At this time it is common to get a feeling of cold that we can not get rid of ourselves. No matter how wrapped we are. This happens when the cold is inside our body and does not depend only on the weather. This feeling is very common here in Ireland.
Chinese Medicine considers that this feeling an ‘internal cold’ due to the fact that our metabolism that nourishes the body to correctly perform its functions (including the control of body temperature) is not at its best moment. Or in cases of deeper insufficiency, such as elderly, our body basically started the process to shut down progressively.
There are other cases when the cold is felt only in the extremities and is accompanied by sweat. This is usually due that blood cannot circulate freely and is unable to warm hands and feet.
Some recommendations to eliminate this “internal cold” include the use of moxa, infusions, decoctions and of course, food.
Spices and herbs that are warm or hot in nature and pungent in taste are very effective in fighting the internal cold. Some of them are:
- Cinnamon
- Nail
- Dried or fresh ginger (dry is warmer)
- Cardamom
- Dry tangerine skin
- Chamomile (neutral-hot)
- Star anise
As for food, it is also advisable to use those of a hot or warm nature and also take advantage of the properties of the cooking methods.
The most appropriate thing is to use slow cooking, such as broths, stews or baked goods that concentrate the energy of the food and help to provide yang to the body.
Fruits should be eaten in compote, rather than raw.
As for the foods that meet the necessary characteristics, we find the following:
Onion, garlic, leek, fennel, lamb, beef, chicken, buckwheat, oats, millet, chestnuts, nuts in general, cherries, lychees and figs, among many others.
It is also important to limit the consumption of foods of a cold nature (such as yogurt, soybeans, tomatoes, wheat, grapefruit, lemon, octopus, excess salt and lettuce) and those that are consumed raw.
On the other hand, it is important to prevent the cold from penetrating the interior. Care must be taken not to go barefoot but cover the lower back and abdominal area well, and not to leave the house with wet hair.
Photo by Annie Spratt
