Soothe Winter Dampness and Phlegm Best Soups to Sip on Cold Days
As the cold months settle in, the air grows damp and the body tends to accumulate phlegm. Winter is a time when we seek warmth and comfort, not just from cozy blankets and fires, but also from the nourishing soups that can help alleviate the symptoms of dampness and phlegm. Here's a guide to some of the best soups to sip on during the colder months.
1. Ginger and Scallion Soup (Liang Sheng Tang)
Ginger and scallion soup is a classic remedy for colds and flu, but it's also excellent for expelling dampness and phlegm. The heat from the ginger warms the body and stimulates circulation, while the scallions help to clear the lungs and sinuses.
Ingredients:
- Fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
- Scallions (chopped)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, bring the broth to a boil.
- Add ginger slices and scallions to the broth.
- Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Season with salt and serve hot.
2. Chinese Yam Soup (Shan Yao Tang)
Chinese yam, also known as shan yao, is a staple in traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to nourish the spleen and kidneys. This soup is particularly beneficial for those suffering from dampness-related issues like fatigue, weight gain, and phlegm.
Ingredients:
- Chinese yam (peeled and cubed)
- Goji berries
- Dried longan
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine the broth, yams, goji berries, and dried longan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours.
- Season with salt and serve warm.
3. Pork and Astragalus Soup (Huang Qi Tang)
This soup is a powerhouse of immune-boosting properties. Astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb, is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and expel dampness. The pork adds a rich, hearty flavor to the broth.
Ingredients:
- Pork ribs or shoulder
- Astragalus root (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Celery (sliced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine the broth, pork, astragalus, carrots, celery, and onion.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Season with salt and serve.
4. Chicken and Astragalus Soup (Ji Shu Tang)
Chicken soup is a staple in many cultures, and for good reason. It's not just a comfort food; it's also a therapeutic one. Adding astragalus to chicken soup enhances its properties, making it a fantastic choice for fighting off dampness and phlegm.
Ingredients:
- Chicken (cut into pieces)
- Astragalus root (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Celery (chopped)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine the broth, chicken, astragalus, celery, carrots, and onion.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours.
- Season with salt and serve.
5. Celery and Pork Soup (Ji Cong Tang)
Celery is a natural diuretic, which helps to eliminate excess fluid from the body. This soup is a simple yet effective way to reduce dampness and phlegm.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin (sliced)
- Celery (sliced)
- Carrots (sliced)
- Onion (chopped)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, combine the broth, pork, celery, carrots, and onion.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Season with salt and serve.
Remember, these soups are not just for when you're already feeling under the weather. They can be a preventive measure to keep dampness and phlegm at bay during the winter months. Enjoy the warmth and healing properties of these soups as you cozy up to the season's chill.
