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PANguin

Winter · from 5 Jan

Minor Cold

小寒

Warm Spleen and Kidneys, dispel cold.

Next: Major Cold on 20 Jan — 15 days

Tailor to a constitution

Pigeon soup with glehnia and Solomon's seal
Minor Cold · Dinner · Yin Deficiency

Pigeon soup with glehnia and Solomon's seal

Pigeon slowly simmered with glehnia and Solomon's seal — clear, sweet and moistening for dry winter.

  • 2 hr 45 min
  • Serves 3
  • Simmer
  • Easy
NeutralNourishes yinGenerates fluids

Why it suits you: Minor Cold air is dry and cold, leaving yin-deficient people with a dry mouth and skin. The two herbs moisten, and pigeon nourishes without heating.

Method

Prep 15 min · Cook 150 min
  1. 1Rinse and blanch the pigeon and pork, then rinse again.
  2. 2Rinse the herbs and soak for 10 minutes.
  3. 3Put everything in the pot, bring to the boil and simmer for 2 hours.
  4. 4Season with salt before serving.

Cautions

  • Pause during a cold or fever.

Chef's tips

  • Serve the pigeon meat with a little soy sauce.

The TCM view

Pigeon is salty and neutral, nourishing the kidneys; glehnia is sweet and slightly cold, nourishing yin; Solomon's seal moistens dryness; pork builds strength.

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Seasonal principle

One of the coldest periods. Focus on warming the Kidneys and strengthening the Spleen to maintain energy. Consume hearty, mixed-grain porridges (like Laba congee) to provide sustained warmth and nutrition. Avoid cold drinks and raw foods entirely during this deep freeze.

In season now

In season around Minor Cold: Glutinous Rice, Red Bean, Peanut, Chestnut, Pork Ribs

Tap an ingredient for its nature, uses and nutrition.

Yin Deficiency

Dryness with a sense of inner heat

Enjoy: Lily bulb and snow fungus · Asian pear · Duck · Lotus root and tofu · Black sesame

Go easy: Spicy, fried and barbecued food · Too much coffee and alcohol · Warming, drying foods such as lamb

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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.