🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Today is the Minor Snow solar term in the lunar calendar. Minor Snow, literally meaning “snow begins,” indicates the onset and degree of snowfall. Snow is a product of cold weather. Folklore says: “October’s Start of Winter, Minor Snow rises; when the Big Dipper points to Ji, the sky accumulates yin, cold is not yet deep, snow is not yet heavy—hence Minor Snow.” At this time, northern China has entered the early winter season, with north winds blowing and snowflakes falling. This is when the first snow appears in northern regions, though limited in quantity, signaling the need for warmth and protection. Around the Minor Snow period, the weather is often cold, gray, and gloomy. People’s moods are influenced accordingly, especially those suffering from depression, who may experience worsening symptoms. Thus, during this solar term, I want to specifically discuss how to self-regulate for those with depression during days with less sunlight.
From a TCM etiological perspective: “A thousand disasters, not exceeding three causes”—that is, disease origins fall into three categories: internal causes (emotional overstimulation), external causes (invasion by six evils), and non-internal/non-external causes (sexual activity, injuries, falls, poisoning). Depression primarily results from internal causes—specifically, emotional overstimulation. Seven emotions include joy, anger, worry, thought, grief, fear, and shock. People naturally experience these emotions in daily life—responses to external stimuli—which are normal mental activities and physiological phenomena. Generally, they do not cause illness. Only sudden, intense, or prolonged emotional stress disrupts normal physiology, causing organ and qi dysfunction, leading to disease. As stated: “Anger harms the liver, joy harms the heart, worry harms the spleen, grief harms the lung, fear harms the kidney.” This shows that mental state reflects psychological activity, and mental health directly impacts the occurrence and development of mental illness—indeed, it is the key factor. Thus, TCM views the relationship between mental activity and depression as close. Attributing depression to seven emotions is reasonable. Therefore, mental adjustment is especially important for those with depression.
*Su Wen·Shang Gu Tian Zhen Lun* says: “Avoid harmful winds and evil qi at appropriate times; maintain tranquility and emptiness, let true qi flow freely, keep spirit inward—how could illness arise?” *Su Wen·Sheng Qi Tong Tian Lun* adds: “Calmness closes the skin and pores; even with strong winds and toxic substances, they cannot harm.” Ancient wisdom emphasizes both external and internal aspects: externally, adapt to natural changes and avoid evil qi; internally, maintain emptiness and serenity. That is, keep thoughts pure, express emotions freely, let essence and spirit remain inward without scattering. This maintains the physiological state of unity between body and spirit—best illustrated by “the calm live long, the restless die young.”
Moreover, modern medical research reveals that seasonal changes directly affect depression patients. Neurotransmitters linked to depression, particularly the brain’s 5-HT system, are closely related to seasonal variation. In spring and summer, the 5-HT system is most active; in autumn and winter, it is weakest. Reduced daylight triggers decreased brain 5-HT in depression patients, leading to insomnia, irritability, pessimism, and suicidal thoughts.
Considering both Chinese and Western medical perspectives, to avoid winter’s adverse effects on depression, I suggest turning passive into active. Adopt Gua Zi’s joyful spirit adjustment method: “All human life must be filled with joy. Worry disrupts order, anger disrupts balance. Worry, grief, joy, and anger—without harmony, the Way has no place.” Regulate your mindset, maintain optimism, moderate joy, control anger, frequently participate in outdoor activities to strengthen the body, expose yourself to sunlight to stabilize brain 5-HT, and listen to music to add joy to life. Qing Dynasty physician Wu Shang said: “For emotional disorders, viewing flowers eases worries, listening to music dissipates sorrow—far better than medicine.” Dietary adjustment is equally important. Medical master Sun Simiao in *Qian Jin Yao Fang·Shi Zhi Pian* said: “Food can expel pathogens and soothe the zang-fu organs, delight the spirit, refresh the mind, and nourish qi and blood.”
Among many foods, the most suitable for this season are:
Fruits: Bananas (containing substances that help the brain produce 5-HT);
Drinks: Water Chestnut Soy Milk Drink (5 water chestnuts juiced, mixed with 250 g soy milk, boiled, add sugar as needed);
Dishes: Celery Stir-Fried with Mushrooms (400 g celery, 50 g rehydrated mushrooms, stir-fried with seasonings);
Rose Roasted Lamb Heart
[Ingredients] One lamb heart, 6 g saffron, 50 g fresh rose petals or 15 g sugar-free rose jam, salt as needed.
[Preparation] Slice lamb heart. Crush fresh rose petals to extract juice, place in a small pot with water and saffron, boil, then simmer for 15 minutes to concentrate the juice. Thread lamb heart slices onto skewers, coat with rose and saffron juice, grill over fire until fully cooked.
[Efficacy] Nourishes the heart, relieves depression, suitable for those with heart blood deficiency, palpitations, and emotional unrest.
Note: Pregnant women should avoid this dish.
Black Sesame Rabbit:
Boil rabbit in boiling water for 5 minutes, remove, cool. Toast black sesame until fragrant. Boil water in a pot, add ginger, scallions, Sichuan pepper, and salt. Add rabbit, cook until 60% done, remove, discard broth. Reheat broth, add rabbit, braise until tender. Cut into pieces, add MSG and sesame oil, sprinkle with toasted black sesame—serve.
These dishes are not only suitable for those with depression but also beneficial for post-illness weakness, yin deficiency constipation, and lung heat cough.