Recipes from The Retreat - Qi Glow shots with blueberry & ginger

Blueberries & Ginger: A Power Pair for Wellness in TCM and Beyond

When it comes to boosting your health with natural, whole foods, few combinations are as potent and delicious as blueberries and ginger. While modern nutrition celebrates their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers an even deeper insight into why these two ingredients work so well together.

Blueberries in TCM: Nourishing Yin and Supporting the Liver

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blueberries are considered cooling and nourishing. They are associated with the Liver and Kidney meridians—organs that are deeply connected to vitality, vision, hormonal balance, and the regulation of emotions.

Yin Nourishment: Blueberries help replenish yin fluids, which are often depleted by stress, overwork, and excessive heat in the body. Yin represents the cooling, moistening, and restorative energy—perfect for calming inflammation or an overactive system. Also ideal for menopause and peri meno symptoms.

Liver Support: The deep purple color corresponds with the Liver in the Five Element theory (wood element), helping soothe irritability, regulate qi (energy), and support detoxification.

Eye Health: In TCM, the Liver “opens to the eyes,” and blueberries, rich in anthocyanins, are traditionally believed to support clear vision and eye fatigue.

Ginger in TCM: Warming, Moving, and Protective

Ginger, on the other hand, is warming and pungent. It’s a key player in many TCM formulas to stimulate circulation and digestion.

Warming the Middle Jiao: Ginger supports the Spleen and Stomach—organs central to digestion and qi production. It helps “warm the middle,” dispelling cold and supporting a strong digestive fire. Great for supporting digestive issues

Moving Qi: Stagnation of qi is a root cause of many imbalances in TCM, from menstrual pain to emotional stress. Ginger helps move stagnant qi, promoting flow and harmony throughout the body. Relieving aches and pains.

Protective Energy (Wei Qi): Fresh ginger can boost the body’s defensive energy, its immune system to us in the west, helping fend off colds and flu, especially during transitions between seasons.

Why They Work Together: Balance & Harmony

From a TCM perspective, combining blueberries (cool, yin) with ginger (warm, yang) brings a beautiful balance of energies. Blueberries calm and nourish, while ginger stimulates and protects. Together, they:

Balance yin and yang

Nourish while energizing

Support digestion while calming inflammation

Aid detoxification while boosting immunity

In other words, they create a shot of wellness that not only tastes amazing but supports your whole system, from digestion to mental clarity.

Beyond TCM: The Science-Backed Benefits

Modern research aligns with these ancient principles. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, known for protecting cells from oxidative stress. They’re linked to improved cognitive function, heart health, and blood sugar regulation.

Ginger has well-documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It aids digestion, reduces nausea, and may help alleviate muscle pain and support immune function.

A Daily Ritual of Balance

Taking a shot made with fresh ginger and blueberries is more than just a trendy wellness ritual, it’s a way to infuse your day with grounded, intentional nourishment rooted in ancient wisdom and supported by modern science.

Whether you’re starting your morning with it or using it as a midday pick-me-up, this dynamic duo is a powerful way to realign your body, support your organs, and stay resilient, inside and out.

Simply blend

150g frozen blueberries,

25g peeled fresh ginger,

1tbsp honey, use local real honey for the wellbeing goodness,

250ml water,

juice of half a lemon.

whizz for 30 seconds and strain.

Pour into shot glasses or the little shot bottles ( Amazon) and store in the fridge, or freeze and use as required. Makes around 10 shots.

I wait for my shots to reach room temperature as Chinese medicine says we shouldn't add cold to our stomachs, and they are also nice diluted with sparkly water.