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Herbal Medicine

Congee: a healing comfort food

Rice is a staple grain in China, and except for some regional variations, is the base of most meals.  Congee is rice cooked with 3-5 times more water than usual. But this simple variation transforms rice into a healing culinary jewel. Likely first cooked just to extend a meager supply of rice in times of famine, congee has since become a jewel of rice cuisine.  It’s a common breakfast food and also an important healing food.  Many of China’s cancer hospitals serve congee to their patients.  It is soothing to the gut mucosa, provides easily digested nutrition and can be a enhanced with herbs or other foods to increase its medicinal effect.  I like it for breakfast, lunch or dinner with ginger, scallions and chicken or seafood.  Add a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil and you are in heaven.  I use a pressure cooker, but it can be made on the stovetop.

For a more medicinal congee, use more water, at least 10 parts water to 1 part rice.  Cook until the rice grains are disintegrated. Don’t forget the ginger!

Here is an easy to follow recipe for the pressure cooker.  https://iamafoodblog.com/make-instant-pot-chicken-congee/

 

 

Boost It With Ginseng

Ginseng is said to resemble a human body in shape, and it has been used for years in Asia.  Recently, it has become a popular item in Western culture. Many claims about this root have been advertised, such as its reputation for extending longevity and its use for stamina and endurance. Let’s look at the types of ginseng and the differences.

There are three main types of ginseng used: continue reading »

Dandelion: Detox With This Yellow Charmer

Next time you’re in a wide open field, pasture or meadow dotted with beautiful yellow dandelions, know that these prolific little delights are not only beautiful, but packed with nutrition and offer a host of healthy benefits. Let’s explore this amazing flower. continue reading »

Herbal Tonics for Digestion

Digestive disorders can be simple like flatulence or gas, or they can be much more serious, such as Crohn’s disease. But regardless of the severity of the disease, there is no doubt digestive disorders affect far more people than they should, especially in the United States. A recent survey reports nearly 74 percent of all Americans are living with digestive issues. Most people don’t report it to their doctors either, because they assume it is normal to have gas, bloating or abdominal pain. But these symptoms can be indicators of much more serious underlying problems. continue reading »

Herbal Tonics to Reduce Stress

Stress is something that affects everybody. Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional tension or strain resulting from demanding or adverse circumstances. This can result in a multitude of symptoms, including headaches, muscle tension, pain, insomnia, worry, anxiety, depression and even disease. And according to a recent survey, nearly 77 percent of all Americans regularly experience physical or psychological symptoms caused by stress (American Institute of Stress, May 2017). continue reading »