Soothing Your Throat and Strengthening Your Spleen A FallSeason Soup for a Balanced Stomach

As the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, it's time to embrace the autumn season and its unique health benefits. One such benefit is the ability to use seasonal foods to support our body's internal balance. In this article, we will explore a delightful soup known as Autumn Demulcent and Spleen-Supporting Porridge, which is perfect for nourishing your throat and strengthening your spleen during the fall.

Understanding the Importance of Spleen and Throat Health

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the spleen is considered the organ responsible for transforming food into energy and transporting nutrients throughout the body. It plays a vital role in digestion and absorption, and a healthy spleen is essential for a robust immune system and overall well-being.

On the other hand, the throat is the passage for both food and air, and it is closely connected to the lung, which is responsible for breathing. When the throat is healthy, it can protect against respiratory illnesses, such as colds and flu, that are more prevalent during the cooler months.

Introducing the Autumn Demulcent and Spleen-Supporting Porridge

The Autumn Demulcent and Spleen-Supporting Porridge is a warming and comforting soup that is designed to nourish both your throat and spleen. It is made with a blend of natural, seasonal ingredients that have been traditionally used in TCM to promote health and wellness.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of glutinous rice (also known as sweet rice)

- 1/2 cup of goji berries

- 1/2 cup of dried dates

- 1/2 cup of dried hawthorn berries

- 1/2 cup of dried longan (Chinese dragon eye)

- 1/2 cup of dried jujube (Chinese date)

- 4-6 slices of fresh ginger

- 2 liters of water

- Optional: rock sugar or honey to taste

Preparation:

1. Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

2. Soak the goji berries, dates, hawthorn berries, longan, and jujube in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate.

3. Peel and slice the ginger.

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

5. Add the glutinous rice, goji berries, dates, hawthorn berries, longan, jujube, and ginger to the boiling water.

6. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 1 hour, or until the rice is tender and the soup has thickened.

7. Stir in the rock sugar or honey to taste, and serve warm.

Health Benefits of the Autumn Demulcent and Spleen-Supporting Porridge

- Ginger: Known for its warming properties, ginger helps to ease congestion and improve digestion.

- Goji Berries: Rich in antioxidants, goji berries support the immune system and promote longevity.

- Dates: These sweet fruits are an excellent source of fiber and can help to regulate bowel movements.

- Hawthorn Berries: Traditionally used to strengthen the heart and improve circulation, hawthorn berries also support the spleen.

- Longan: This fruit is believed to enhance memory and improve sleep quality, as well as support the spleen.

- Jujube: Known for their adaptogenic properties, jujubes help to regulate the body's functions and support the immune system.

By incorporating the Autumn Demulcent and Spleen-Supporting Porridge into your fall diet, you can enjoy the warmth and comfort of this traditional soup while reaping its numerous health benefits. Embrace the season and nurture your body from the inside out with this soothing, spleen-nourishing soup.