Summer Elixir How to Brew Medicinal soups for Health and Vitality

Summer, with its scorching heat and humid climate, can be quite challenging for our body. The rising temperature can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and weakened immune system. To counter these issues, brewing medicinal soups during summer can be a wonderful way to nourish your body and enhance your health. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making medicinal soups specifically tailored for the summer season.

1. Understanding the benefits of medicinal soups

Medicinal soups, also known as yao shan tang in Chinese, are traditional remedies that combine the healing properties of herbs and spices with the nourishing qualities of vegetables and meats. These soups can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and provide essential nutrients to keep your body healthy during summer.

2. Choosing the right ingredients

To make a medicinal soup suitable for summer, you should focus on ingredients that are cooling and can help alleviate heatiness in your body. Here are some commonly used ingredients:

- Vegetables: bitter melon, lotus leaves, water chestnuts, cucumber, and green beans

- Herbs: mint, chrysanthemum, and goji berries

- Meats: chicken, lean pork, or fish

- Herbs: ginger, garlic, and scallion

3. Preparing the ingredients

Start by washing and cutting the vegetables and meats into appropriate sizes. If you are using fresh herbs, ensure they are clean and free from any dirt. For dried herbs like goji berries and chrysanthemum, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the soup.

4. The recipe: Summer cooling medicinal soup

Ingredients:

- 500g chicken or lean pork

- 1 bitter melon

- 50g goji berries

- 10g chrysanthemum

- 1 teaspoon ginger

- 1 teaspoon garlic

- 1 scallion

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the chicken or pork, ginger, and garlic, and boil for 10 minutes.

3. Add the bitter melon, goji berries, and chrysanthemum, and continue boiling for another 20 minutes.

4. Add the scallion, salt, and pepper, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Turn off the heat, let the soup cool down slightly, and serve.

4. Tips for brewing medicinal soups

- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, as they contain higher levels of nutrients and medicinal properties.

- Adjust the amount of ingredients based on your body's needs and tolerance.

- Add more water if the soup becomes too thick or concentrated.

- Drink the soup while it is still warm for optimal benefits.

5. Conclusion

Brewing medicinal soups during summer can be a delightful way to keep your body healthy and revitalized. By incorporating cooling ingredients and herbs, you can create a refreshing and nutritious meal that supports your immune system and promotes overall well-being. So, the next time you feel the heat of summer, don't forget to whip up a batch of medicinal soup to keep yourself cool and healthy!