Harvest the Health A Traditional Chinese Medicine Soup for the Autumn Season

As the leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisp, the season of autumn arrives. It is a time when nature transitions from warmth to coolness, and with this change, our bodies also require adjustments to maintain balance and health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is associated with the element of Metal, which corresponds to the lungs and large intestine. To support these organs and prepare for the colder months ahead, TCM recommends consuming nourishing and warming soups. One such soup that stands out is the Autumn Medicine Soup, a blend of herbs, roots, and ingredients that work together to strengthen the immune system and invigorate the body.

The Autumn Medicine Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. Here is a recipe for this traditional Chinese medicine soup that promises to enhance your well-being during the autumn season:

Ingredients:

- 500g chicken or beef bones (preferably organic)

- 1 large onion, sliced

- 3 carrots, sliced

- 3 pieces of ginger, thinly sliced

- 10g astragalus root (huang qi)

- 10g codonopsis root (dang shen)

- 5 slices of dried tangerine peel (chen pi)

- 5 slices of dried jujube (red dates, da zao)

- 1 pinch of salt (adjust to taste)

- 8 cups of water

Instructions:

1. Begin by washing the chicken or beef bones thoroughly and placing them in a large pot. Add the sliced onion, carrots, and ginger to the pot.

2. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during this time.

3. While the bones are simmering, wash and rinse the astragalus root, codonopsis root, dried tangerine peel, and dried jujube. Once clean, add these ingredients to the pot.

4. Cover the pot and continue to simmer the soup for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the bones are tender and the flavors are well-infused into the broth.

5. Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the salt to your preference. Strain the soup to remove the bones, herbs, and vegetables, and serve hot.

Health Benefits:

The Autumn Medicine Soup offers several health benefits, particularly during the autumn season:

1. Strengthening the immune system: Astragalus root and codonopsis root are both known for their immune-boosting properties. They help the body fight off infections and improve overall resistance to disease.

2. Protecting the lungs: The ingredients in this soup, such as the dried tangerine peel and ginger, help to alleviate respiratory issues and support lung function.

3. Promoting digestion: The dried jujube and tangerine peel work together to improve digestion and alleviate constipation, which is common during the autumn months.

4. Nourishing the body: The chicken or beef bones, along with the other ingredients, provide essential nutrients and amino acids that help to nourish and strengthen the body.

5. Balancing the body's energy: TCM believes that the ingredients in the Autumn Medicine Soup help to balance the body's Yin and Yang, ensuring overall harmony and well-being.

In conclusion, the Autumn Medicine Soup is a delightful and healthful addition to your diet during the autumn season. Its combination of nourishing herbs and ingredients makes it an excellent choice for supporting your body's transition from summer to winter. Enjoy this traditional Chinese medicine soup and savor the flavors of the harvest season!