Seasonal Wellness Tips for Da Han - Greater Cold

Da Han is the 24th and final solar term of the ancient Chinese agricultural calendar. It falls on the 20th or 21st of January each year.

Da Han marks the end of winter, and despite its name translating as "Greater Cold," it often feels milder than the preceding solar term, Xiao Han (Lesser Cold). That said, the Earth's surface temperature is still low, and during Da Han, we may experience another "cold wave."

Despite the chilly weather, the first signs of spring are already starting to show. Tiny buds are forming on branches and the first flowering bulbs are starting to emerge from the frosty ground.

Often, the lunar new year, known as Spring Festival in China, also falls during Da Han. This solar term is all about endings and beginnings.

Read on for my top wellbeing tips for Da Han and usher in the new lunar year in good health.

Eat Red Fruit and Vegetables

In China, the colour red is associated with prosperity and good fortune, and said to ward off evil spirits and negative energy. During Spring Festival, red clothing and decorations are a common sight, while family members often exchange gifts of money folded in a red envelope.

In the yangsheng "nourishing life" tradition, it is also seen as beneficial to eat red foods at this time of year, as they are said to dispel cold, reduce fatigue, and increase vitality and vigour.

In terms of nutrition, red fruit and vegetables are rich in compounds called carotenoids. These are plant pigments that the body converts into vitamin A and support healthy immunity, eyesight, growth, and development.

Although not all of them are technically red, some of the best sources of carotenoids include: 

• Goji berries

• Tomatoes

• Red peppers

• Watermelon

• Carrots

• Cantaloupe melon

• Pumpkin

• Tangerines

Include some of these vibrant foods in your daily diet to brighten up your plate and boost your wellbeing.

Spice Up Your Life

As the weather is still cold, now is a great time to add some warming spices to your diet. Spices like ginger, chilli, and black pepper not only add flavour to meals but also significantly benefit our health.

In Chinese medicine terms, eating these foods helps to warm the body, promote circulation, stimulate the appetite, and relieve the symptoms of colds, such as headaches and congestion.

In biochemical terms, ginger is rich in aromatic volatile oils, while chilli and black pepper contain capsaicin and piperine, respectively. These compounds have been shown to support healthy metabolism and could help us shift any unwanted excess winter weight, as well as reducing the risk of diabetes and high cholesterol.

However, moderation is key as these foods can be very heating and they may be unsuitable for those with hot constitutions or yang conditions.

Introduce Cooling Foods

Many of us have spent the past few months warming our bodies by eating hot food, wearing thick clothing, and heating our homes. According to yangsheng, this is a crucial way to protect our health in winter.

Yet, over time, we can accumulate excess heat, which can affect the Stomach and Lungs, causing symptoms such as cough, sore throat, bleeding gums, acid reflux, and nausea. Therefore, it is important to introduce some cooling foods and beverages to restore balance.

One of the simplest things we can do is to regularly sip room-temperature water. This helps us stay hydrated throughout the day. Moreover, drinking a cup of water first thing in the morning is said to promote metabolism and immunity, and support the liver and kidneys' functions of detoxification and elimination.

We can also eat more foods with cooling properties, such as:

• Apples

• Bananas

• Grapefruit

• Cucumber

• Radish

• Tofu

• Honey

As with the warming spices listed above, it is necessary to be cautious when eating these cooling foods in winter. Those with weak digestion should stick to more warming options, and even those with stronger constitutions should practice moderation in order to experience the full benefits.

For more personalised seasonal wellbeing advice, you can book a holistic health coaching session via the contact page.

References

• 买雯婷 (2011) 第一养生药膳 - Tangmark Publishing and Distribution, Beijing

• Leggett, D. (2005) Helping Ourselves (second edition) - Meridian Press, Totnes