PAT’S SOLAR TERM BOOK

❄️ Lesser Cold -January 5-20
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My mom was fascinated with the Solar terms. She was in the process of writing a book … I thought I would help her finish it. ❤️

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The very coldest Solar Term is upon us! And though it is called Lesser Cold, it is in actuality on record as the coldest two weeks of the year. Time to bundle up, keep your head and feet warm and to build a big cosy fire!!

Lesser Cold is the 23rd Solar Term and runs from January 5-20. It is the second winter term with the sun to earth angle from 285°-300°. January 5, 2021 marks the coldest day of the year! Weather in the third nine-day period is colder than any other period during the nine nine-days of winter. “The third nine-day period” refers to the 19th to 27th days after the Winter Solstice.

Yin-yang is a cosmic duality that is believed to govern the rhythms of the universe and can be observed in the interplay between pairs of opposing or complementary natural forces: moon and sun, cold and hot, darkness and lightness. Even the human body and its organ systems are subject to the balancing force of yin and yang, which must be balanced for optimal health. The foods we eat play a critical role in achieving that inner equilibrium.

Weather during this period is known to be the coldest of the year, so it’s important to stay warm during this period. Energizing food, such as trout, peppers, cinnamon, leeks, fennel, parsley and so on. Additionally, hot soup and braised lamb are perfect choices. Foods high in vitamin A and B like collards, cabbages and greens of all kinds are important foods during this time. As is a good food source of vitamin D like fermented cod liver oil. Sticky rice, fatty pork, bacon, grass fed butter sausages and peanuts add a layer of high fat protection during the cold. This helps to invigorate the spleen and support the stomach.

Almonds, black sesame seeds, dates, lamb, oats, red beans, taro, walnuts, and yams are good food choices. Gumbo with andouille sausage , turkey , duck, bone broth, spices and greens is a perfect dish for this Solar Term. You can use chicken thighs, turkey, duck, or any rich pasture raised protein in this recipe. (Gumbo recipe to soon follow)

Steep Ningxia berries, dates and fresh Ginger tea to fortify for the cold season.

Outdoor exercises like forest bathing , skating, hockey, skiing and activities of splitting wood will be powerful to counterbalance the cold and get you outside in the restorative fresh air. Wear hats, gloves and scarves to keep your chest and head warm. Uggs are my footwear of choice during this time of the year!

Essential oils for this time are Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon bark, and Black Pepper . A nice warm foot soak for the evening can include these oils. Oils that improve circulation and support spleen and kidney meridians are Marjoram, Rosemary, Thyme, Ledum and Laurel. The all important mood lifters of Orange, Tangerine and Bergamot are a must during Lesser Cold. Vetiver, Valor, and Grounding tree blends are all powerful throughout the entire month of January. It’s also the perfect time for a Raindrop massage or Footsie Raindrop treatment.

Drink some Hibiscus or Rose tea for deep relaxation and to support your circulatory system. A great combo for this time of year is also Ginger root with a drop of Lemon or Thieves with honey and ghee.

Lesser Cold Solar Term means that spring is nearly here. Trees are starting to bud up. Camellias, Winter Daphne, plum blossoms and jonquils are starting to push up. Bright spots that promise warmer weather ahead!

Lesser Cold Ningxia Mocktail
2-4 oz Ningxia
1 can seltzer or sparkling water
2 drops orange
2 drops tangerine
1 drop cardamom

Place in a pretty glass and stir with your favorite prayer in mind