Nourishment with Teas and Soups
Delicious tea and soups to keep you healthy during the winter months in Calgary
As the winter chill sets in, staying warm and resilient becomes essential for maintaining health and wellness. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a range of herbal formulas crafted to nourish the body, enhance immunity, and promote internal warmth. At our clinic, we provide six herbal packets ideal for brewing soothing teas or making nourishing soups to keep you cozy all season. We also have delicious recipes to share with you! Stock up to keep these traditional remedies on hand for optimal health this winter.
1. Balanced Vitality - Ba Zhen Tang (八珍湯/八珍汤) / Eight Treasures Formula
The Ba Zhen Tang, or "Eight Treasures Formula," is a time-honored TCM beauty tonic that nourishes the blood, supports the Spleen and Liver, and revitalizes the body. This packet combines the Four Gentlemen Decoction (四君子汤) and the Four Substance Decoction (四物汤); Chinese Angelica Root (Dang Gui, 当归), White Atrocytlodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu, 白术), Cooked Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang, 熟地黄), Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen, 党参), White Peony Root (Bai Shao, 白芍), Poria (Fu Ling, 茯苓), Sichuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuang Xiong, 川芎), Honey Fried Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao, 炙甘草) to restore energy and support overall well-being. It's a wonderful choice for those seeking to boost vitality, enhance complexion, and balance energy levels.
2. Dampness Control Packet (祛湿赤小豆薏苡仁汤) / Adzuki Bean and Job’s Tear Seed Soup
This formula is known as the “deity water” for its ability to expel dampness, reduce swelling, and strengthen the Spleen and Stomach. It contains Adzuki bean (Chi Xiao Dou, 赤小豆), Job’s Tears Seed (Yi Yi Ren 薏苡仁), Poria (Fu Ling 茯苓), and Euryale Seeds (Qian Shi 芡實), all of which work together to clear dampness, improve digestion, and support urinary health. If you often feel tired, swollen, or sluggish, a warming tea or soup with this packet can help. Adzuki bean’s rich minerals and fibers aid digestion, while Job's Tear Seed clears dampness and promotes vitality.
3. Immune Booster- Turn of the Season Packet(季节变换 / 季節變換)
Designed to bolster the immune system and improve resilience to colds and flu, this packet is perfect for the transition from autumn to winter. Change of Season Herbal Packet has Astragalus Root (Huang Qi, 北芪), Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen, 党参), Chinese Yam Rhizome (Shan Yao / Huai Shan, 山药 / 淮山), Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi, 枸杞子). It harmonizes the body and mind, helping you manage stress and adapt to weather shifts. It’s excellent for those feeling fatigued, lacking appetite, or experiencing seasonal sensitivities. Make this tea regularly to support immunity and stay balanced through the cold months.
4. Warming Strength- Gui Zhi Tang / Cinnamon Twig Formula (桂枝汤 / 桂枝湯)
Known as “Head of All Remedies,” Gui Zhi Tang originates from the ancient Shang Han Lun text, a cornerstone of TCM. This warming blend combines Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi, 桂枝), White Peony Root (Bai Shao, 白芍), Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang, 生姜) (NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE ADD BEFORE COOKING), Jujube Date (Da Zao, 大枣), Dry-fried Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao 炙甘草) to warm the body, expel cold, and enhance Qi (energy) flow. For optimal potency, add nine pieces of ginger to the package. A classic for combating the flu season, this formula increases blood circulation, especially in the gut and Heart, strengthening immunity and providing warmth from within.
5. Energy Booster- Si Jun Zi Tang (四君子汤/ 四君子湯) / Four Gentlemen Formula
Created in 12th-century China, Si Jun Zi Tang is a staple for nourishing the Spleen and Stomach, boosting Qi, and clearing dampness. Research indicates it supports gut health and aids in recovery from intestinal mucosal injuries. This herbal packet includes Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen 党参), Poria (Fu Ling, 茯苓), White Atractylodis (Bai Zhu 白术), Baked Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao 炙甘草). It is especially helpful if you have symptoms like sluggish digestion, limb fatigue, shortness of breath, or a coated tongue. Brew this tea or soup to invigorate your body and improve digestive health during winter.
6. Blood Tonic- Si Wu Tang (四物汤) / Four Substance Formula
Si Wu Tang, or the “Four Substance Decoction,” focuses on enhancing blood circulation and alleviating blood deficiency. This formula has Chinese Angelica Root (Dang Gui, 当归片), Cooked Rehmannia Root (Shu Di Huang, 熟地), Szechuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuan Xiong, 川芎), White Peony Root (Bai Shao, 白芍). It is recommended for menstrual irregularities, PMS pain, and post-menstrual or postpartum recovery, as it replenishes and nourishes the blood. Not limited to those who menstruate, this nourishing blend supports anyone needing blood tonification. This tea or soup is perfect for those wanting to warm and invigorate their system.
Stock Up for Winter Wellness
Each of these herbal packets is available at our clinic, where you can also get easy-to-follow recipes. With regular use, these TCM blends offer deep nourishment and protection against winter’s cold and dryness. Visit us to stock up and learn how to incorporate these herbal treasures into your wellness routine, keeping you warm and resilient all season long!