Strengthen the Qi

Tong sum is well known among the Chinese as a poor man's ginseng. It benefits the lungs and is consumed to improve blood circulation during the cold winter months.

Longan (or 'dragon-eye fruits' ) and red dates are known for its blood fortifying properties while kei chi (hawthorn berries) is believed to be good for the eyes. In terms of active compounds, researchers have found out, it is better than eyebright herb in aid of the eye. Chinese children eat kei chi like raisins, munching as they read their books or when doing their homework. It relieves tired eyes.

When these herbs are combined, the concoction produced is believed by the Chinese as to be able to strengthen one's qi. Longan, red dates and kei chi fortifies one's blood and tong sum improve circulation and the healthy blood is carried throughout one's body and its extremities, hence improving the general health.

This recipe is used to make teas for women in confinement and is highly nutritious and boosts the immune system. My parents and their grand parents have used this herbal teas whenever a female member of the house delivers a baby. You may try it if you like.


Tung sum, longan, red dates and kei chi

Ingredients:-
25 gm tung sum
2 tablespoons Kei Chi , washed and drained
25 red dates, stones removed
80 gm dried longan, washed and drained
2 litres water

Method:-
1.Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan
2.Add water and bring to boil
3.Simmer for 3 to 4 hours. Drink it warm

Fortify The Body With Barley

Barley is an amazing crop and can practically thrive in any harsh conditions. To many civilisations, it is an important staple food. And recent research papers suggest that this humble crop serves humanity more than is earlier thought of. For instance, it helps lower blood cholesterol (hence good for people with blood cholesterol and heart disease).

Researchers in Canada, the United States, and Australia have found out that the components in barley not only effectively lower blood cholesterol but have also improved blood sugar levels in non-insulin dependent diabetics (Type 2). While scientists cannot pin point what exactly in barley causes these health benefits, they believe that the high soluble content in barley are the contributing factors.

The Chinese have long used barley in their diet, sometimes mixing with rice when the latter was scarce or crops fail, for their meals. On hot days, barley is used to cool down the body, as a herbal drink and diuretic.

Dried longan, lotus seeds and yok chuk (picture left) are traditional Chinese herbs used into cooking to improve appetite and digestion. Dried longan have been used to fortify the blood qi while lotus seeds are used to improve complexion.
Here is a recipe I use for my family every one or two weeks when the children will be having their examinations and are usually stressed out by their work.





Barley, dried longan, lotus seeds and yok chuk

Ingredients:-
100gm lotus seeds
75gm barley
100gm dried longan
50gm yok chuk
3 litres water
150 gm rock sugar


Method:
1.Put all ingredients in a big pot except the rock sugar.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer over low flame about 30 minutes. The aim is to extract all the goodness in the herbs.
3.You may add rock sugar for taste and simmer another 10 minutes. (If you are on sugar-free diet, you may add a tiny piece of rock sugar or avoid it totally. If you do not use rock sugar, do not substitute it with sugar-free alternative/herbs, which can result in the efficacy of this concoction).
4.Remove from heat and serve.