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PANguin

Winter · from 20 Jan

Major Cold

大寒

Warm and nourish, prepare for Spring.

Next: Start of Spring on 4 Feb — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Cinnamon hot cocoa
Major Cold · Tea break · Blood Stasis

Cinnamon hot cocoa

Cocoa warmed with cinnamon and milk — rich and comforting on a freezing afternoon.

  • 13 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
WarmingWarms the channelsWarming

Why it suits you: At Major Cold circulation slows and blood-stasis types suffer cold hands and period pain. Cinnamon warms the channels and cocoa comforts.

Method

Prep 5 min · Cook 8 min
  1. 1Warm the milk, cinnamon and ginger gently until just simmering, then steep for 5 minutes.
  2. 2Mix the cocoa and sugar with a little hot milk into a paste.
  3. 3Whisk it back into the pan and heat through.
  4. 4Remove the ginger and pour into mugs with the cinnamon.

Cautions

  • Cinnamon is hot — go easy if you have a dry mouth.

Chef's tips

  • Heat the milk gently so it doesn't catch.

The TCM view

Cinnamon is pungent, sweet and hot, warming the channels; cocoa moves qi; milk nourishes; brown sugar warms and moves blood.

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Seasonal principle

The last term of the year. Protect against extreme cold while preparing the body for the coming Spring. Transition from heavy, greasy tonics to more balanced, gentle nourishment. Start incorporating slightly pungent foods to help the body's energy begin its upward movement for spring.

In season now

In season around Major Cold: Chicken, Yam, Dates, Goji Berries, Black Fungus

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Blood Stasis

Sluggish circulation, dull tone, easy bruising

Enjoy: Black wood-ear fungus · Onion · Black beans · Hawthorn · Aubergine

Go easy: Raw and cold food · Very rich, fatty food · Sitting still for hours

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.