Revitalize Your Health A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Nourishing Qi and Blood Soup

Introduction:

In the pursuit of good health and vitality, traditional Chinese medicine offers a wealth of wisdom that includes the use of herbal remedies and nourishing soups. One such soup that has been revered for centuries is the Qi and Blood Soup, a healing broth designed to boost energy, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being. This article will guide you through the process of creating a delicious and beneficial Qi and Blood Soup, using natural ingredients that are believed to tonify the body's essential substances.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken, organic preferred

- 1 lb (450g) of carrots, peeled and sliced

- 1 lb (450g) of white radishes, peeled and sliced

- 1 lb (450g) of lotus root, peeled and sliced

- 1 lb (450g) of ginseng, sliced (fresh or dried)

- 4-6 slices of dried goji berries

- 4-6 slices of dried dates

- 4-6 slices of dried red dates (also known as jujube)

- 2 tablespoons of Chinese wolfberry leaves

- 2 tablespoons of astragalus root

- 2 tablespoons of codonopsis root

- 2 tablespoons of white peony root

- 2 tablespoons of ligustrum fruit

- 1 teaspoon of sea salt

- Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly. Remove any feathers, excess fat, and giblets. Place the chicken in a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover the chicken by about 2 inches (5 cm).

2. Boil the Chicken: Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the chicken simmer for about 10 minutes. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface with a slotted spoon.

3. Add Vegetables and Herbs: After the chicken has simmered for 10 minutes, add the carrots, white radishes, and lotus root to the pot. Let it simmer for another 20 minutes.

4. Incorporate Herbs and Roots: After the vegetables have cooked for 20 minutes, add the ginseng, goji berries, dates, red dates, Chinese wolfberry leaves, astragalus root, codonopsis root, white peony root, and ligustrum fruit to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

5. Season the Soup: Once the herbs and roots have been added and the soup has simmered for 30 minutes, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with sea salt, if necessary.

6. Simmer Until Ready: Continue to simmer the soup for a total of 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together. The longer the soup simmers, the more potent the medicinal properties are said to become.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before slicing it into serving-sized pieces. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve the chicken alongside. Enjoy your Qi and Blood Soup while it's still warm.

Conclusion:

The Qi and Blood Soup is not only a delightful culinary experience but also a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that aims to balance and enhance the body's vital energies. By incorporating the right combination of ingredients, this soup can provide a soothing and rejuvenating effect on the body. Remember to adjust the recipe to your personal taste and health needs, and always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary or herbal regimen.