We are into the Shuang Jiang (霜降) solar term (节气) starting from 23 Oct to 6 Nov 2024. Shuang Jiang is the 18th solar term out of the entire 24.
In fact, Shuang Jiang is the last solar term of the autumn season. After Shuang Jiang, we will be entering the winter season.
During this Shuang Jiang solar term, the focus is still on moisturizing the lungs (润肺), nourishing lung-Yin (滋肺阴), and building up our immunity to prepare for the cold weather (or cooler weather, depending on where you live) ahead.
There is a saying, “一年补透透，不如补霜降”. It means that rather than eating tonic foods and herbs all year round, it is better to consume such tonics during the Shuang Jiang solar term!
From the above phrase, it already tells us how important it is to boost our immunity during this period.
Diet Recommendations
1) Persimmon
The first food (fruit) I recommend to eat during Shuang Jiang is the persimmon. The persimmon harvest season is around this time too, hence it is known as the fruit/food of the season (应季食材).
The reason why persimmon is the perfect fruit to eat during this solar term is because it has the properties of moisturizing the lungs, quenching thirst, and protecting the heart. It is also used for treating heat-type cough, mouth ulcers and sore throat.
There is a saying, 霜降吃了柿,不会流鼻涕. It means if a person were to consume persimmon during Shuang Jiang, he/she will not catch a cold during the cooler year end season.
However, there are a few things to take note about consuming persimmon. Firstly, people with constipation should avoid eating it because it has a property of (涩肠), which means it restricts bowel movement.
Secondly, persimmon should not be consumed together with foods that contain high iron (such as animal organs) or high protein (such as crab meat) as it will cause stomach upset.
2) Ginkgo Nuts
Ginkgo nuts are another excellent food to be eaten during Shuang Jiang as they have great benefits for our lungs (moisturizes lungs and dissolves phlegm to stop cough), and our kidneys (relieves frequent urination).
Despite its health benefits, it is important not to overeat ginkgo nuts as it can be dangerous. For adults, please do not eat more than 10 ginkgo nuts a day. For children, limit the consumption to less than 5. As for children below 5 years old, it is best not to eat ginkgo nuts.
Following is a ginkgo radish porridge recipe that you can try making at home:
Ingredients:
- Ginkgo nuts (6 pieces)
- Radish (300g)
- Rice/Mixed grains (100g)
- Sugar (according to personal preference, if need be)
Steps:
- Wash the radish and cut it into slices.
- Put the radish into boiling water for about a minute, remove it from the water and set it aside for later use.
- Wash the ginkgo nuts and cook it with the grains.
- Depending on the types of grains you use, it may take about 15 to 25 minutes for it to be cooked.
- Finally, add the sliced radish to the porridge and serve.
Ginkgo radish porridge has a strong property of dissolving phlegm and it is excellent for treating cough and dissolving phlegm. It can also nourish and moisturize the lungs.
3) Duck Meat
For non-vegetarians who have a Yin-deficient body constitution, consuming duck meat during this period is very beneficial to your body. Duck meat has the strong property of nourishing the Yin of a person.
You can prepare Shi Quan Duck Soup, which is a very popular soup dish that helps to nourish the body’s Yin. This soup is also suitable for almost anyone (except people who are having flu).
You can purchase the Shi Quan soup base in any supermarket or TCM medical store. The following video briefly shows how the soup is prepared:
General Wellness Recommendations
During Shuang Jiang period, the temperature difference will continue to widen between day and night. Thus, remember to keep warm during sleep especially if you are sleeping near a window in a non-airconditioned room.
Remember to wear socks to keep your feet warm if you often wake up feeling cold during this period.
This is also a good time to exercise to build up your body’s immunity to prepare for the year-end weather! Just make sure to stay hydrated and exercise moderately!
Hope you find this post useful!