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PANguin

Spring · from 5 Mar

Awakening of Insects

驚蟄

Soothe the Liver, nourish Yin.

Next: Spring Equinox on 20 Mar — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Lemongrass, lemon and ginger tea
Awakening of Insects · Tea break · Phlegm-Dampness

Lemongrass, lemon and ginger tea

Fragrant lemongrass, warming ginger and bright lemon in a hot tea that lifts that heavy, damp-weather feeling.

  • 20 min
  • Serves 2
  • Boil
  • Easy
WarmingClears dampWarms and opens the appetite

Why it suits you: Phlegm-damp types feel heavy-headed, sluggish and bloated as the humidity builds. Pungent, warm lemongrass dispels damp and settles the stomach, ginger warms the middle and lemon wakes up the appetite, all with very little sugar.

Method

Prep 5 min · Cook 15 min
  1. 1Bring the water, lemongrass and ginger to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. 2Turn off the heat, add the lemon slices, cover for 3 minutes and strain.
  3. 3Add honey to taste once it has cooled slightly.

Cautions

  • If you have excess stomach acid or an ulcer, halve the lemon.

The TCM view

Lemongrass is pungent and warm, expelling wind-damp and easing bloating. Ginger is pungent and warm and warms the middle; lemon is sour, sweet and cool, generating fluids and settling the stomach. Together they warm and transform damp and revive the spleen.

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Seasonal principle

The weather warms and Liver fire can rise. Pears are excellent for moistening the throat and clearing heat. Stay hydrated and avoid staying up late. Incorporate gentle breathing exercises to calm the mind and prevent seasonal allergies or irritability.

In season now

In season around Awakening of Insects: Pear, White Fungus, Chrysanthemum, Celery, Bamboo Shoots

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.