During Lesser Snow, the sky becomes overcast, the cold is not yet deep and the snow is not heavy, hence the name. At this time, the area north of the Yellow River will see its first snowfall. Although the amount of snow is limited, it still adds some moisture to the dry winter. The humid air can help improve respiratory diseases. However, a drop in temperature will follow the snow, so it is important to keep warm to prevent colds.
1. Get more sunlight to prevent depression
The ancients said: "Lesser Snow, the weather is cold and snow is about to fall, the ground is not yet frozen and the snow is not yet heavy." During the Lesser Snow solar term, the weather is often gloomy and cold, which can greatly affect people's moods and easily trigger depression. Therefore, one should regulate their mindset, stay optimistic, and often participate in outdoor activities to strengthen the body. Getting more sunlight can prevent depression. Traditional Chinese medicine theory places great importance on the effect of sunlight on human health, believing that regular sun exposure can help boost the body's Yang energy. Especially in winter, when nature is in a state of "Yin flourishing and Yang declining," and humans are no exception, so getting more sun in winter can better strengthen the body's Yang energy and warm the meridians.
2. Eat more sesame to prevent kidney deficiency
During the Lesser Snow solar term, it is advisable to eat warm-natured foods and kidney-benefiting foods. Warm-natured foods include walnuts, grapes, chestnuts, chicken, shrimp, ginger, and pepper; kidney-benefiting foods include cashews, Chinese yam, Euryale ferox seeds, purple rice porridge, ginkgo nuts, and walnuts. Additionally, one can eat more black-colored foods, such as black fungus, black sesame, and black beans. Among them, black sesame has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys, moistening the five organs, and replenishing Qi. It can be used to treat dizziness, premature graying of hair, hair loss, soreness in the lower back and knees, limb weakness, deficiency of the five organs, dry skin and hair, and dryness-induced constipation. It also has the effect of darkening hair and nourishing the complexion.
3. Eat more vegetables to prevent "internal heat"
Before and after Lesser Snow, the weather gets colder, and people tend to eat hot food. However, it is best to eat less overly spicy food, as it can also increase "internal fire." One should eat more vegetables, especially seasonal ones like white radish and Chinese cabbage, which are not only rich in vitamins and various trace elements but can also clear heat, lower Qi, and aid digestion. You can also drink soups, such as cabbage tofu soup, spinach tofu soup, and lamb and white radish soup, which are both warming and nourishing for bodily fluids.