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PANguin

Winter · from 22 Dec

Winter Solstice

冬至

Nourish the returning Yang.

Next: Minor Cold on 5 Jan — 14 days

Tailor to a constitution

Hawthorn and blueberry tea
Winter Solstice · Tea break · Blood Stasis

Hawthorn and blueberry tea

A ruby tea of hawthorn and blueberry, tart and warming — a small cup to keep circulation moving on a cold solstice day.

  • 20 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
WarmingMoves bloodWakes the appetite

Why it suits you: Blood-stasis types find circulation sluggish in winter, with cold hands and feet. Hawthorn moves blood and blueberry keeps the cup tart and appetising, so this warm tea helps qi and blood along.

Method

Prep 5 min · Cook 15 min
  1. 1Rinse the hawthorn and red dates, and crack the dates.
  2. 2Simmer them in the water over medium heat for 10 minutes.
  3. 3Add the blueberries and sugar and simmer for 3 more minutes.
  4. 4Pour into cups, fruit and all, and drink it hot.

Cautions

  • Halve the hawthorn if pregnant or prone to acid reflux.

Chef's tips

  • Dried hawthorn is what you want; add the fresh blueberries at the end.

The TCM view

Hawthorn is sour, sweet and slightly warm, moving blood and aiding digestion; blueberry is sweet, sour and neutral, moving blood and brightening the eyes; red dates are sweet and warm, nourishing blood. It suits blood-stasis types at the solstice.

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  • For Blood Stasis
  • Right for Winter Solstice
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Seasonal principle

The longest night. Yang energy begins to return. Eat warming, celebratory foods to welcome the light. Protect your lower back and knees from the cold. This is a crucial time to rest and conserve energy, allowing the newly born Yang Qi to grow strong.

In season now

In season around Winter Solstice: Glutinous Rice, Mutton, Radish, Chicken, Ginseng

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.