While the holiday season may be over, many of us are gearing up for a seemingly long winter ahead. ‘Tis (still) the season to brighten our days with small indulgences! Traditionally, eggnog was thought to invite abundance into the home, thanks to its special, luxurious ingredients, including cream. The warming herbs it contains, like nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and allspice, are a perfect way to honor this season according to TCM, as they support digestive fire and help prevent dampness. This is especially important during winter to help balance our consumption of rich foods, thus preventing stagnation and the obstructed flow of Qi (maintaining a movement practice also helps!)
Alexandre Family Farms A2/A2 eggnog is absolutely incredible, striking the perfect blend of their organic homegrown cream and eggs, as well as cane sugar and spices. A2/A2 milk is more easily digestible for most people, and right in line with TCM principles to enjoy dairy in moderation as it’s considered very building when extra nourishment is required, tonifying the Blood, Qi, Yin, and Jing. It’s also internally moisturizing – helpful for those experiencing seasonal dryness, while the spices keep excess dampness at bay, which can otherwise contribute to phlegm and stagnation. If you prefer to make your own, check out this recipe, adding a little extra cinnamon, clove, and allspice, as you see fit.
Astragalus and Chaga are the perfect wintertime companions to support robust immunity and seasonal resilience. Astragalus is the premier tonic herb for fortifying the Wei Qi, the body’s conceptual shield (our first line of defense), while additionally supporting metabolism, respiratory health, and replenishing Qi that’s been depleted (farewell, 2023!) Chaga is an adaptogenic and immunomodulating wild food that’s exceptionally nutrient dense – rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, zinc, B-vitamins, digestive enzymes, and minerals. Likewise tonifying to the Wei Qi, it also supports the Kidney organ system that corresponds to winter. Deeply recharging to our deepest and most essential energy reserves, it supports us in replenishing and receiving, so that we can attune to the medicine of the most Yin season of the year.
Ingredients:
- 1 C eggnog
- 1 tsp Chaga
- 1 tsp Astragalus
Preparation Method:
- Using a milk steamer, warm the eggnog together with the powdered herbs.
- Alternately, you can warm the eggnog in a small pot with the herbs, and then use a handheld frother or blender to integrate well.
- Pour into a mug and top off with a shot of espresso. Enjoy!
