It is possible to use Traditional Chinese medicine concepts to create soups which have anti-aging properties. These healthy soups can be further tailored to improve their value based on Chinese medicine concepts. The idea behind the best anti-aging soups is that strengthening the Jing or Essence will reduce age-related problems. As people age, the Jing is used up. Jing is also used in the healing process when people are ill or injured.
The key to getting the most benefit from Traditional Chinese medicine-based soups is to include ingredients that are best for the individual’s constitution. The help of a TCM practitioner in creating the right soup will ensure greater health benefits. Some Chinese herbs may also be added to these soups to enhance their value.
Basic Chinese Herbal Medicine Anti-aging Healthy Soup Recipe
Longevity soup has been a staple of Traditional Chinese medicine for many years. Its use is not limited to older people, as Jing Deficiency can be a problem at any age. Longevity soup is designed to enhance liver and kidney health, two organs traditionally associated with Jing. An additional benefit is that these basic anti-aging soups are easy to digest, saving energy for healing the body.
Longevity soup is made with chicken or pork bones, broken and cooked at just below boiling for up to 18 hours. Organic, free-range meats should be used to ensure that there are no contaminants which would affect the quality of the soup. A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice will enhance the breakdown of any meat and bone marrow making it more digestible.
Vegetarians and vegans can substitute miso and/or mung beans, which have some of the same properties as chicken and pork bones. Vegetarians can also add eggs to the soup to increase its Jing-supporting value. The addition of black sesame will enhance the anti-aging effects of this soup for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Vegetables are then added to the soup. The traditional Longevity Soup uses carrots, celery and beets (beet root).
Choosing the Right Vegetables for Optimum Natural Health
Additional vegetables should be chosen based on the individual’s Chinese medical assessment. Those who are spleen qi deficient should add potatoes. Beets are particularly good for patients with blood deficiency. To counteract yin deficiency, black beans and seaweeds may be added.
For those with excess conditions, nettles, fish, almonds and seaweeds should be considered. Drinking just the broth may be the best choice for those with excess conditions. It is also acceptable to add other favorite vegetables to enhance the flavor of the soups. Many beans and other legumes have anti-aging properties and are a tasty addition to these soups.
Using Chinese Herbs to Enhance Anti-aging Soups
With the help of a TCM herbologist, some readily available Chinese herbs may be added to the soups. Dang gui (Angelica sinensis) may help those with blood deficiency. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng) is a popular qi tonic but may be too rich for some people. There are many other qi tonics, including Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), which has been proven to have anti-aging properties.
It is important to remember that Chinese anti-aging soups are not miracle drugs. These healthy soups work best when combined with regular exercise, attention to emotional well-being and other positive lifestyle changes.
Sources:
Pitchford, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods, Third Edition. 2002 .Berkeley, CA. North Atlantic Books
Lu, Henry C. Chinese System of Food Cures. 1986. New York, New York. Sterling Publishing Co, Inc.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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