Summer Health Boost Nourishing your Spleen with Traditional Chinese Medicine Recipes

Summer, with its scorching heat and abundant moisture, can be a challenging season for maintaining a healthy spleen. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen is considered the organ responsible for transforming food into energy and maintaining the body's balance. To support the spleen during the summer months, incorporating certain herbs and foods into your diet can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, and digestive issues. Below, we explore some delicious and nourishing spleen-boosting recipes that are perfect for the summer season.

1. Spleen-Supporting Soup: Chicken and Astragalus

Astragalus, a well-known herb in TCM, is known for its immune-boosting and spleen-supporting properties. This soup combines the warmth of chicken with the healing power of astragalus to create a comforting and nourishing dish.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole free-range chicken

- 1/2 cup astragalus roots

- 1 large onion, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 inch ginger, sliced

- 4 carrots, sliced

- 2 stalks celery, sliced

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken in a large pot and cover with cold water.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.

3. Add the astragalus roots, onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, and celery to the pot.

4. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well combined.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. Cooling Cucumber and Bitter Melon Salad

Bitter melon, another spleen-soothing herb, is often used in TCM to alleviate bloating and improve digestion. This refreshing salad pairs the cooling properties of cucumber with the bitterness of bitter melon to create a perfect summer dish.

Ingredients:

- 1 medium cucumber, sliced

- 1 medium bitter melon, sliced

- 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted

- 2 tablespoons sesame oil

- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon honey

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber and bitter melon slices.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and bitter melon, tossing gently to coat.

4. Add the roasted peanuts and toss again.

5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Reishi and Goji Berry Tea

Reishi mushrooms are prized in TCM for their ability to boost the immune system and support the spleen. This tea combines the immune-boosting properties of reishi with the nourishing benefits of goji berries for a healthy summer beverage.

Ingredients:

- 2-3 slices of reishi mushrooms

- 1/4 cup goji berries

- 4 cups of water

- Honey or lemon to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the reishi mushrooms and goji berries in a pot.

2. Add the water and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

4. Strain the tea into a cup and sweeten with honey or lemon if desired.

5. Drink warm or let it cool to room temperature.

By incorporating these spleen-supporting recipes into your summer diet, you can help keep your body balanced and energized. Remember, TCM is a holistic approach to health, and it's important to consider the overall balance of your diet and lifestyle. Enjoy the summer with these refreshing and rejuvenating dishes!