At the root of Chinese Medicine is the concept of yin and yang. When the yin and yang of the body are in balance, there is health and vitality, but when they fall out of balance symptoms and illness arise.
Insomnia and restlessness can develop when there is a lack of restorative yin to balance the active yang in the body. The Kidneys in Chinese Medicine store the deepest reserve of yin and can be treated to help insomnia. Honey, black sesame seeds, and walnuts are all foods that nourish the Kidneys and yin of the body.
The warming spices make this recipe especially suited for the climate in the Northwest. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom all fire up digestion which helps to transform the moistening qualities of these ingredients into yin nourishing fluids. Enjoy these tasty treats daily and sleep well!
Honey Sesame and Walnut Spice Balls
Ingredients
½ cup black sesame seeds
1/3 to ½ cup chopped walnut pieces
3-4 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
¼ teaspoon cardamom
Directions
Roast the sesame seeds in a cast iron skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the seeds become fragrant. Make sure to shake the skillet occasionally to keep the sesame seeds from burning. Transfer the seeds to a bowl and allow to cool.
In a food processor combine all the ingredients and whir until completely mixed. Adjust spices as desired.
Roll into ½ - ¾ inch balls. If the mixture doesn’t stick together add more honey and whir until incorporated.
Enjoy!
This recipe is adapted from the educational and delicious cookbook, Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen by Yuan Wang, Warren Sheir, and Miko Ono.