The Wisdom of Spring Yak-Sun: Part 2

Part 2. Spring Vitality: Clearing Dampness and Practical Recipes

In spring, just as the frozen earth thaws and becomes damp, "Dampness" (濕) accumulates in our bodies, leading to related symptoms. For instance, digestion fails, the chest feels oppressed, and the body feels as heavy as a thousand pounds. One may feel lethargic, want to lie down constantly, experience swelling in the face or hands, or feel increased discomfort in joints. "Spring Fever" (Lethargy) is often related to this.

Regarding spring health management, the Neijing says: "Go to bed early and wake up early in the morning to stroll lightly in the yard. Loosen your hair and relax your body to stay comfortable, and always keep your mind joyful. Support the growth of all living things and do not kill; give to others and do not take away; reward and do not punish. This is the way to nourish life in spring." Failing to do so will injure the Liver (肝) and lead to unseasonal cold in the summer, reducing growth potential. To prevent and improve symptoms ranging from minor spring ailments, it is best to follow these lifestyle tips and consume seasonal foods.

Medicinal Ingredients for Spring Fever

1. Mugwort (쑥)

Mugwort, growing lowly on sunny embankments covered in white fuzz, is a very familiar medicinal plant. The edible part is the young sprout emerging around February to March. In herbal medicine, it is used for abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and as a hemostatic. It is a main ingredient for treating irregular menstruation or uterine bleeding caused by a cold lower abdomen.

• Recipes: It is good to eat as mugwort rice cakes (Ssuk-tteok) or soybean paste soup. You can make soup with meatballs (minced beef mixed with chopped mugwort) or simply boil it as is.

• Home Remedy: For cold/painful lower abdomen or menstrual pain, boil 10g of mugwort and 30 peppercorns; strain and drink with a little sugar. For vaginal discharge, boil 15g of mugwort with 2 eggs; consume both for 5 consecutive days.

  
  

2. Wild Chive (달래)

Among spring greens, the spicy wild chive is the best for stimulating the appetite. Its refreshing scent and slightly bitter taste restore the appetite lost over winter.

• Effects: Promotes digestive secretions, warms the body, and is good for coldness in the lower abdomen. It also has a detoxifying effect when crushed and applied to insect bites.

• Caution: Avoid if you have high internal heat or severe gastric ulcers/inflammation.

• How to Eat: Since it is sensitive to heat, it is best eaten raw. Larger bulbs are spicy, so they are good in soybean paste. Try a salad with soy dressing or "Wild Chive and Oyster Pancake" (Dallaegul-pajeon).

  
  

3. Prepared Rehmannia (숙지황)

This is made through the process of steaming and drying raw Rehmannia nine times (Gujeung-gupo). It is steamed in liquor, turning the originally yellow root into a natural black. It is a representative herb for nourishing the body's "Yin" fluids, reinforcing bone marrow, and replenishing blood and hormones.

• Effects: Excellent for osteoporosis in women and restoring marrow and "Yang" energy in men. It is best consumed around the Spring Equinox.

• Recipes: Making a stew with pork and Rehmannia lowers internal "Fire" and heat while supplementing Kidney function. For asthma or throat colds, add it to pufferfish soup.

• Remedy: For those with weak bodies or premature graying, soak 60g of Rehmannia in 500ml of white liquor; drink after 7 days (Goji berries can be added).

• Caution: Avoid if you have weak digestion, cold extremities, diarrhea, or obesity.

  
  

4. Ginseng, Astragalus, and Chicken

In spring, when Qi is lacking and Dampness increases, Yak-sun made with Ginseng tea, Astragalus, and Chicken is beneficial.

• Ginseng: Replenishes primordial energy, improves Spleen/Stomach function, strengthens Lungs, calms the Heart, and relieves thirst by replenishing fluids.

• Dosage: Boil 1-2g with 30-60g of rice for porridge, or boil with jujubes. You can also soak 10-20g in 500ml of liquor and consume 5-10ml after 7 days. Caution: Excess intake may cause dizziness or itching.

• Astragalus: A widely used tonic that tonifies Qi, raises Yang energy, and strengthens the skin. It helps with excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and promotes tissue regeneration in sores. It is helpful for those who are weak, lethargic, or have uterine prolapse.

• Caution: Those with high heat may experience headaches or chest oppression. For abnormal fetal movement or abdominal pain in pregnancy, boil 30g of Astragalus and 5g of Chuanxiong, then use the juice to make porridge with 300g of glutinous rice.

• Chicken Recipe: Stuff a chicken with 20g each of Angelica and Astragalus, sew it shut, and steam for 2 hours.

  
  

In Conclusion

If you feel lethargic in the spring afternoon, rather than just passing it off as "Spring Fever" or visiting hospitals fearing a major illness, it may be good to try a Yak-sun meal you can easily make. However, keep in mind that not all spring fatigue is due to Spring Fever. If you feel tired continuously for more than 1-2 weeks, you should consider whether there is another reason for your fatigue!

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