What foods can help clear heat and detoxify? Many foods possess the ability to clear heat, detoxify, and promote lung health and appetite. Below, I will introduce some foods that can clear heat and detoxify, along with methods to do so.
1. Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng): Nourishing and Anti-Fatigue
It is cool in nature and nourishing, capable of supporting the vital energy, reducing fire, generating body fluids, and alleviating fatigue. During the hot summer months, excessive heat and sweating can deplete the body’s vital energy and yin fluids, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and irritability. Adding Xi Yang Shen to soups can significantly combat fatigue.
2. Jin Zhen Cai (Daylily): Clearing Heat and Alleviating Worry
This herb can tonify qi and nourish blood, clear heat and dampness, and relieve feelings of worry and anger. It is also rich in nutrients such as protein, carotene, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
3. Zhu Sheng (Bamboo Fungus): Refreshing and “Grease-Removing”
Zhu Sheng, also known as bamboo fungus, is a precious fungus that grows on the roots of dead bamboo and was once a tribute in the imperial court. In modern times, it has appeared as a delicacy at state banquets. It has a crisp and tender texture, high nutritional value, and is rich in gelatinous fiber, aiding digestion and reducing abdominal fat accumulation, commonly referred to as “grease-removing.” The Chinese Pharmacopoeia records that Zhu Sheng has multiple functions, including benefiting the stomach, clearing the intestines, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and weight loss.
1. Mu Er Dou Fu Geng (Wood Ear and Tofu Soup)
Ingredients: Wood ear mushrooms, tofu, ham, water starch, scallions, ginger, oil, salt, chicken essence.
Method: Rinse the tofu and cut it into small pieces. Dice the ham. Soak the wood ear mushrooms until they expand and cut them into small pieces. (Soaking wood ear mushrooms in cooked rice water yields the best texture.) Boil water in a pot, blanch the tofu briefly to remove the bean smell, then remove it. Do not discard the water; continue to blanch the wood ear mushrooms for a moment, then remove. Add the diced ham and blanch briefly. In a hot wok, add oil and sauté the minced scallions and ginger. Add the wood ear mushrooms and ham, stir-frying briefly. Pour in an appropriate amount of water, add the tofu, and bring to a boil. After boiling, add salt and chicken essence to taste. Thicken the soup slightly, sprinkle with a little sesame oil and chopped scallions, and serve.
Effect: The gelatinous substance in wood ear mushrooms can absorb and expel dust and impurities remaining in the digestive system, acting as a “cleanser” for the intestines. It contains vitamin K, which helps reduce blood clots and prevent atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Wood ear mushrooms are also rich in iron, and regular consumption can nourish the blood and enhance complexion.
2. Pai Gu Dou Ya Tang (Pork Rib and Bean Sprout Soup)
Ingredients: Fresh pork ribs, yellow bean sprouts, scallions, ginger, cooking wine, salt.
Method: Cut the pork ribs into small pieces and blanch them in water to clean. Cut the scallions into sections and slice the ginger. Clean the yellow bean sprouts and add them to the pot with the prepared pork ribs, adding enough water and ginger slices. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer. After about an hour, the pork ribs should be tender. Remove the ginger slices, add a little salt and cooking wine for seasoning, and finally add some chopped scallions for flavor.
Effect: The rich and flavorful broth of the pork rib and bean sprout soup is highly nutritious and can cleanse the intestinal environment, helping the body to detoxify easily.
3. Zi Cai Zhi Ma Fan (Seaweed and Sesame Rice)
Ingredients: 100g roasted seaweed, 120g each of black and white sesame seeds, cooked rice.
Method: First, use scissors to cut the seaweed into thin strips, then crush the two types of sesame seeds with a rolling pin. Mix the prepared ingredients into the rice and eat together. Each serving does not require too much material, about 1-2 tablespoons is sufficient; the rest can be stored for later use.
Effect: Seaweed promotes gastrointestinal movement; sesame seeds are rich in amino acids, dietary fiber, and minerals, which can aid in bowel movements. Sesame is known for nourishing the liver and kidneys, especially effective for constipation.
1. Liang Ban Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion Salad)
Ingredients: 150g dandelion, 3 slices of ginger, 3 cloves of garlic, 3 scallion whites, seasoning to taste. Clean the dandelion and cut it into sections; wash and slice the ginger; wash and chop the garlic; wash and chop the scallion whites. Place the dandelion in a plate, add the ginger, garlic, sesame oil, vinegar, soy sauce, and chicken essence, and mix well. Consume one serving daily. This dish can clear heat, detoxify, soothe the throat, and reduce swelling.
2. Liang Ban Bo He (Mint Salad)