Natural Relief for Edema A Moisture-Draining and Swelling-Reducing Soup Recipe

Are you tired of dealing with the discomfort and inconvenience of swelling and edema? Look no further! This Moisture-Draining and Swelling-Reducing Soup is a flavorful and natural remedy to help alleviate these symptoms. Packed with anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, this soup is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Here’s how to prepare this soothing and healing dish:

Ingredients

- 1 lb of lean chicken or turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 2 cups of carrots, sliced

- 2 cups of white radish, sliced

- 1 cup of lotus root, sliced

- 1 cup of burdock root, sliced

- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

- 1/2 cup of dried black beans, soaked overnight

- 1/2 cup of dried lotus seeds, soaked overnight

- 1/2 cup of dried goji berries

- 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

- 2 tablespoons of dried kombu (kelp)

- 1 tablespoon of ginger, thinly sliced

- 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the chicken or turkey breast and pat it dry. Soak the dried black beans, lotus seeds, and goji berries overnight in water to rehydrate them.

2. Boil the Chicken/Turkey: In a large pot, bring the chicken or turkey pieces to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface, and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, then remove the pieces from the pot and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Broth: In the same pot, add the chicken or vegetable broth and the dried kombu. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to extract the flavors from the kombu.

4. Add the Vegetables and Beans: Add the carrots, white radish, lotus root, burdock root, and green beans to the broth. Return the chicken or turkey pieces to the pot, and add the rehydrated black beans, lotus seeds, and goji berries.

5. Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and simmer the soup on low heat for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Season the Soup: Once the vegetables are tender, add the sliced ginger, salt, and sesame oil. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the kombu before serving. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s hot.

Health Benefits

- Chicken and Turkey: These lean proteins are excellent sources of amino acids and other nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

- Vegetables: Carrots, white radish, lotus root, burdock root, and green beans are all rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which can aid in digestion and reduce swelling.

- Dried Beans and Seeds: Black beans and lotus seeds are known for their diuretic properties, which can help eliminate excess fluids and reduce swelling.

- Goji Berries: These berries are packed with antioxidants and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve kidney function and reduce edema.

- Kombu: This seaweed is rich in iodine, which can help regulate the thyroid and aid in the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates.

Enjoy this Moisture-Draining and Swelling-Reducing Soup as a comforting meal or a soothing drink to help alleviate the discomfort of edema. Remember, while this soup can help reduce swelling, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan.

This article provides a detailed recipe for a traditional Chinese medicinal soup that aims to alleviate swelling and edema. It includes a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and an explanation of the health benefits associated with each ingredient.