Nourishing Your Body A Healing Chicken Soup Recipe to Boost Your Qi and Blood

In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of balancing Qi (vital energy) and blood is fundamental to maintaining health and vitality. One delicious and effective way to achieve this balance is through the preparation of a Qi and blood tonifying chicken soup. This article will guide you through the preparation of a nourishing chicken soup that not only tastes delicious but also helps to replenish and strengthen your body's Qi and blood.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole free-range chicken (about 3-4 pounds)

- 1 large onion, cut into wedges

- 4-6 cloves of garlic, peeled

- 2-3 slices of ginger

- 1 teaspoon of sea salt

- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

- 1 teaspoon of Chinese wolfberry (Gouqizi)

- 1 teaspoon of goji berries

- 1 teaspoon of red dates (Hongzao)

- 1 teaspoon of Astragalus Root (Huangqi)

- 1 teaspoon of Codonopsis Root (Dangshen)

- 2 cups of carrots, sliced

- 2 cups of winter squash, sliced

- 8 cups of filtered water

Instructions:

1. Begin by washing the chicken thoroughly and placing it in a large pot. Add the onion wedges, garlic cloves, and ginger slices to the pot.

2. Fill the pot with 8 cups of filtered water, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

3. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface of the water, as this is impurities. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes.

4. While the chicken is simmering, prepare the herbs and vegetables. Rinse the Chinese wolfberry, goji berries, red dates, Astragalus Root, and Codonopsis Root. Slice the carrots and winter squash.

5. After 30 minutes, add the sliced carrots and winter squash to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.

6. After an additional 30 minutes, add the sea salt, black pepper, Chinese wolfberry, goji berries, red dates, Astragalus Root, and Codonopsis Root to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well-developed.

7. Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and return the meat to the pot. This ensures the meat absorbs all the medicinal properties of the herbs and vegetables.

8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Simmer the soup for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

9. Serve the Qi and blood tonifying chicken soup hot, garnished with fresh green onions or cilantro, if desired.

Benefits:

This Qi and blood tonifying chicken soup is a warming and comforting dish that offers numerous health benefits. The combination of herbs and vegetables helps to:

- Strengthen the immune system

- Improve circulation and blood flow

- Boost energy levels

- Enhance digestion

- Promote relaxation and reduce stress

By incorporating this nourishing chicken soup into your diet, you can help to maintain a healthy balance of Qi and blood, leading to overall well-being and vitality.

Remember, the key to this dish lies in the quality of the ingredients. Opt for organic, free-range chicken and fresh, whole herbs and vegetables to maximize the benefits of this Qi and blood tonifying chicken soup. Enjoy your meal and savor the nourishing properties that this traditional Chinese medicine-inspired dish has to offer.