Super Soup; Magnificent for Menopause!
Feeling restless, cant sit down long enough to relax, are hot flushes a problem for you or maybe its your digestion or stress? Chinese diet therapy can help relieve signs of menopausal syndrome when used on a regular basis.
In chinese medicine there are two types of energy. The first belongs to the kidney energy and is called pre-natal qi. It is similar to our genetics and inheritance and is given to us at birth from our parents. This energy is finite and gradually declines as we age; its deficiency is often seen in menopausal syndrome.
The second form of energy is our post-natal energy. This comes from our spleen and stomach energy and is a result of the nutrition and food we eat. In TCM theory we can use this energy to help supplement the decline of our kidneys pre-natal qi or 'essence'. This is why digestion is a crucial element in the treatment of menopausal syndrome.
GOJI BERRY AND CHICKEN SOUP
-The digestive super-soup!!
Medicinal ingredients:
Goji berries are full of antioxidants and are good for tonifying the blood and boosting energy levels. They provide nourishment to the body when heat causes dryness. Goji berries can also benefit the eyes. In addition, they are commonly eaten when the female has her period or when entering menopause, this is because goji berries tonify the bodies 'yin energy'.
Ginger is a chinese herb and in pinyin, called ‘shengjiang’. Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion. It is used for bloating, stomach pains, reflux and nausea. It is of a warming nature and especially good in winter. Fresh ginger is also used for fending off early signs of a cold.
Shitake Mushrooms may assist in strengthening the immune system, lower cholesterol and reduce risk of cancer. They also have an anti-aging effect.
Ingredients
400g chicken on the bone
2 slices ginger
2 L chicken stock
100g goji berries (fresh or dried)
1 large onion
12 shiitake mushrooms thinly sliced (can also be bought dried at woollies)
Salt and pepper
Method:
1. Prepare the chicken by rinsing under cold running water for 30 seconds.
2. Place chicken in a large pan on a low heat and add the onions and ginger. > Cook for a few minutes to seal in the flavour. There’s no need to add any oil or butter.
3. Pour in the chicken stock and allow to simmer for around one and a half hours, on a low heat setting.
4. Pour in the goji berries and shiitake mushrooms then simmer for a further 30 mins.
Add salt to taste.
*Notes: Traditionally in China, black chicken or ‘silky chicken’ is used as it is said to have stronger tonic effects. This however is difficult to locate in Australia.
Use organic chicken or chicken with no added hormones from your butcher. Added hormones and other chemicals can block digestion of important nutrients in our digestive systems.
Modifications to this soup include:
a) Mushroom soup: add an array of assorted mushrooms.
b) Vegetable soup: Add assorted veges.
c) Add shallots: This herb is known as 'congbai' in chinese medicine, it improves cirulation, relieves colds, alleviates bloating and can be used to clear toxicity and lumps.
d) Add ShanYao: ShanYao also called chinese yam, is an excellent tonic for the digestive system and can also boost energy levels. It is easily digested by the spleen and stomach.
For more recipies using chinese herbs click here
