle and diet to the corresponding solar term, we can better adapt to the environmental changes and minimize the risk of common illnesses that tend to arise during specific seasons.

Interested to find out more about the remaining 23 solar terms? Double-tap this post!!

Is cooling herbal tea always effective in relieving “heatiness ”? 🧐

Well... This really depends on what kind of "heatiness" you have (and what kind of herbal tea you drink).
⁣
For Yin-Deficiency Heat symptoms, take more yin-nourishing food that can help hydrate and clear internal heat, such as white or black fungus, duck, sea cucumber, snow pear, lily bulbs, goji berries, and fresh lotus root.⁣ (check out the previous posts about yin deficiency to find out more)
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To clear excess heat, take more cooling foods such as winter melon, water spinach, celery, cucumber, yellow chrysanthemum, and watermelon.⁣
⁣
To better alleviate symptoms for both types of heatiness, adopting healthy living habits such as sleeping early (before 11 pm) and avoiding greasy, spicy, deep-fried foods and heaty foods such as chili, ginger, mutton, and large amounts of garlic and Chinese chives.
⁣
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐈𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐂𝐌 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭.

🗣 Experiencing throat discomfort lately?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a sore throat can be attributed to various factors that disrupt the body's balance. While a sore throat is often linked to the concept of "Heatiness”, TCM offers a broader perspective on the causes of this condition.

More common causes of sore throats include:
1️⃣ External pathogenic factors like Wind, Heat, and Cold,
2️⃣ Heat accumulation from indulging in spicy, fried, or greasy foods, as well as alcohol and smoking
3️⃣ Deficiency of Yin, which is responsible for cooling, moistening, and nourishing our body, making us more vulnerable to heat and dryness

Our bodies are amazing interconnected systems, and understanding the root causes of our ailments can help us restore balance. If you're dealing with a sore throat, it's always best to consult with your physician to determine the underlying cause.

In the meantime, here are some foods that might provide relief 🙌 Remember, everyone's situation is unique, so finding the right approach is key!

BRB... Off to pack some tea for another challenging week ahead 💃

🍵 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝟺𝟶𝟶𝘮𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝟾𝟶𝟶𝘮𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳.⁣
⁣🍵 𝘐𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘵, 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘊𝘔 𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦.

Making your own soup base this year? ➡️ Swipe left to check out some healthy soup base ideas!

For a healthier hotpot, choose fresh ingredients over deep-fried and processed foods such as luncheon meat, pork meatballs, and sausage.

If you plan to have a mala- or spicy hotpot soup base, choose cooler ingredients such as cabbage, spinach, crown daisy leaves, tomatoes, and tofu to balance it out. We highly discourage spicy soup bases if you are experiencing heaty symptoms such as sore throat and mouth ulcers.

Do you have any ready-to-drink hotpot soup bases to recommend? Share or tag them in the comments below ⬇️
TCM Dietician TCM Nutrition