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Winter is the end of all seasons. The TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) says that winter cools the surface of the body and warms up the body’s core. During winter, cold and darkness drive one to seek the inner warmth.
It is time to rest, to meditate deeply, to refine the spiritual essence, and to store physical energy.
The most affected organ during winter is kidney, which is closely related to the hearing function. That means that the ability to listen clearly is intensified in the cold silent months.
The sound of cooking and the voices from the kitchen stimulate the appetite. Warm hearty soups, whole grains, and roasted nuts sound so appetizing on cold days. Cook foods longer, at lower temperature and with less water.
Biter and salty foods are appropriate for winter, since they promote a sinking, centering quality, which increases the capacity for storage. Use salt with care because an excess of salt tightens the kidneys and the bladder,
causing coldness and overconsuption of water, which weakens these organs and affects the heart as well. Most common bitter foods include:
- Lettuce, watercress, endive, escarole, turnip, celery, asparagus, alfalfa, carrot top, rye, oats, quinoa, amaranth, citrus peel and outer leaves of cabbage. The strongest bitter qualities are in the chicory root, burdock root, horsetail, and chaparral.
Salty foods include:
- Miso, soy sauce, seaweed, salt (sea), millet, barley, plus any food made salty by addition of salt.
According to the TCM, kidneys are the most affected organ in the winter. They are seen as the root and foundation of the entire body. Kidneys especially rule the lower part of the body including sexual organs and their
reproductive functions. They also provide energy and warmth. The kidney-adrenals connection is clear since the adrenals are located directly on top of the kidneys and produce secretions that make kidney activities possible.
The kidney store jing, which determents one’s vitality resistance to disease, and longevity. Building healthy/functional (Jing) kidneys with diet requires foods that promote the growth and the development of the body and mind.
That food should also provide renewal, longevity, reproductive capacity, and protection from premature aging.
- Micro-algae (chlorella, spirulina, wild blue-green), fish, liver, kidney, brain, bone and its marrow, human placenta, and cereal grass.
- Solomon’s seal (herbal tonic), almonds, milk, clarified butter (ghee)
- Nettles: a powerful kidney tonic
- Royal jelly and bee pollen
- Dodder seeds, prepared rehmannia root, deer antler, tortoise shell, chicken, and mussels.
- Use foods which tonify and direct energy to the kidneys in general. Beans and especially dark foods with the salty flavor, such as black beans cooked with a little seaweed and a pinch of sea salt.
The kidney beneficial foods: millet, wheat, black sesame seeds, black soy beans, chestnuts, mul-berries, raspberries, strawberries, and walnuts.
- An ideal nourishment for healthy/balanced kidneys should also include spiritual practices such as meditation, relaxation including celibacy ( throughout history has served to preserved jing, kidney balance, in both males and females).
References:
- 1. Healing with Whole Foods,(Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition), Paul Pitchford
- Bauman College, 2004
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