The Art of Brewing the Moisture-Relieving Long Bone Soup A Step-by-Step Guide

In traditional Chinese medicine, the Long Bone Soup, also known as the Moisture-Relieving Long Bone Soup, is a renowned remedy for removing dampness from the body. This soup is believed to be particularly effective in alleviating symptoms associated with dampness, such as fatigue, body aches, and poor digestion. If you are interested in preparing this healthful soup at home, here's a detailed guide on how to brew the Moisture-Relieving Long Bone Soup.

Ingredients:

- 500 grams of pork or chicken long bones

- 1/2 cup of red dates

- 50 grams of wolfberries (goji berries)

- 30 grams of Astragalus membranaceus (huangqi)

- 30 grams of Codonopsis pilosula (dangshen)

- 20 grams of Atractylodes macrocephala (baizhu)

- 10 grams of Poria cocos (fu ling)

- 10 grams of Coptis chinensis (huang lian)

- 10 grams of Alisma orientale (ze xie)

- 1 teaspoon of ginger, sliced

- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon of rice wine

- 8 cups of water

Preparation:

1. Begin by cleaning the long bones thoroughly with cold water. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil, then remove the scum and impurities that rise to the surface. Drain the bones and rinse them with clean water.

2. Soak the Astragalus membranaceus (huangqi), Codonopsis pilosula (dangshen), Atractylodes macrocephala (baizhu), Poria cocos (fu ling), Coptis chinensis (huang lian), and Alisma orientale (ze xie) in water for about 30 minutes to soften them.

3. In a separate pot, combine the red dates, wolfberries, ginger, soy sauce, and rice wine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Brewing the Soup:

4. Place the cleaned long bones in a large pot and add the soaked herbs and the red date-wolfberry mixture. Pour in the 8 cups of water and bring the pot to a boil.

5. Once the soup has reached a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 2 hours. During this time, occasionally skim any impurities that rise to the surface.

6. After 2 hours, add the sliced ginger and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes. The soup should be rich and aromatic by this point.

7. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup is too strong in terms of flavor, you can add a little more water.

Serving and Storage:

8. Once the soup is ready, strain it to remove the herbs and bones. Serve the Moisture-Relieving Long Bone Soup hot, preferably with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.

9. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove before serving.

Note:

- It is important to note that while the Moisture-Relieving Long Bone Soup is a traditional remedy, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have any health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare provider before using this recipe.

By following this guide, you can prepare a nourishing and beneficial Moisture-Relieving Long Bone Soup that will help you alleviate the symptoms of dampness and support your overall health. Enjoy the process of brewing this traditional Chinese medicine at home!