We are into the Yu Shui (雨水) solar term (节气) starting from 18 Feb to 4 Mar 2025. Yu Shui is the 2nd solar term out of the entire 24.
During this solar term, we will experience more rainfall and temperatures will begin to rise. But at the same time, the air/wind will still be cooling at times. Hence, the weather will be both wet and warm in some areas.
This solar term usually coincides with the Lantern Festival (元宵节), though not this year. During the Lantern Festival, some people will eat sweet dumplings (汤圆) made of glutinous rice and black sesame/red bean paste.
In terms of dietary recommendations, 药王, 孙思邈 (581 – 682 AD) (Sun Si Miao, also known as the King of Chinese Medicine) has some advice for us:
“春日宜省酸增甘，以养脾气”.
The above phrase means that during this period, we should reduce the intake of foods that are sour, and increase the intake of foods that are sweet to strengthen our spleen Qi (“sweet” here does not mean sugar—it refers to foods that are sweet in flavor from the TCM perspective) .
The following are some of the recommended foods (that are sweet in flavor from the TCM perspective) to consume during this solar term:
Chinese Yam (山药) – Chinese yam not only has great benefits for the lungs and kidneys, it also helps to strengthen the spleen and enhance absorption of nutrients in our body. Chinese yam is one of the best foods for strengthening the spleen Qi.
Red Dates (红枣) – In《本草纲目》(one of the most popular classics for TCM herbs/foods), it says 枣为脾之果. This means that red dates is used for strengthening the spleen. The main benefit of red dates is that they help to strengthen the Qi in your stomach and spleen. Hence, it is very suitable for people who have a weak spleen, no appetite, loose stools, and low energy.
Glutinous rice (糯米) – Glutinous rice can help to strengthen the spleen and relieve excessive sweating. It is no coincidence that during this solar term (which typically coincides with the Lantern Festival), the tradition is to consume sweet dumplings (汤圆) that are made of glutinous rice. Just make sure not to eat too much sweet dumplings as too much glutinous rice will cause indigestion. Remember to eat all foods in moderation.
Chinese Barley (薏苡仁) – Chinese barley is an excellent food to eat during this solar term especially when the weather is warm and wet. Chinese barley can help to strengthen the spleen by removing excess dampness through urination. Just take note that pregnant women must avoid consuming Chinese barley.
Carrot (胡萝卜) – Carrot is a very common vegetable that can be found easily. Many people underestimate the benefits of carrots. Carrots not only can strengthen our spleen, it can also nourish our livers to brighten our eyes. Some people may experience yellowish skin color after consuming too much carrots, so in this case, just stop consuming them and the symptoms should subside.
General Wellness Recommendation
In this season (the current and next four solar terms), our liver will easily go into an excessive state as Spring aligns with the wood element (same as the liver). This can make a person easily frustrated and hot-tempered. One way to prevent this is to consume foods that are sweet in flavor (as mentioned above) and the other way is to get close to nature.
This is also a good time to go for a walk/hike in the park or forests or get in touch with nature to relax one’s tension.
Doing some light exercises like brisk walking, jogging, taiji or qigong under the morning sun will help to strengthen your body immunity and get rid of dampness (through sweating), especially during this solar term.
Avoid eating strong tonic food in this season (unless you have Yang deficiency) and try to eat more vegetables, especially those sprout-type vegetables (refer to this blog post on vegetable recommendations).
Hope you find this blog post useful!