Herbal Feasting

Central to Traditional Chinese Medical theory is the notion that food is medicine. Think about it, food is the most common thing we put in our bodies, so it makes sense that what we eat is going to have the largest impact on our health physically, mentally, and emotionally. Rather than viewing mealtimes as a necessary chore or an opporunity to indulge and feel guilty about later, breakfast, lunch, and dinner can become a regular place of creative self-care.

One way we see this in Chinese Medicine is the frequent incorporation of healthy herbs in daily meals. Adding a few goji berries to your oatmeal in the morning or making a stir fry with bittermelon are some examples. Another way to access the healing power of food is to make traditonal herbal soups. Our series of Herbal Soups illustrates precisely this point. Herbal Soups and Teas are a central part of Southern Chinese food culture, sometimes served alongside Dim Sum or stand alone at a soup stand. Unlike herbal medicine which typically doesn’t include meat and is drank regularly over a prescribed period of time, herbal soups are prepared periodically and consumed with meals. Here are a few of our favorites:

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang 十全大补汤
Shi Quan Da Bu Wan, also known as Ten Tonics Decoction, is an all around strengthening herbal formula. This formula first appeared in the late 11th century and is best used for someone with chronic illness of a deficiency nature. Symptoms may include fatigue, weak digestion, low appetite, dizziness, cold extremities, pale complexion, weak cough, dry skin, mouth ulcers, and external bruises or sores that are slow to heal. It may also be helpful to restore vitality after childbirth or surgery. As the name suggests, the formula contains ten herbal ingredients (shi quan) and is designed to strengthen and move both blood and qi (da bu). To prepare simply add 1000ml of water, 500g of pork meat, and bring to a boil together with herbs then simmer for 2-3 hours. Remove the herbs and drink the remaining broth with a side of rice and steamed or sauteed greens.

Si Wu Tang 四物汤
Also known as Four Treasures Soup, this formula combines only four ingredients to improve circulation, regulate the Liver, and nourish Blood. It can be a taken semi-regularly to strengthen the body and combat general muscle tension, slight dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, and pale complexion. To prepare simply add 1000ml of water, 500g of pork meat, and bring to a boil together with herbs then simmer for 2-3 hours. Remove the herbs and drink the remaining broth with a side of rice and steamed or sauteed greens.

He Shou Wu Bu Xue Tang 何首乌补血汤
He Shou Wu is a legendary herb with a story. Also known as Fo-Ti or polygonum multiflorum, is known in China from the legend of “Old black-haired Mr. He.” The story goes that Old Mr. He was too weak and sickly to leave town to find food when famine struck. Instead, he stayed and lived off the roots of the fo-ti plant he dug up. When the famine passed and the villagers returned, they discovered a bright-eyed, black-haired, and energetic Mr. He. From then on, fo-ti has been used in TCM to combat many age-related issues, but especially for graying or dull hair. Regular consumption of this herb in combination with other Kidney and Liver Blood tonics in this blend may support healthy aging. To prepare simply add 1000ml of water, 500g of pork meat, and bring to a boil together with herbs then simmer for 2-3 hours. Remove the herbs and drink the remaining broth with a side of rice and steamed or sauteed greens.

Bu Qi Huo Xue Tang 补气活血汤
Bu Qi Huo Xue means “Move Qi and Invigorate Blood.” Qi and Blood are the two essences that a healthy body depends upon, allowing for both energy as well as restoration. This soup is wonderful for people with low energy and difficulty resting. Consumed regularly, it may increase stamina and relieve exhaustion, build appetite and promote blood circulation. To prepare simply add 1000ml of water, 500g of pork meat, and bring to a boil together with herbs then simmer for 2-3 hours. Remove the herbs and drink the remaining broth with a side of rice and steamed or sauteed greens.

Zi Yin Run Fei Tang 滋阴润肺汤
In Chinese, Zi Yin Run Fei means to strengthen Yin and moisten the Lungs. This herbal soup is great for cold season when dry coughs, sore throats, an dry patches on the skin run amuck. To prepare simply add 1000ml of water, 500g of pork meat, and bring to a boil together with herbs then simmer for 2-3 hours. Remove the herbs and drink the remaining broth with a side of rice and steamed or sauteed greens.

Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang 当归补血汤
Dang Gui is often referred to as “female ginseng” because of its ability to support healthy menstrual cycles and transition into menopause. That being said, that being said this blend of herbs is helpful to tonify Qi and generate blood in men and women alike. When consumed it may relieve hot skin, flushed face, sweating, anxiety, and mood swings. To prepare simply add 1000ml of water, 500g of pork meat, and bring to a boil together with herbs then simmer for 2-3 hours. Remove the herbs and drink the remaining broth with a side of rice and steamed or sauteed greens.

Ginseng Chicken Soup 人参鸡汤
Every culture, it seems, has a variation on chicken soup for for good health. The Chinese have traditionally added Ginseng, along with a variety of herbs to strengthen the body’s immune system. Cook herbs in boiling water for 30 minutes. Stuff chicken with herbs, then wrap in aluminum foil. Add water to the broth left-behind and steam the chicken using that liquid for about 2.5 hours. Cut the chicken meat into desired portions and serve over rice with side of green vegetables.

Nan Yang Rou Gu Cha 南洋肉骨茶
Unlike the other tang’s (soups) in this list, this herbal soup is actually considered a cha (tea) because of the smaller quantity of herbs that are used. Apart from the spices, this blend contains a number of tonic herbs such as Dang Gui, Ginseng, Astragalus, and Solomon’s seal which tonify blood and qi in the body. To prepare, marinate 500g spare ribs with black pepper and dark soy sauce for an hour. While the meat marinates, boil the herbal ingredients together with 1000ml of water for 20 minutes. Add the marinated meat to the soup, add some cloves of garlic, black peppercorns, and mushrooms and simmer for an hour. Serve with rice and steamed or sauteed greens. As the name suggests, this dish is best served with a steaming pot of Oolong tea.