Introduction: As the temperature drops, the problem of cold hands and feet becomes more severe for many people. Today, we recommend several nourishing soups to help women gradually warm up in the cold.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cold hands and feet are considered a type of "blockage syndrome." The "blockage" refers to poor circulation. Influenced by factors like cooling weather or a cold body, the liver meridian becomes cold, affecting the liver's blood-producing function. This leads to insufficient kidney Yang, causing cold limbs, hands and feet that turn red or white, and even pain.
Women who are slim or have a "deficient-cold" constitution should focus on nourishing their bodies with warming foods to improve their cold intolerance. They should also pay attention to supplementing iron and blood. With sufficient Qi and blood, their resistance will be strengthened, making them less afraid of the cold. Eating more red dates and donkey-hide gelatin is recommended.
Cold Hands and Feet: Four Recommended Nourishing Soups
1. Three-Red Soup
Red beans are neutral in nature, with the effects of strengthening the spleen to promote urination, clearing heat and dampness, and reducing swelling and detoxification. Women, in particular, benefit from red beans as they are rich in iron and have a blood-nourishing effect. Brown sugar is warm in nature and enters the spleen, acting to replenish Qi and blood, strengthen the spleen and warm the stomach, relieve pain, and invigorate blood to resolve stasis. Red dates are rich in calcium and iron, making them an excellent choice for iron and blood supplementation. These three ingredients work together to increase iron intake and improve the body's cold tolerance.
It should be noted that the Three-Red Soup is high in sugar and is not suitable for women with diabetes, nor for those who experience bloating or have a "heaty" constitution.
Red Bean and Pumpkin Ball Soup
2. Astragalus, Angelica, Ginger, and Lamb Congee
First, cook astragalus and angelica for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the dregs and use the broth to stew the lamb. After the lamb is tender, add ginger, shredded dried tangerine peel (5 grams), and japonica rice. Simmer for another 30 to 50 minutes before serving.
3. Red Date and Ginger Soup
Red dates are sweet and warm in nature, with the effects of tonifying the middle Qi, nourishing blood, and calming the spirit. Ginger is pungent and warm in nature, with the effects of warming the middle to stop vomiting, expelling the exterior to relieve cold, and dispersing cold. The combination of the two can promote the circulation of Qi and blood, thereby improving overall blood circulation, and hands and feet will naturally become warm.
Red Date and Chinese Yam Congee
4. Ten-Ingredient Nourishing Beef Brisket
Astragalus is a tonic suitable for both men and women, which can nourish blood and Qi, restore vitality, and enhance physical endurance to promote overall health. Eucommia can tonify the kidneys, secure the fetus, strengthen muscles and bones, and also has the function of dilating blood vessels. Tianma has excellent effects such as expelling wind to relieve pain, increasing blood flow, and improving tolerance to hypoxia. The prominent feature of Cistanche is that it can tonify Yang while also benefiting essence and blood; it is moistening and not drying, with a mild effect, making it suitable for long-term supplementation and highly beneficial to the human body. If you have been feeling weak with blood deficiency and cold limbs recently, you might try to make a pot of this Ten-Ingredient Nourishing Soup.
For cold hands and feet, in addition to the dietary methods mentioned above, be sure to pay close attention to your daily routine and habits.
Tomato Beef Brisket