What to Eat for Winter Solstice Health Supplements

Winter solstice tonification should follow the principle of warming and nourishing while preserving vital essence. Foods provide basic nourishment, while medications offer targeted regulation. Commonly used foods include lamb, red dates, longan, yam, and walnuts; commonly used medicines include Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, Ejiao oral liquid, Ba Zhen Granules, and Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan. Medications must be taken under medical guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Foods

1. Lamb: Rich in protein and fat, it has effects of warming the middle-jiao, nourishing the kidneys, strengthening qi, and replenishing deficiency. It helps resist cold weather and improves symptoms such as aversion to cold and fatigue. Best consumed stewed or braised.

2. Red Dates (Chinese Dates): Contain sugars and multiple vitamins, capable of tonifying the spleen and stomach, benefiting qi, nourishing blood, and calming the mind. They help harmonize qi and blood, and can be eaten directly or added to porridge or soups.

3. Longan (Dragon Eye Fruit): Contains glucose and B-complex vitamins, which benefit the heart and spleen, nourish blood, and calm the spirit. It helps improve insomnia caused by qi and blood deficiency. Can be eaten raw or used in cooking.

4. Yam: Contains mucilaginous proteins and carbohydrates, effective for strengthening the spleen and stomach, benefiting the kidneys, and consolidating essence. Enhances organ function and is best steamed or cooked with meat.

5. Walnuts: Rich in unsaturated fatty acids and minerals, they tonify the kidneys, strengthen the lower back, moisten the intestines, and relieve constipation. Support internal organ nourishment and can be eaten raw or used in pastries.

II. Medications

1. Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill): Composed of processed aconite root, cinnamon bark, and prepared rehmannia, among others. It warms and tonifies kidney yang, suitable for conditions caused by kidney yang deficiency such as cold intolerance, cold limbs, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees. Must be taken under medical supervision.

2. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Pill): Contains astragalus, codonopsis, and other ingredients. It strengthens the spleen and boosts qi, indicated for fatigue and poor appetite due to spleen and stomach deficiency. Use according to instructions or as directed by a physician.

3. Ejiao Oral Liquid: Main ingredient is donkey-hide gelatin (Ejiao), which nourishes blood and enriches yin. Suitable for sallow complexion and dizziness due to blood deficiency. Must be used under medical guidance.

4. Ba Zhen Granules (Eight Treasures Granules): Formulated with codonopsis, white atractylodes, angelica, and other herbs. It tonifies both qi and blood, indicated for fatigue and palpitations due to dual deficiency of qi and blood. Take according to prescribed course under medical supervision.

5. Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan (Ginseng Spleen-Strengthening Pill): Contains ginseng, white atractylodes, and other components. It strengthens the spleen and benefits qi, suitable for indigestion due to spleen and stomach weakness. Strictly follow medical advice when using.

Tonification during the winter solstice should be gradual, avoiding excessive consumption of spicy and heat-inducing foods. Include vegetables to maintain nutritional balance. Medications should be selected based on individual diagnosis. Warming tonics should be used cautiously by individuals with yin deficiency and internal heat, and must always be taken under medical supervision. If discomforts such as dry mouth or constipation occur after tonification, reduce dosage or consult a doctor promptly for adjustment.