In winter, our body's vital energy (Yang Qi) is at its lowest point of the year. In terms of Western medicine, this is the season when our body's resistance is weakest, and the external weather is very cold, making us more prone to illness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that only when our body's righteous energy (Zheng Qi) is sufficient are we less likely to get sick, meaning our body's ability to prevent disease must be high. How can we improve our resistance in winter? Eating more garlic can help.
Besides eating it raw, garlic can be prepared in other ways to avoid the embarrassing odor.
Garlic Congee
30 grams of purple-skinned garlic, 100 grams of japonica rice. Peel the garlic, blanch it in boiling water for 1 minute, then remove. Take the japonica rice and cook it in the garlic water to make a thin congee. Then, add the garlic back and cook together. This congee has the effects of promoting Qi circulation, strengthening the stomach, detoxifying, and stopping dysentery.
Garlic Infusion
10 grams of garlic, an appropriate amount of sugar. Peel and mash the garlic, add 50 ml of boiling water, let it settle, and then add an appropriate amount of sugar. This infusion has the effect of relieving coughs and detoxifying, and is suitable for whooping cough.
Black Bean and Garlic Stewed with Brown Sugar
100 grams of black beans, 30 grams of garlic, 10 grams of brown sugar. Heat a wok over high flame, add 1000 ml of water and bring to a boil. Add the washed black beans, sliced garlic, and brown sugar. Simmer over low heat until the black beans are tender. This dish has the effect of strengthening the spleen and benefiting the stomach.
To boost immunity and resistance in winter, in addition to eating more garlic, we can also soak our feet in warm water or take a medicated bath, which can all enhance our body's righteous energy (Zheng Qi). To avoid getting a cold in winter, be sure to stay "warm." To keep your body warm, you must avoid "cold"!