Revitalize Your Lungs with This Traditional Chinese Rice Lung Soup Recipe

Embarking on a journey to enhance your respiratory health? Look no further! The ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has provided us with a delightful and effective remedy – the Rice Lung Soup. This comforting broth is not only a culinary delight but also a powerhouse of nutrients, designed to nourish and cleanse your lungs. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this traditional soup, helping you to harness the benefits of this ancient recipe.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup of long-grain rice

- 1 whole chicken or 2 to 3 chicken thighs

- 4 to 6 cups of water

- 1 tablespoon of dried goji berries

- 1 tablespoon of dried red dates (dried jujubes)

- 1 teaspoon of dried Astragalus root

- 1 teaspoon of dried Bai-Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)

- 1 teaspoon of dried honey locust seed (Semen Cassiae)

- 1 teaspoon of dried white peony root (Paeonia lactiflora)

- 1 teaspoon of dried Chinese angelica root (Angelica sinensis)

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Begin by washing the rice thoroughly to remove any impurities. Then, place the rice in a large pot and add the water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.

2. While the rice is cooking, prepare the chicken. If using a whole chicken, remove any feathers and giblets, and rinse it thoroughly. If using chicken thighs, simply rinse them under cold water. Add the chicken to the pot with the rice.

3. In a separate saucepan, combine the dried goji berries, red dates, Astragalus root, Bai-Zhu, honey locust seed, white peony root, and Chinese angelica root. Cover the herbs with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the mixture steep for 20 minutes.

4. After 20 minutes, strain the herb mixture into the pot with the rice and chicken. Discard the herbs and add salt to taste.

5. Let the soup continue to simmer for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken is tender.

6. Serve the Rice Lung Soup hot, garnished with fresh green onions or cilantro, if desired.

Health Benefits:

The Rice Lung Soup is a treasure trove of health benefits, particularly for those with respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, or allergies. Here are some of the key benefits:

- Enhances Lung Function: The combination of ingredients in this soup helps to boost lung function, improve oxygen absorption, and reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.

- Nourishes the Lungs: The herbs and rice in this soup are known to nourish the lungs and respiratory system, providing essential nutrients for overall lung health.

- Boosts Immune System: The immune-boosting properties of the herbs and goji berries help to strengthen your immune system, making it more resilient against respiratory infections.

- Relieves Allergies and Hay Fever: The Rice Lung Soup can alleviate symptoms of allergies and hay fever, thanks to the natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs.

- Improves Digestion: The rice in the soup is easy to digest and can help to soothe an upset stomach, making it a great option for those with digestive issues.

Enjoy the healing powers of the Rice Lung Soup, and savor the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional Chinese remedy. With its numerous health benefits and soothing taste, this soup is sure to become a staple in your home.