Hong Zao & Walnut Snack
Trick-or-Treat: TCM Style!
Hong Zao & Walnut Snack
What you’ve received is a TCM-approved, super healthy snack, and one of my all-time favourites!
These two foods you received are simple, nourishing, and full of meaning in Chinese medicine.
Hong zao (Red jujube/Chinese red date)
Walnut
Hong Zao (Red Jujube / Chinese Red Date)
Hong Zao (Chinese jujube/Chinese red date) is considered a gentle tonic herb that helps nourish Qi and Blood, the body’s vital energy and substance.
It’s a food medicinal, meaning it’s a common ingredient in soups, teas, and desserts across Chinese and Korean cuisines.
Its natural sweetness supports the Spleen and Stomach (belong to the Earth element and associated with seasonal transition and Late Summer), helping digestion, promoting a sense of warmth and providing emotional and physical stability/groundedness.
If you’ve ever taken a TCM herbal formula, chances are Hong Zao was part of your prescription, adding gentle sweetness to the blend. It appears in a wide variety of formulas, from those supporting the common cold and digestion to menstrual health, sleep, and emotional well-being.
It’s such a beautiful example of how food can truly be medicine.
Nourishing, comforting, and delicious!
Walnut
Walnut is cherished as a longevity food.
Its brain-like shape hints at its traditional use for supporting memory and cognitive health, a lovely example of the ancient “doctrine of signatures.”
It is rich in natural oils and Omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts also help moisten the Lungs and Large Intestine, the organ pair associated with Metal element and Autumn, supporting immunity, smooth digestion, healthy skin, and letting to of many kinds.
Walnut nourishes the Essence related to the Kidney system, associated with Water element and Winter (Winter Health blog series is set to start on November 30, 2025!), which governs growth, reproduction, aging and longevity, and can help strengthen the low back and knees while also benefiting mental and cognitive function.
Traditionally, walnut can also be used to support some types of gynecological conditions and overall vitality.
It’s a small but mighty food with wide-reaching nourishment!
Hope you enjoy this Hong Zao and Walnut snack: a simple, wholesome treat that’s sweet, grounding, and full of gentle nourishment.
Interested in TCM nourishment?
You can learn more on my dedicated page about Nourishment (but it might not be what you think!?).
May this little TCM-style treat bring you warmth, energy, and good Qi this season and beyond!
— Akari
Note:
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical or dietary advice. Individuals with medical conditions, food allergies, or who are pregnant or nursing should consult a qualified healthcare provider before consuming new foods or herbs.
If you’re not currently a TCM patient at our practice and wish to receive personalized guidance, consultations are available.