Colorful, delicious and nutritious! Our goal was to reduce the cold essence that normally impacts the digestive system when eating too many salads (scroll down for recipe).
Balancing Raw Foods with Warmth: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Fresh salads, smoothies, and raw fruits are delicious and packed with nutrients, especially during the summer months. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, however, eating too many cold or raw foods can make digestion work a little harder.
In TCM, the Spleen is considered the body’s digestive powerhouse. Its job is to transform food into energy (Qi) and nourishment. The Spleen functions best when it has warmth—much like a pot on a stove. When we regularly consume cold drinks, ice-cold smoothies, or large amounts of raw foods, the digestive system must first warm those foods before it can begin breaking them down. Over time, this may contribute to symptoms such as bloating, sluggish digestion, loose stools, fatigue, or feeling heavy after meals.
This doesn’t mean you need to avoid fresh produce. Instead, TCM encourages creating balance by adding warming ingredients that help support digestion while still enjoying cooling seasonal foods.
Some easy ways to add warmth include:
- Sprinkle cinnamon or ginger on fresh fruit.
- Toss salads with warming herbs such as basil, parsley, or mint.
- Add toasted nuts or seeds for warmth and healthy fats.
- Pair raw vegetables with grilled protein or warm whole grains like quinoa or barley.
- Enjoy a warm cup of tea alongside your meal instead of an iced beverage.
- Lightly steam or sauté vegetables rather than eating everything raw.
These simple additions help “protect the Spleen” by supporting healthy digestion while allowing you to enjoy the fresh flavors of the season. The goal isn’t to eliminate cooling foods—it’s to create harmony so your body can absorb all the nourishment they have to offer.
As with many principles in Chinese Medicine, balance is key. A few thoughtful adjustments can help you enjoy vibrant summer produce while keeping your digestive system feeling strong, energized, and comfortable.
Recipe:
Yields 1 Serving
1 cup of quinoa or couscous or rice
1 Tbsp of butter
¼ teaspoon of salt
pinch of sugar-optional
1 cup of boiling water
cup of frozen peas
1 cup of arugula or field greens
1 peach, diced
1 apple, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 lemon, juiced
1 lime, juiced
1-2 tbsp of sunflower oil-or light oil
Optional: Bottled salad dressing of choice
1 Melt the butter in a large pot, then add the couscous and salt.
2 Gently mix, until the grain start to turn golden. Then add the boiling water and sugar. Cover and allow to cook until the water is absorbed.
3 Transfer the couscous to a bowl and add the frozen peas and arugula and toss well.
4 Add the celery, peaches and apples and toss again.
5 Combine the lemon, lime, and oil in a small bowl. Whisk then drizzle onto the salad. Toss gently and enjoy!
6 Optional: Use bottled dressing instead of our dressing.
