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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

Nori and egg soup with poria
Winter Solstice · Tea break · Phlegm-Dampness

Nori and egg soup with poria

A light savoury bowl: nori and poria in a clear broth with egg ribbons — warm, and not sweet at all.

  • 30 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralDrains dampWakes the appetite

Why it suits you: Phlegm-damp types feel heavy and off their food in winter, and sweet snacks only add to the stagnation. Poria drains damp, nori keeps it savoury and the egg warms the stomach — a light snack that wakes the appetite.

Method

Prep 10 min · Cook 20 min
  1. 1Rinse the nori and the poria.
  2. 2Boil the poria and ginger in the water over medium heat for 15 minutes.
  3. 3Add the nori, then slowly stream in the beaten egg while stirring so it forms ribbons.
  4. 4Season with salt and sesame oil, scatter with spring onion and eat it hot.

Cautions

  • Keep the salt light.

Chef's tips

  • Pour the egg in slowly while stirring, so the ribbons stay fine.

The TCM view

Poria is sweet, bland and neutral, strengthening the spleen and draining damp; nori is sweet, salty and cold, softening and transforming phlegm; egg is sweet and neutral, harmonising the middle; a little ginger warms the stomach. It suits phlegm-damp types at the solstice.

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  • For Phlegm-Dampness
  • 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.

Phlegm-Dampness

Heaviness, sluggishness and a full belly

Enjoy: Job's tears (coix seed) · Adzuki beans · Winter melon · White radish · Aged tangerine peel

Go easy: Sweets and sugary drinks · Greasy food and late-night snacks · Lots of dairy and cold drinks

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.