How to care for the spleen and stomach in cold winter?

The spleen and stomach are susceptible to cold, so it is especially important to pay attention to conditioning in winter. Women with weaker constitutions must take good care of themselves in winter, as it is a particularly suitable time for nourishing the body through diet. So, how to condition the spleen and stomach in winter?

How to condition the spleen and stomach in winter

1. Nourishing soups are most suitable

The ancient Chinese medical classic "Huangdi Neijing·Suwen·Siqi Tiaoshen Dalun" states, "The sages nourish Yang in spring and summer, and nourish Yin in autumn and winter." After the Frost's Descent solar term comes the Beginning of Winter. At this time, "nourishing the Frost's Descent" should be based on the principle of nourishing Yin. The meaning of nourishing Yin, on one hand, refers to the retraction of Yang energy and the storage of essence. On the other hand, Taiyin corresponds to the Lung and Spleen, and Shaoyin corresponds to the Heart and Kidney. Therefore, autumn and winter are also a good time to regulate the Lung and Spleen, as well as the Heart and Kidney.

For winter conditioning, you can consume foods like pumpkin, chestnuts, persimmons, lotus root, Chinese yam, and white radish. Additionally, autumn dryness can easily damage the Lung Yin, making soups an excellent way to nourish it. When making soups, you can add almonds, Chuanbei fritillary bulbs, or ginkgo nuts to promote the descent of Lung Qi. Alternatively, adding ingredients like Glehnia root, Dendrobium, Ophiopogon root, Solomon's seal rhizome, or lily bulbs can both nourish Yin and moisten the lungs, and can also flexibly resolve autumn dryness according to your body's constitution.

2. Three stomach-nourishing dishes for the common stomach ailments of winter

It is often said that stomach ailments are more common in winter. The cold is a significant irritant to the stomach, and neglecting lifestyle and dietary habits can trigger gastrointestinal diseases or worsen existing stomach conditions. Therefore, nourishing the stomach is particularly important.

Beef and Radish Soup—Aids digestion and warms the stomach: Beef is rich in nutrition, containing protein, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and B vitamins, and it also has a warming effect on the stomach, making it an excellent food for replenishing the body in autumn and winter. The combination of radish and beef can both strengthen the spleen, warm the stomach, and expel cold. Wash and cut the beef into cubes, peel and cut the white radish into cubes. Add an appropriate amount of water and seasonings like pepper, ginger, and scallions, and cook until the beef is tender. Add a little salt and cook for a while longer before adding coriander. White radish helps to resolve phlegm and promote digestion, while beef tonifies the spleen and stomach. Cooking them together in a soup is a great choice for stomach health.

Chinese Yam and Pork Rib Soup—Nourishes the stomach and aids sleep: People who have poor sleep often have poor gastrointestinal function. Fresh Chinese yam is rich in mucopolysaccharides and substances that aid digestion, which is beneficial for the digestive and absorption of food by the gastrointestinal tract, and can also help insomniacs restore their gastrointestinal function. Stewing Chinese yam, red dates, and pork ribs together, and adding goji berries before serving, is not only good for the spleen and stomach but also moisturizes the skin. Additionally, congee or juice made from Chinese yam is also a good option, as it is nutritious and can calm the mind.

Barley and Dried Tangerine Peel Tea—Relieves diarrhea: Whenever I feel unwell, I brew some barley tea, and my stomach feels much "warmer." Many people experience diarrhea in autumn, and a cup of barley tea can also help relieve it and has a preventive effect. Additionally, dried tangerine peel and hawthorn both have the effects of soothing the liver, relieving depression, strengthening the stomach, and aiding digestion. However, hawthorn is not suitable for people with a weak stomach. It is recommended to drink dried tangerine peel tea, as it is warm in nature and also has a good effect on strengthening the spleen and nourishing the stomach.

Beef and Radish Stew

3. Pig Kidney Stew with Angelica, Codonopsis, and Chinese Yam to nourish Kidney Yin

In winter, the temperature is low, and the body's blood tends to congeal upon encountering cold, leading to poor circulation in the blood vessels. This can result in cold hands and feet, and a cold back. At this time, the focus should be on preserving Yin essence, and tonification should be warming, consolidating the exterior, and supplementing Qi.

Angelica root, Codonopsis root, and Chinese yam are good medicinal herbs for making soups at this time. Angelica root has the effects of nourishing blood, activating blood circulation, regulating menstruation, relieving pain, and moistening the intestines. Codonopsis root is a commonly used traditional tonic that invigorates the middle energizer, supplements Qi, strengthens the spleen, and benefits the lungs. Chinese yam has the effects of supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin, and tonifying the Spleen, Lung, and Kidneys.

Pig Kidney Stew with Angelica, Codonopsis, and Chinese Yam

Ingredients: 10g Angelica root, 20g Codonopsis root, 30g Chinese yam, 500g pig kidney, an appropriate amount of ginger shreds and minced garlic.

Method: Cut the pig kidney open, remove the membranes and fat, wash it, and place it on a plate. Place the Angelica root, Codonopsis root, and Chinese yam in a cloth sachet, tie it tightly, and put it in a clay pot. Add an appropriate amount of water and bring to a boil. Add the sliced pig kidney, ginger shreds, and minced garlic to the boiling soup, and simmer over low heat for 40 minutes. Season with a little salt before serving.

This dish not only tonifies the Qi of the Spleen and Lungs but also benefits the Yin of the Lungs and Kidneys, and can astringe Kidney essence. It is used to improve weakness of the spleen and stomach, and weakness of the lungs and kidneys. It can also be used to alleviate symptoms caused by internal heat due to Yin deficiency, such as excessive thirst and frequent urination.

Contraindications: Not suitable for individuals with excess heat or damp-heat.

Chinese Yam and Pork Rib Soup

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