My first post will be one of my favorite salads ever. I love this and I am trying to learn a bit about Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a bit hard for me since the country I live in is a Mediterranean country and has no real connection to China. However because I love food and I think that food is like medicine to the body . It nourishes and gives energy.I have heard that food is really important in Chinese medicine I am trying to learn a bit about it slowly. I am using AI and chatgpt mainly and I am not certain if the suggestions are accurate but will try and experiment with its suggestion and post again a good recipe based on them.
What is more , it is very enjoyable trying to combine cuisines and create new tastes and experiment in general so I will enjoy the process of making something good.
My Recipe
- boiled beets
- 2 oranges
- raisins
- sunflower seeds
- honey – 1/2 tablespoon
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- olive oil
- salt & pepper
How Each Ingredient Affects the Body (TCM Perspective)
Boiled Beets
- Nature: Slightly cooling
- Flavor: Sweet
- TCM Action: Nourish and build Blood, support Liver function, improve circulation. Especially helpful for dryness, fatigue, and mild Blood deficiency.
Oranges
- Nature: Cooling
- Flavor: Sweet and sour
- TCM Action: Regulate Qi, support the Spleen and Lungs, transform phlegm, and add freshness. They help relieve stagnation but can weaken digestion if overused.
Raisins
- Nature: Warm
- Flavor: Sweet
- TCM Action: Tonify Blood and Yin, gently strengthen Qi, and balance the cooling nature of fruits. Support energy and gentle nourishment.
Sunflower Seeds
- Nature: Neutral
- Flavor: Sweet
- TCM Action: Strengthen Qi, nourish fluids, and support intestinal lubrication. Helpful for dryness and grounding the meal.
Honey
- Nature: Neutral to slightly warm
- Flavor: Sweet
- TCM Action: Tonifies Qi, moistens dryness, harmonizes ingredients, and softens the strong effects of vinegar and citrus.
Balsamic Vinegar
- Nature: Warm
- Flavor: Sour
- TCM Action: Moves Qi and Blood, breaks stagnation, and aids digestion. Strongly activating; excessive amounts may irritate the Spleen.
Olive Oil
- Nature: Neutral
- TCM Action: Nourishes Yin and body fluids, supports smooth digestion, and prevents dryness.
Salt & Pepper
- Nature: Salt – cooling, Pepper – warm
- TCM Action: Salt softens and directs inward; pepper stimulates circulation and digestion. Together they balance movement and grounding.
The Overall Energetic Picture of the Recipe
From a TCM point of view, this recipe:
- Nourishes and moves Blood
- Promotes Liver Qi circulation
- Balances sweet and sour flavors
- Leans slightly cooling with warming accents
It is particularly suitable for:
- Springtime
- Mild Liver Qi stagnation
- Fatigue with dryness
- Emotional tension related to stress
Caution for those with:
- Weak digestion or loose stools
- Excess Dampness
- Strong internal Heat
My Thoughts
This recipe is very tasty and healthy. It has a slightly tangy taste and if you use good quality ingredients like fresh boiled beets and oranges the taste gets elevated immediately . You will love and it will be a steady go to when you are wondering what to cook.
Improvements Based on TCM
1. Balance the Sour Flavor
- Reduce balsamic vinegar to 2 tablespoons to protect the Spleen
- Add a small amount of orange zest to move Qi without excess acidity
2. Strengthen Digestive Support
- Add lightly toasted walnuts, almonds, or sesame seeds
- These enhance warmth and grounding
3. Support Cold or Weak Digestion
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or freshly grated ginger
- This helps warm the middle burner and improve assimilation
Improved TCM-Balanced Version (Summary)
- Boiled beets
- 2 oranges
- Raisins
- Sunflower seeds or walnuts
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Orange zest
- Optional: cinnamon or ginger
Realize Organize Analyze 