Winter is the season with extreme cold and an abundance of Yang with a weakened Yin. Due to the cold temperature physiological functions in the human body as well as the appetite can be influenced. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the diet adequately to maintain essential nutrients of the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the use of tonic in winter, when compared to medicines, has irreplaceable effects on improving nutritional status, immunological functions, and illness recovery.

Below are some examples of tonic food in winter for your reference.

1. Sweet and moist foods   

In winter, water-rich foods are ideal for body nutrition. In this dry season, they can avoid chapped lips on the one hand, by directly hydrating the body. On the other hand, it is believed that these foods nourish the lung-yin, which can protect body from diseases caused by the dryness when the lung-yin is weak. These foods belong in this category: tremella (a mushroom), lilium brownii (Chinese lily) and pear.

 Lilium Brownii (Chinese Lily) 

2. Blood-tonifying foods   

When the cold wind blows, many women will feel chilly and suffer from cold hands and feet. These symptoms are caused by a deficiency of Qi  and blood. In addition, when living in a cold and dry climate it is more likely that one looks pale and emaciated. Blood tonifying foods can give a reddish face and beautify, as well as regulate the menstrual cycle and nourish the body. Foods in this category are: red dates, lycium chinense (Chinese wolfberry) and sugar cane. 

3. Sour fruits   

In winter it is more likely to develop symptoms such as dry mouth and sore throat, dry cough and constipation. Then sour fruits of the season can help you to rehydrate and improve the liver functions. Foods in this category are: pomegranate, citrus, and persimmon.

4. Dry fruits  

Ripe dry fruits in autumn are sweet and warm and have various nutrients. Seen as snacks and desserts in winter, they can help nourish the stomach and spleen, enrich the blood and soothe the throat. Foods in this category are: chestnut and walnut.

5. Fruits and vegetables  

Winter is good for nourishing the Qi, which is helpful for some illnesses in spleen, lung, heart, and kidney. Rich in nutrients, fresh fruits can improve blood circulation and restore vitality. Foods in this category are: Chinese yam, carrots and lotus root.