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PANguin

Spring · from 20 Mar

Spring Equinox

春分

Balance Yin and Yang, harmonize Qi and Blood.

Next: Clear and Bright on 5 Apr — 16 days

Tailor to a constitution

Astragalus, chicken and millet congee
Spring Equinox · Breakfast · Sensitive (Allergic)

Astragalus, chicken and millet congee

Millet congee cooked overnight in astragalus water, finished with diced chicken in the morning: mellow and soothing.

  • 25 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
WarmingStrengthens defensive qiSettles the stomach

Why it suits you: Special (allergic) types are prone to flare-ups of hay fever and sensitive skin with the pollen and fog of the equinox. Astragalus strengthens qi and the body's defences, millet and red dates nourish the spleen, and chicken warms and supports qi.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 15 min
  1. 1The night before, put the astragalus, red dates, millet, rice and water into a rice cooker on a delayed congee setting.
  2. 2Toss the chicken with a little salt and the cornflour for 5 minutes.
  3. 3In the morning remove the astragalus, bring the congee to the boil, add the chicken for 3 minutes until cooked and season.

Cautions

  • Pause the astragalus during a cold or fever, or when you have damp-heat signs such as a bitter mouth and thick yellow tongue coating.

The TCM view

Astragalus is sweet and slightly warm, strengthening qi and the protective exterior. Millet is sweet, salty and cool and settles the stomach; red dates tonify the middle; chicken is sweet and warm and supports qi.

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  • For Sensitive (Allergic)
  • Right for Spring Equinox
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Seasonal principle

Day and night are equal. Maintain balance in all things. Eat seasonal greens to refresh the body and harmonize internal energy. Avoid extreme temperatures in food and environment. Establish a regular sleep schedule to align with the balanced natural rhythms of the season.

In season now

In season around Spring Equinox: Bean Sprouts, Eggs, Wolfberries, Green Tea, Asparagus

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Sensitive (Allergic)

Sensitive and prone to allergies

Enjoy: Simple, balanced home cooking · Chinese yam and red dates · Brown rice and seasonal vegetables

Go easy: Anything you know you react to · Very spicy food · Alcohol

Not sure of your constitution?

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Based on traditional Chinese medicine for general wellness education — not a medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, are severe or unusual, please see a doctor or registered Chinese medicine practitioner.