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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

Hot bergamot and apple tea
Winter Solstice · Tea break · Qi Stagnation

Hot bergamot and apple tea

Bergamot and apple simmered into a fragrant, lightly tart tea — a cup to unwind with after a long day.

  • 23 min
  • Serves 2
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralSoothes the liverLifts the mood

Why it suits you: Year-end work leaves qi-stagnant types tense and tight across the chest. Bergamot soothes the liver and moves qi, and apple keeps the tea fragrant and tart — a snack that helps you unwind.

Method

Prep 8 min · Cook 15 min
  1. 1Slice the bergamot. Core the apple and slice it, leaving the skin on.
  2. 2Simmer the bergamot and tangerine peel in the water over medium heat for 10 minutes.
  3. 3Add the apple, simmer for 3 minutes and turn off the heat.
  4. 4Cool slightly, stir in the honey and pour.

Cautions

  • Do not stir the honey into boiling water — let the tea cool slightly first.

Chef's tips

  • Fresh bergamot gives the clearest fragrance.

The TCM view

Bergamot is pungent, bitter and warm, soothing the liver and harmonising the stomach; apple is sweet and cool, generating fluids and waking the appetite; tangerine peel moves qi. It suits qi-stagnant types at the solstice.

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  • For Qi Stagnation
  • 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.

Qi Stagnation

Stress, low mood and frequent sighing

Enjoy: Rose bud tea · Aged tangerine peel · Citrus fruit · Kelp · Daylily buds

Go easy: Too much caffeine · Alcohol · Stress eating

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.