Nourishing Your Qi and Blood with a Healing Chicken Soup Recipe

In the heart of traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of balancing one's Qi (vital energy) and blood is fundamental to maintaining health and well-being. One of the most cherished remedies in this tradition is the healing power of Qi and blood soup, commonly known as Ganqi Jutang in Chinese. This warming, nourishing broth is believed to replenish the body's essential life force, offering a comforting and therapeutic experience. Here's how to prepare this ancient recipe to enhance your Qi and blood.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole organic chicken, preferably free-range

- 8-10 pieces of dried goji berries

- 5 slices of dried dates

- 3-4 slices of ginger

- 1 tablespoon of Chinese wolfberry leaves (Lycium barbarum leaves)

- 1 teaspoon of angelica root (Danggui)

- 1 teaspoon of astragalus root (Huangqi)

- 1 teaspoon of peony root (Shu Di Huang)

- 2 liters of water

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Remove any feathers, innards, and excess fat. Rinse the chicken thoroughly and place it in a large pot.

2. Add the goji berries, dates, ginger, Chinese wolfberry leaves, angelica root, astragalus root, and peony root to the pot. These ingredients are believed to support the Qi and blood, enhancing the therapeutic properties of the soup.

3. Pour in the water and bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 2 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors and nutrients from the ingredients to meld together.

4. After simmering for 2 hours, remove the ginger slices and discard them. This step is optional, but some people prefer to remove the ginger for a cleaner flavor.

5. Continue to simmer the soup for another hour, allowing the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become tender. During this time, you can adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.

6. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection and the soup is rich and aromatic, turn off the heat. Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving.

Benefits of Qi and Blood Soup:

- Enhances Immune System: The combination of ingredients in this soup is thought to boost the immune system, helping the body fight off illnesses and infections.

- Improves Energy Levels: The nourishing properties of the soup can help to increase energy levels and improve overall vitality.

- Promotes Healthy Skin: With the addition of ingredients like goji berries and Chinese wolfberry leaves, the soup is believed to promote healthy skin, giving it a radiant and youthful appearance.

- Relieves Menstrual Cramps: For women, this soup is thought to alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate the menstrual cycle, thanks to the properties of angelica root and peony root.

- Supports Heart Health: The astragalus root in the soup is believed to support heart health and improve circulation.

Conclusion:

Incorporating a Qi and blood soup into your diet is a delightful way to embrace the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. This nourishing broth not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a myriad of health benefits. So, the next time you're feeling rundown or in need of a pick-me-up, try this comforting and healing Qi and blood soup. Your body will thank you.