Description of the pattern

Cold is an external pathogen that can enter our organism and cause a number of problems. It then creates various blockages in the organism and slows down the flow of Qi energy.

Symptoms of the pattern

We usually observe these states of blockage and slowing of Qi as pain, for example, musculoskeletal pain (Bi Zheng) or menstrual pain. We may also observe other symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, a heavy head and body, a feeling of fullness in the epigastrium (stomach) or abdomen,

loss of appetite, a feeling of cold in the abdomen, diarrhoea, a sticky or bland feeling in the mouth, white gynaecological discharge.

General dietary principles for the pattern

Which foods to prefer: gentle warming is needed, but above all, moving and opening the surface so that we can move the dampness and drain it away through the bladder. Quick preparation in a wok, roasting, cooking with pungent spices or alcohol.

Recommended foods

Oats, millet, congee made from gluten-free cereals, vegetable and meat broths, to which we can add a pinch of chilli or dried ginger in the morning, star anise, liquorice, garlic, leek, spring onion, radish, white radish, chives, coriander, lamb, game and broths made from them, lime blossom tea, ginger tea, Yogi tea.

Avoid

Cooling foods that create dampness (dairy products, smoothies, frozen foods, iced drinks).

Clinical notes

Avoid damp areas where it is cold, be careful about sitting on cold chairs, stones, etc.

Recipes

To support the drainage of damp cold, you can prepare a cure using Job's tears. Use for a maximum of 1 month and then take a 3-month break.

Preparation of Job's tears

Pour the bag of Job's tears onto a dry, hot pan and roast the grains until they become fragrant. Let them cool and pour into a sealable jar.

It is best to cook them twice a day or at least once a day. Pour 2 tablespoons of Job's tears into a glass kettle, add ½ teaspoon of liquorice (or dried ginger, or a pinch of chilli, or 1 spring onion), and boil with 400 ml of water. After bringing to a boil, turn down to a minimum and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and drink the broth.

Store the Job's tears in a cool place and make a second broth from them, which you boil for 30 minutes, strain and drink.