In ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are records stating that "the five grains can nourish the five organs," and as early as in ancient folk traditions, the saying "one grain nourishes one organ" existed. In fact, the so-called "five grains" mainly refer to millet, rice, wheat, soybeans, and sorghum. TCM believes that the five grains can not only fill the stomach but are also excellent ingredients for diet therapy and health preservation for the five organs.
Red Bean and Millet Soy Milk
I. Soybeans for Nourishing the Kidney
Black beans in soybeans are known as the "grain of the kidney." TCM believes they have the effects of tonifying the kidney and strengthening the body, detoxifying, and moisturizing the skin, and are good for food therapy for kidney deficiency and edema.
Method: Soak and blend into soy milk, or cook black bean congee, once in the morning and once at night.
II. Rice for Moistening the Lung
Rice includes japonica rice, purple rice, etc. When symptoms such as lung heat and cough appear, it has a good effect of nourishing yin and moistening the lung.
Method: Simmer rice congee over low heat until the rice soup is thick. Drink only the rice soup and not the grains. It can be taken at any time.
III. Millet for Nourishing the Spleen
Millet is the king of the five grains. Regular consumption can tonify the spleen and benefit the stomach. For people with spleen deficiency and a weak body, millet can be a superior supplement that can tonify the middle and replenish qi, and prolong life.
Method: Cook a pot of millet congee, skim the essence from the top layer with a spoon—the rice oil—and drink it on an empty stomach. It has a good therapeutic effect for nourishing the spleen and stomach, and can be taken in the morning and evening.
IV. Wheat for Nourishing the Heart
Wheat is known as the "noble grain of the five grains." TCM believes it can nourish the heart and calm the spirit, relieve vexation and dryness. It has a therapeutic effect on eliminating female menopausal syndrome, spontaneous and night sweats, and irritable emotions.
Method: Use whole wheat with the skin to make congee, or buy some floating wheat from a Chinese medicine shop to boil into water, taken in the morning, noon, and evening.
V. Sorghum for Nourishing the Liver
Sorghum and soybeans are both coarse grains, but they are indispensable supporting roles among the five grains. Sorghum has the effects of nourishing the liver and benefiting the stomach, and astringing to stop diarrhea. Especially for people with chronic diarrhea, continuous consumption for a period of time will have good results.
Method: Process sorghum rice into flour, stir-fry it until cooked, and mix it with boiling water to make a thin paste to be taken before breakfast and dinner.
The fragrance of peanut rice