Nourish Your Body from Within A Holistic Soup Recipe for Spleen Heart Liver Lungs and Kidneys

In the pursuit of holistic health, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes the balance and harmony of the body's internal organs. One effective way to achieve this balance is through the preparation of a nourishing soup that caters to the needs of the spleen, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. This article presents a comprehensive recipe for a healing soup that not only tastes delicious but also supports overall well-being.

Introduction

In TCM, each organ is associated with a specific element, taste, and color. By incorporating these elements into our diet, we can help maintain the balance and function of our internal organs. The following soup recipe combines a variety of ingredients that are believed to support the spleen, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, according to TCM principles.

Ingredients

- 1 whole chicken or 2-3 chicken thighs

- 2-3 carrots

- 1 turnip

- 1 leek

- 1 daikon radish

- 1 piece of ginger (about 1 inch)

- 2-3 dates

- 10-12 goji berries

- 6-8 slices of jujube (Chinese dates)

- 1 teaspoon of astragalus root powder (optional)

- 10-12 cups of water

- Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by washing all the vegetables and herbs thoroughly. Peel the carrots, turnip, and ginger, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Cut the leek into 2-3 inch sections and wash the daikon radish. Rinse the dates, goji berries, and jujube under running water.

2. In a large pot, bring 10-12 cups of water to a boil. Add the chicken and boil for about 10 minutes to remove any impurities. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface using a spoon.

3. Once the foam has subsided, add the chopped carrots, turnip, leek, and ginger to the pot. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes.

4. Add the dates, goji berries, jujube, and astragalus root powder to the pot. If using astragalus, ensure that it is pre-soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the soup.

5. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for at least 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even cooking.

6. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, if necessary. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes before serving.

Benefits

This healing soup is believed to offer the following benefits for the spleen, heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys:

- Spleen: The ingredients in this soup, such as carrots, ginger, and astragalus root, are believed to support the spleen's function, which is crucial for digestion and the production of blood.

- Heart: The dates, goji berries, and jujube in the soup are known to nourish the heart and improve circulation.

- Liver: The carrots and turnip, which are rich in beta-carotene, are believed to support liver health and promote detoxification.

- Lungs: The leek and ginger in the soup are believed to help clear the lungs and improve respiratory function.

- Kidneys: The goji berries and astragalus root are believed to support kidney function and boost the immune system.

Conclusion

By incorporating this holistic soup recipe into your diet, you can nourish your body from within and promote the balance and harmony of your internal organs. Not only does this soup taste delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits that align with traditional Chinese medicine principles. Enjoy this nourishing soup as a regular part of your diet and experience the wonders of holistic health.