Seasonal Dietary Therapy: Clear and Nourishing Tonics in the Qingming Period
Lately, we have entered the solar term “Qingming.” Qingming means clear sky and bright earth. The lunar calendar states: “When the Big Dipper points to Ding, it is Qingming—the time when all things are pure and clear. Because this period features clear air and bright scenery, with everything flourishing, it is named Qingming.” Currently, cold and warm air masses are alternating, and temperatures are gradually rising, resulting in weather that alternates between sunny days and rainy spells. People often feel heavy and lethargic, with limbs sluggish. In soups and tonics, besides promoting diuresis and removing dampness, moderate tonification is also needed. Therefore, nourishing blood and relaxing tendons is particularly important. We specially recommend:
Silk Berry and Coix Seed Stewed White Pigeon
This dish has the functions of promoting urination, removing dampness, nourishing blood, relaxing tendons, and dispelling wind and relieving pain. It is neither overly hot nor cold, making it an ideal tonic for spring. Additionally, it aids in treating blood deficiency with wind-stagnation, manifesting as shoulder joint stiffness and pain, upper limb numbness, sallow complexion, dizziness, and tinnitus.
[Ingredients] 20 grams of silk berry, 30 grams of coix seed, 1 white pigeon (about 150–200 grams), and 2–3 slices of ginger.
Silk berry has a slightly cool nature and sweet taste, entering the liver and kidney meridians. It nourishes blood, supplements yin, calms wind, and lubricates the intestines for bowel movement. The *Newly Revised Materia Medica* notes: “Eating it alone treats thirst due to diabetes.” Coix seed has a slightly cold nature and sweet, bland taste, entering the spleen, kidney, and lung meridians. It strengthens the spleen, promotes urination, removes dampness, and expels rheumatism. The *New Compilation of Materia Medica* says: “It excels in promoting diuresis without depleting true yin essence.” White pigeon has a neutral nature and sweet taste, entering the liver, kidney, and lung meridians. It benefits qi and blood, nourishes the liver and kidneys. The *New Book of Food Medicine* states: “It treats excessive thirst and drinking due to diabetes.” Ginger drives away wind, eliminates fishy odors, and invigorates the spleen and stomach. Together, these ingredients synergistically promote diuresis, remove dampness, dispel wind, relieve pain, nourish blood, and relax tendons.
[Preparation] Wash and briefly soak the silk berry and coix seed. Clean the pigeon, remove internal organs, and wash thoroughly. Place all ingredients, including ginger, into a large stewing bowl, add 1000 ml of water (equivalent to about 3.5 bowls), and stew gently for approximately 2.5 hours. Add salt and a small amount of sesame oil to taste.
This portion serves two people and is recommended for consumption 3–4 times per week.