Nourish women and prevent uterine cold with these three healthy winter porridge recipes.

Cold uterus (Gong Han) refers to a condition in women where kidney yang deficiency allows cold energy to invade, obstructing the smooth flow of qi and blood. This can lead to symptoms such as lower abdominal bloating and pain, increased vaginal discharge, dysmenorrhea, and irregular menstruation. The most effective way to manage cold uterus is through a warm and nourishing diet to dispel cold energy and restore the normal circulation of qi and blood. Here are three recommended healthy porridge recipes that can help prevent cold uterus when consumed regularly.

Jujube and Chinese Yam Porridge

1. Red Date and Chinese Yam Porridge

Red Date and Chinese Yam Porridge can replenish qi and blood, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and has anti-aging effects. It is suitable for symptoms such as loose stools due to spleen deficiency, qi and blood deficiency, malnutrition, post-illness weakness, and emaciation.

Method: Chop the Chinese yam; soak the dried red dates, remove the pits, and wash them clean; soak the glutinous rice for 20 minutes; bring the glutinous rice to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for fifteen minutes; when it's about 80% cooked, add the red dates, then add the Chinese yam powder to the pot; stir well and continue to cook for another 15 minutes.

2. Red Date, Pumpkin, and Millet Porridge

Method: Wash and soak the millet for 1 hour, then drain the water; wash the red dates and remove the pits, set aside; peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut it into pieces; place the millet and red dates in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and cook for 15 minutes; add the pumpkin and cook for another 15 minutes; finally, add rock sugar and cook for a moment until the sugar dissolves.

3. Rose, Ginger, and Red Date Tea

Drinking Ginger and Red Date Tea during menstruation can warm the uterus and reduce menstrual cramps. This tea has the effects of warming the middle jiao to dispel cold, stopping nausea, restoring yang and unblocking the pulse, replenishing qi and blood, and drying dampness to reduce inflammation. After drinking, it can promote vasodilation, creating a warm sensation throughout the body, and has a strengthening effect on the heart. It can also aid digestion, increase intestinal peristalsis, protect the gastric mucosa, and has a significant inhibitory effect on gastric ulcers.

Method: Wash the dried red dates, remove the pits, and snip them with scissors a few times; wash the ginger and slice it thinly or into shreds; prepare two large tablespoons of rose jam, or use dried rose petals with rock sugar or honey; place all ingredients in a teapot or cup, pour in boiling hot water, steep for a moment, and it's ready to drink. It can be re-infused and consumed throughout the day.