The Lung-Clearing, Spleen-Nourishing, and Damp-Expelling Soup A Traditional Remedy for Balanced Health

In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, the Lung-Clearing, Spleen-Nourishing, and Damp-Expelling Soup, known as Qing Fei Jian Pi Qu Shi Tang in Chinese, is a time-honored recipe designed to address specific imbalances within the body. This nourishing broth is believed to harmonize the body's energy, or Qi, by targeting the lungs, spleen, and dampness—three key components of Chinese medicine theory.

The lungs are responsible for the body's respiratory function, and in traditional Chinese medicine, they are also associated with the emotion of sadness and the element of metal. A weakened lung can lead to respiratory issues, such as coughs and colds, as well as emotional imbalances. The spleen, on the other hand, governs digestion and the transformation of food into energy. A spleen that is not functioning properly can result in digestive problems, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Dampness, a concept in Chinese medicine representing excess moisture in the body, can lead to various conditions, including joint pain, weight gain, and poor circulation.

The Lung-Clearing, Spleen-Nourishing, and Damp-Expelling Soup aims to address these imbalances by incorporating a blend of natural herbs and ingredients that are thought to have specific properties that can help restore balance to the body.

Ingredients

- Goji berries (Lycium barbarum): Known for their immune-boosting properties and ability to nourish the kidneys and liver.

- Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): A well-regarded herb in Chinese medicine, believed to strengthen the immune system and support respiratory health.

- Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula): Often used to boost energy and improve overall vitality.

- Poria (Poria cocos): A mushroom-like fungus that is believed to help drain dampness and support kidney function.

- Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis): Used to harmonize the other ingredients and support the body's natural healing processes.

Preparation

To prepare the soup, you will need to gather all the ingredients and follow these steps:

1. Rinse the goji berries and codonopsis thoroughly.

2. Soak the astragalus and licorice root in water for at least 30 minutes.

3. Cut the codonopsis into small pieces to increase its surface area for better extraction.

4. In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil.

5. Add the soaked astragalus, licorice root, and codonopsis to the pot.

6. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 30 minutes.

7. Add the goji berries and poria, and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes.

8. Remove the pot from heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve.

9. Serve the soup while it's still warm.

Benefits

The Lung-Clearing, Spleen-Nourishing, and Damp-Expelling Soup offers a multitude of benefits, including:

- Strengthening the immune system: The combination of ingredients in the soup can help bolster the body's defenses against illness.

- Improving respiratory health: The herbs in the soup are believed to support lung function and reduce respiratory symptoms.

- Enhancing digestion: The inclusion of ingredients that support the spleen can help improve digestion and reduce bloating and gas.

- Reducing dampness: The herbs in the soup are thought to help drain excess moisture from the body, which can alleviate symptoms of dampness such as joint pain and weight gain.

Conclusion

The Lung-Clearing, Spleen-Nourishing, and Damp-Expelling Soup is not only a delightful and comforting meal but also a therapeutic concoction that aims to restore balance to the body's systems. While scientific evidence for the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine is still emerging, many individuals have found relief and improved well-being through the use of such herbal remedies. Whether you're seeking to maintain health or address specific concerns, this soup offers a traditional approach to wellness that is both nourishing and flavorful.