Minor Cold
Jan 5–7 · 水 · Water
Typically falls on January 5–7. The year's second-coldest period begins — though technically 'minor' cold, temperatures are extremely low. This is the heart of winter's deepest cold.
Xiǎohán marks the beginning of the year's truly bitter cold — the polar opposite of summer's peak heat. Ancient Chinese used this time for warming and nourishing the body. Despite the name 'minor,' this is among the coldest periods of the year, with the year's coldest days often falling here.
Chicken (鸡汤) — warming, strengthening. Ginger in everything. Hot and Warming Herb Tea (温补药茶) — Chinese medicinal teas to warm the body's interior during bitter cold. Walnuts and Sichuan pepper — circulation-warming.
Story: During Xiǎohán, ancient Chinese would make chicken soup with ginger and medicinal herbs to warm the body's core. It was believed that the cold of this season could penetrate deeply and cause illness — so heavy warming and tonification was the prescription for staying healthy through winter's depths.
Xiǎohán is when you need to be most serious about keeping your core warm. Ginger tea throughout the day is excellent — it warms from the inside out. If you have any history of respiratory weakness, this is when it's most likely to flare up. Protect your lungs with scarves and warm clothing.
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