Womb Warming Recipes

BY: Dr. Hilda Gonzalez

Traditional Chinese Medicine generally leans towards warm or warming foods rather than raw or chilled. The theory behind this is that the body struggles to break down cold and raw food and then has difficulty generating qi (energy) and blood.

Yang (or warming energy) is the source of movement of blood and qi throughout the body. It is also the catalyst for reproductive processes, like ovulation and implantation.

With over 14 years of experience with plant based nutrition, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Hilda Gonzalez has put together a variety of delicious recipes to help warm the womb and assist the flow of blood and qi through the body!

 
 

OATMEAL BREAKFAST BOWL

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Not only are oatmeal bowls the perfect way to kick start your day, as they are warm, satiating and simply by topping them with your favorite berries and seeds you increase the anti-inflammatory and protective benefits of this simple meal. 

Why? While everyone is always focused on protein intake, the true deficiency seems to be fiber. It is estimated that less than  3% of American’s meet the recommended requirement. The consumption of fiber containing foods, aka plant foods, may reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and obesity as well.  So, oatmeal bowls to the rescue. 

 
 

INGREDIENTS:

  • ½ cup of oats

  • 1 cup of water

  • ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder

  • ½ of vanilla extract

TOPPINGS:

  • 3 pitted and chopped dates

  • ½ cup of berries

  • 1 teaspoon of ground flaxseeds

  • Handful of walnuts or pecans

  • Optional: goji berries, chia seeds, ½ teaspoon of maple syrup, extra sprinkle of cinnamon

 
 

DIRECTIONS:

  • Bring water to a boil, once boiling add oatmeal slowly, constantly stirring until desired consistency.

  • Follow directions of the type of oatmeal you purchased as each has a slightly different cooking time.

  • Once oatmeal has softened add cinnamon powder and vanilla extract.

  • Pour oatmeal into your favorite bowl.

  • Add your toppings!

MISO, KALE & TOFU SOUP

This is the perfect warming soup to cozy up for the coming cooler months. 

Why? Miso contains probiotic benefits that may benefit a healthy microbiome, and a healthy microbiome= overall health. Win, win! Combine the miso benefits with the prebiotic benefits of dark leafy greens, e.g. kale, the warming anti-inflammatory benefits of the ginger, the blood tonifying benefits of the black sesame seeds and the delicious benefits of the soy phytoestrogens (great for managing menopausal hot flashes). 

 TOPPINGS:

  • ½ teaspoon of black sesame seeds

  • ½ chopped green onion

 INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups of water

  • 3 cups of washed/chopped kale

  • 1 cup of cubed firm tofu

  • 1 tablespoon of miso paste

  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon of grated ginger.

DIRECTIONS:

  • Bring water to a boil, add all ingredients except for the miso paste.

  • Bring down fire, allow ingredients to cook for 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Allow a few minutes to cool down, stir in miso until it has dissolved.

  • Top with black sesame seeds, green onion and extra fresh grated ginger

  • Cozy up and enjoy.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TONIC FOR MENSTRUAL PAIN

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This tonic recipe is my go-to for reducing any inflammation, especially relating to menstrual pain . It contains citrus to add sweetness & Vitamin C; ginger, cayenne pepper and turmeric for their incredible anti-inflammatory properties; and black pepper for its synergistic ability to enhance the properties of turmeric. You can enjoy it as a morning revitalizing shot, or as a delicious mocktail by adding it to some sparkling water for an evening elixir.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Juice of 1 orange

  • Juice of ½ lemon/lime

  • 1 tsp of turmeric powder or ½ inch of fresh turmeric (peeled)

  • 1 tsp of ginger powder or 1 inch of fresh ginger (peeled)

  • ¼ tsp of black pepper

  • ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper (or less if too spicy)

  • ¼ cup of water

  • 1 tsp of maple syrup (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Throw everything in your blender, mix and strain if necessary. You can also mix it with sparkling water to indulge in an evening tonic. You can make it ahead of time and keep it in a sealed jar for up to 3 days in your refrigerator. Drink it daily or as needed.

FYI: This is my favorite tonic for delayed onset muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, digestive bloating and seasonal allergies … Why? You guessed it, they all have an inflammatory element!

Take a picture, tag us @saffronsageus and enjoy!

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