Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dietary therapy combines food and medicine to achieve health maintenance and disease treatment.
For example, Hong Zao (Red Dates) has the effects of bu zhong yi qi (tonifying the middle and benefiting qi) and yang xue an shen (nourishing blood and calming the spirit). For those with insufficient qi and blood or insomnia, consuming a few Hong Zao daily or cooking them in porridge can be beneficial. Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) can strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach, as well as nourish the kidneys and essence; Shan Yao stewed with pork ribs is an excellent dietary therapy suitable for individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency or insufficient kidney essence.
Sheng Jiang (Ginger) is warm in nature and has the effects of jie biao san han (releasing the exterior and dispersing cold) and warm zhong zhi ao (warming the middle and stopping vomiting). At the onset of a cold due to exposure to cold, drinking a bowl of ginger soup can induce sweating and dispel cold pathogens. For women with cold in the uterus and dysmenorrhea, drinking ginger tea during menstruation can help alleviate pain.
Additionally, Bai He (Lily) can moisten the lungs and stop coughing, as well as clear the heart and calm the spirit. Bai He and lotus seed soup can improve symptoms of dry cough due to lung dryness and irritability leading to insomnia.
TCM dietary therapy emphasizes choosing foods based on individual constitution and the seasons. In summer, it is advisable to consume more foods that clear heat and relieve summer heat, such as Lu Dou (Mung Beans); in winter, warming and nourishing foods, such as lamb, are more suitable. Through reasonable dietary therapy, we can enjoy delicious food while achieving health maintenance and wellness.