Restore Your Balance
December
Winter is the end of all seasons. To unify with winter, one emphasizes the yin principle to become more receptive and retrospective. Cold and darkness drive us to seek inner warmth. It is a time of rest, meditation and storing physical energy.
In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as well as the hair, skin and nails.
Sea vegetables (or seaweeds) provide a variety of minerals and vitamins, including calcium, iron and iodine, and can help balance hormone and thyroid levels in the body.
Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soil can result in a lack of minerals in the body, leading to cravings for salty or sugary foods. Adding sea vegetables to your diet can help balance your energy levels and alleviate cravings.
Try this simple recipe for miso soup! It is very easy to make and the ingredients will supply your body with the essential minerals during winter months.
Magic Miso Soup
4-5 servings
Ingredients:
- 4-5 cups water
- 1-2 inch strip of wakame (sea vegetable), rinsed and soaked 5 minutes in 1 cup of water until softened
- 1-2 cups thinly sliced vegetables of your choice (fx carrot, leek,broccoli or shitaki mushrooms )
- 2-3 teaspoons barley/rice miso
- 2 spring onions, finely chopped
Directions:
- Chop soaked wakame.
- Discard soaking water or use on houseplants for a boost of minerals.
- Place water and wakame in a soup pot and bring to a boil.
- Add root vegetables first and simmer gently for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Add leafy vegetables and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove about 1/2 cup of liquid from pot and dissolve miso into it. Return it to the pot.
- Reduce heat to very low; do not boil or simmer miso broth.
- Allow soup to cook 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve.