Nourishing the Liver Kidneys and Spleen A Traditional Chinese Medicine Rice Porridge Recipe

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the concept of balancing the body's Yin and Yang is crucial for maintaining health and preventing illness. One of the most effective ways to achieve this balance is through diet. Today, we'll explore a traditional TCM rice porridge recipe that focuses on nourishing the liver, kidneys, and spleen. This nourishing porridge is believed to help improve overall health, boost immunity, and alleviate symptoms related to liver and kidney disorders.

Ingredients

- 1 cup of long-grain rice

- 1 cup of water chestnuts (sliced)

- 1/2 cup of goji berries

- 1/2 cup of red dates

- 1/2 cup of dried winter melon (sliced)

- 1/2 cup of mung beans (soaked overnight)

- 1/4 cup of ginseng slices

- 1/2 teaspoon of dried tangerine peel

- 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

- 4 cups of water

- Rock sugar or honey to taste

Preparation

1. Rinse the rice and mung beans thoroughly under cold water.

2. In a large pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil.

3. Add the ginseng slices, dried tangerine peel, and cinnamon powder to the boiling water. Simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add the rice, mung beans, water chestnuts, goji berries, and red dates to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

5. Cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The porridge should become thick and creamy.

6. Add the dried winter melon and continue to cook for another 30 minutes or until the ingredients are well-cooked.

7. Taste the porridge and adjust the sweetness with rock sugar or honey as desired.

Health Benefits

This TCM rice porridge is packed with numerous health benefits:

- Liver Support: The ginseng and goji berries in this recipe help support liver function and promote detoxification. They also improve blood circulation and reduce stress.

- Kidney Nourishment: The red dates and dried winter melon are believed to nourish the kidneys, improve renal function, and strengthen the immune system.

- Spleen Strengthening: Mung beans, red dates, and goji berries work together to strengthen the spleen, improve digestion, and boost energy levels.

- Immune System Boost: The combination of these ingredients is thought to enhance the immune system, making the body more resilient to illness.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this nourishing rice porridge as a warm breakfast or as a comforting meal throughout the day. It's perfect for individuals looking to improve their overall health, as well as those suffering from liver, kidney, or spleen-related issues.

Remember, while this TCM rice porridge can offer numerous health benefits, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions.

Incorporating this traditional Chinese medicine rice porridge into your diet may help you achieve a healthier balance of Yin and Yang, leading to a happier and more vibrant life.