Nourish Your Elders Spleen and Stomach Delightful Soups to Brew for Seniors
In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, the concept of nourishing the spleen and stomach is of paramount importance, especially for the elderly who are more susceptible to digestive issues. Soup, being a comforting and nourishing dish, plays a significant role in this practice. Here, we present a selection of delightful soups that not only taste delicious but also help in maintaining the health of your elderly loved ones' spleen and stomach.
1. Chicken and Astragalus Soup
Chicken and Astragalus Soup is a classic Chinese remedy known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and improve digestive health. The combination of chicken, a natural spleen-strengthening ingredient, and Astragalus, a powerful Chinese herb, creates a soothing and nourishing broth that benefits both the spleen and stomach.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole free-range chicken
- 50g Astragalus root
- 2-3 carrots
- 2-3 stalks of celery
- 2-3 slices of ginger
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Clean and cut the chicken into pieces.
2. Soak Astragalus root in water for 30 minutes.
3. Boil water in a large pot and add the chicken pieces, Astragalus root, carrots, celery, and ginger.
4. Simmer for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and the soup has a rich aroma.
5. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
2. Pork and Chinese Yam Soup
Pork and Chinese Yam Soup is a soothing and replenishing soup that is perfect for senior citizens. Chinese yam, also known as shan yao in Chinese medicine, is a nourishing herb that helps to strengthen the spleen and improve digestion.
Ingredients:
- 500g pork belly
- 300g Chinese yam
- 2-3 slices of ginger
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 4 cups of water
Instructions:
1. Clean and cut the pork into slices.
2. Peel and cut the Chinese yam into chunks.
3. Boil water in a large pot and add the pork slices, Chinese yam, ginger, and salt.
4. Simmer for 1-2 hours until the pork is tender and the yam has softened.
5. Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables.
3. Fish Maw and Dried Tangerine Peel Soup
Fish maw, a popular ingredient in Chinese soups, is known for its ability to boost the immune system and improve digestive health. When combined with dried tangerine peel, a traditional Chinese medicine herb, this soup becomes an excellent choice for nourishing the spleen and stomach.
Ingredients:
- 50g fish maw
- 10g dried tangerine peel
- 2-3 slices of ginger
- 4 cups of water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Soak fish maw in water for 2-3 hours until it becomes soft.
2. Boil water in a large pot and add the fish maw, dried tangerine peel, and ginger.
3. Simmer for 2-3 hours until the fish maw is tender and the soup has a rich aroma.
4. Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
4. Pork and Chinese Cabbage Soup
Pork and Chinese Cabbage Soup is a simple yet delicious soup that is easy to prepare. Chinese cabbage, also known as bok choy, is a nutrient-rich vegetable that helps to improve digestion and promote the health of the spleen and stomach.
Ingredients:
- 500g pork belly
- 500g Chinese cabbage
- 2-3 slices of ginger
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups of water
Instructions:
1. Clean and cut the pork into slices.
2. Rinse and chop the Chinese cabbage.
3. Boil water in a large pot and add the pork slices, ginger, and salt.
4. Simmer for 1-2 hours until the pork is tender.
5. Add the Chinese cabbage and cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Serve hot.
In conclusion, soups are a perfect way to nourish your elderly loved ones' spleen and stomach. By incorporating these traditional Chinese remedies into their diet, you can ensure that they enjoy both good health and delicious flavors.