【Five Grains Health】
Research shows that the five grains can nourish the five internal organs. In ancient times, there was a saying that “one grain nourishes one organ.” The five grains include millet, rice, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum. Among them, millet nourishes the spleen, and soybeans nourish the kidneys, etc. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the five grains not only fill the stomach but are also excellent ingredients for dietary therapy to nourish the five internal organs.
Soybeans
Focus on Nourishing the Kidneys
The black soybean in soybeans is known as the “grain of the kidneys.” TCM believes it has the effects of nourishing the kidneys, strengthening the body, detoxifying, and moisturizing the skin, making it beneficial for kidney deficiency and edema.
Preparation: Soak and blend into soy milk, or cook black soybean porridge, consuming it once in the morning and once in the evening.
Rice
Focus on Moistening the Lungs
Rice includes both white rice and purple rice, and it has excellent effects in nourishing yin and moistening the lungs when symptoms of lung heat appear.
Preparation: Cook rice porridge over low heat until the rice soup is thick, consuming only the rice soup without the rice grains, and can be taken at any time.
Millet
Focus on Nourishing the Spleen
Millet is the top of the five grains, and regular consumption can strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach. For those with spleen deficiency and weakness, millet is an excellent tonic that can replenish energy and promote longevity.
Preparation: Cook a pot of millet porridge, skim off the essence—the rice oil—from the top with a spoon, and drink it on an empty stomach, which has excellent effects on nourishing the spleen and stomach, and can be consumed morning and evening.
Wheat
Focus on Nourishing the Heart
Wheat is known as the “noble grain of the five grains.” TCM believes it can nourish the heart, calm the spirit, and alleviate irritability and dryness. It has dietary therapeutic effects on alleviating symptoms of menopause, spontaneous sweating, and irritability in women.
Preparation: Use whole wheat with the husk to make porridge, or buy floating wheat from a Chinese medicine shop to brew water, consuming it three times a day.
Sorghum
Focus on Nourishing the Liver
Sorghum and soybeans are both considered miscellaneous grains, but sorghum is an indispensable supporting role among the five grains. Sorghum has the effects of nourishing the liver, benefiting the stomach, and stopping diarrhea, especially for those suffering from chronic diarrhea, who will see good results after continuous consumption for a period.
Preparation: Process sorghum into flour, roast it, and mix it with boiling water to make a thin paste, consuming it before breakfast and dinner.