Spring and summer are natural times of detoxification, when we look to bring our bodies into balance and enhance our health. Sugar, processed foods, environmental toxins, too much stress, and too little sleep and exercise can quickly head our bodies in the wrong direction. 

We want to support the body’s natural processes of cleansing and balance.. A balanced lifestyle supports overall wellness and vitality.

The Key Ingredient: Qi

Traditional Chinese Medicine theory is all about balance, and we want energy to flow smoothly within the body. When this vital energy, or Qi, slows down or gets stuck, it can cause pain and illness. Qi is an important concept.

This vital energy, Qi, is associated with harmony and balance in traditional wellness practices. Even the foods we eat have their own innate energies, and by eating those of the right quality, we can revitalize our own Qi.

Thinking in terms of what nutritional elements your body needs or may be lacking at any given time is a wonderful way to address your overall health and well-being. In the spring, we can shed what we needed for warmth in the winter. It’s the perfect season for detoxing and revitalizing your personal Qi.

Ingredients to Invigorate Qi and Promote Its Circulation

The apple in the recipe invigorates and promotes Qi while helping to dispel toxins. Cabbage supports Qi circulation, is a great antioxidant, and has more vitamin C than oranges. Turmeric has been part of Southeast Asian cuisine for millennia, and valued in traditional diets for its distinctive flavor and long-standing use in wellness traditions.

Crunchy, tangy, and nutritious, this simple slaw can be used as a side dish, a perfect light lunch, or an afternoon snack. Small lifestyle shifts can help you feel more balanced, energized, and refreshed.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Benefits of the Ingredients

Granny Smith Apple - Strengthens the heart, lungs, stomach, spleen, and large intestine. "Tonifies yin and Qi". Counteracts heat and removes toxins.

Napa Cabbage - Strengthens the large intestine, stomach, and lungs. Counteracts heat and promotes Qi circulation.

Onion - Strengthens lungs, stomach, liver, and large intestine. Promotes blood and Qi circulation, counteracts cold and damp, resolves phlegm.

Turmeric - Strengthens the spleen and liver. Promotes blood and Qi circulation. Reduces wind, damp cold.

Green Chile - Strengthens lungs, spleen, stomach, and heart. Tonifies yang. Promotes blood and Qi circulation. Reduces wind, damp cold.

Ginger - Strengthens lungs, spleen, stomach, heart, and uterus. Counteracts cold. Resolves phlegm. Promotes Qi circulation. Reduces wind chill.

Lime - Strengthens the gall bladder, liver, kidney, lung, and spleen. Promotes blood and Qi circulation. Counteracts heat. Resolves phlegm and removes toxins. Olive Oil - Strengthens the spleen and liver.

Instructions

Combine all ingredients and mix together. Allow to rest ten minutes and mix again, the acid will begin to break down the cabbage, onion, and apple a bit and you will have a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.

Dining with Culinary Artist Travis Metzger is an unforgettable experience. You can taste the passion, creativity and culinary expertise in each of Travis’s one-of-kind recipes. Most would agree that Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs in their original form taste less than delectable, but Travis has proven that TCM for today can taste great with DAO Labs. Travis develops unique flavors for each DAO formula to complement the proprietary blend of herbs and their health benefits. After extensive training at the New England Culinary Institute, Travis ran some of the finest restaurants across the country before starting his own in Minneapolis. To survive the stresses and physical challenges of the kitchen heat, Travis focused on combining natural ingredients for healthy AND delicious eating and juicing.