Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and spontaneous sweating, along with irritability and easy heat, what should we do about these issues? A collection of ingredients and methods from both the north and south to help you nourish the heart and calm the spirit.
What should you eat to protect your heart?
Pig Heart and Astragalus Soup
► Method:
Prepare the pig heart by blanching it, wash the Huang Qi (Astragalus), and place both in a pot with an appropriate amount of hot water. Steam for 2 hours.
► Expert Commentary:
As people age, coupled with the pressures of life and work, some may experience symptoms such as heart palpitations and anxiety due to Qi deficiency and insufficient Yang of the heart. Pig heart nourishes the heart and replenishes blood, while Huang Qi tonifies the middle and benefits Qi. This combination is suitable for those with insufficient heart Qi and blood deficiency.
Huang Qi can be replaced with Nan Qi. In the south, where it is often humid and hot, Huang Qi is sweet and warm, which can easily lead to heat. In this case, Nan Qi (also known as Wuzhi Maotao) can be used as a substitute. Nan Qi benefits Qi, dispels dampness, and promotes blood circulation without causing heat.
Ginseng and Longan Porridge
► Method:
Use an appropriate amount of rice, about ten longans, and 7-8 slices of Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng). Wash and set aside. First, cook the rice and longan in water for 10 minutes, then add the Xi Yang Shen and cook for another 5 minutes.
► Expert Commentary:
Heart palpitations, vivid dreams, and dizziness are often caused by insufficient Qi and blood. Xi Yang Shen tonifies Qi and nourishes Yin, containing ginsenosides that enhance myocardial contractility. Longan enters the heart channel, nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. The combination of these two can effectively nourish the heart and calm the spirit.
What should you eat for poor sleep?
Lily, Longan, and Lotus Seed Soup
► Method:
Soak and wash the tremella, lily, and lotus seeds. Tear the tremella into small pieces, then place all three ingredients along with longan meat into a pot with sufficient water and simmer on low heat for 1 hour. You can add osmanthus honey for flavor before eating.
► Expert Commentary:
Lily is slightly cool in nature and enters the heart and lung channels, which can clear the heart, calm the spirit, and moisten the lungs. The combination of lily and longan is suitable for those with insufficient heart Yin leading to insomnia.
Longan meat can also be consumed this way. Take 500 grams of fresh longan meat, marinate it with 50 grams of white sugar, and then steam and sun-dry it nine times. After preparation, consume 4-5 pieces each night to calm the spirit and nourish the heart blood.
Jujube and Sour Jujube Seed Drink
► Method:
Take an appropriate amount of sour jujube seeds and 3-4 red dates, wash and tear them into pieces. Boil water in a pot, add the sour jujube seeds and red dates, and cook for another 5 minutes after boiling.
► Expert Commentary:
Middle-aged women are prone to symptoms such as irritability (caused by Yin deficiency), heart palpitations, insomnia, and even depression. Sour jujube seeds can nourish the heart, calm the spirit, and restrain sweating, while red dates can tonify the middle, benefit Qi, nourish blood, and calm the spirit. The combination is sweet and sour, which can improve irritability, fatigue, and insomnia.
What should you eat for bad temper?
Three Flower Drink
► Method:
Take 2-3 rose flowers, an appropriate amount of Huang Bai Ju (Chrysanthemum), and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), and brew with hot water.
► Expert Commentary:
Middle-aged women often exhibit irritability due to insufficient liver blood, which can transform into heat. Rose flowers enter the liver channel, helping to soothe the liver, relieve depression, and nourish blood; Huang Bai Ju can soothe the liver and clear heat; Jin Yin Hua enters the heart and stomach channels, clearing heat and detoxifying. The combination of these three can not only nourish liver blood and soothe the liver Qi but also clear heat.
There are many varieties of chrysanthemum, each with different effects. Wild chrysanthemum can clear heat and detoxify, often used for sore throat and high fever; White chrysanthemum dispels wind, brightens the eyes, and clears the liver; Yellow chrysanthemum disperses wind-heat, suitable for dizziness and blurred vision.
Lotus Heart, Chrysanthemum, and Goji Berry Tea
► Method:
Take black goji berries, lotus hearts, and chrysanthemum. First, brew the lotus hearts and chrysanthemum, and then add black goji berries after the water cools down.
► Expert Commentary:
Lotus heart is bitter and clears heat from the heart; White chrysanthemum can clear the liver, brighten the eyes, and dispel wind. The combination can dispel evil, alleviating liver fire and heart fire. Black goji berries contain anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This herbal tea is suitable for those who are irritable, moody, and easily overheated. If you have a weak spleen and stomach, use less or no lotus heart.
There are considerations for soaking goji berries in a thermos. Use 10-20 grams each time. Red goji berries should be steeped in boiling water, while black goji berries should be steeped in water around 60°C. After drinking, don’t forget to chew the goji berries to achieve a balanced effect of tonifying and purging.
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“North-South Health Preservation Competition” (Part Four)
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Article edited by:Bo Ran Editor: Bai Xia
