In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a concept known as "medicine and food sharing the same source," which means there is no absolute line between food and medicine. Many foods are also medicines, and many medicines themselves are edible foods. "Medicine and food sharing the same source" is not just an idea confined to the world of TCM; its status is also nationally recognized. The Ministry of Health has acknowledged the status of items that fall under this concept and has established management measures. This shows that the scientific validity of "medicine and food sharing the same source" is widely recognized. Especially for these common household items, when used correctly, you can save money on medical bills and medicine.
1. For coughing and vomiting, use ginger
King of Medicine Sun Simiao praised ginger as "the sacred medicine for those who vomit," showing ginger's important role in treating vomiting. Not only that, ginger is also effective for coughs. Take 15 grams of ginger, add an appropriate amount of water to make a soup, and add some sugar to taste. Drink the ginger sugar water once in the morning and once in the evening, and the symptoms of coughing and vomiting will be relieved quickly.
2. For a sore throat, use yellow chrysanthemum
Yellow chrysanthemum has a very strong cooling effect and is very effective for diseases caused by "internal heat," such as mouth ulcers, bad breath, wind-heat colds, and a sore throat.
The way to eat yellow chrysanthemum is also very simple. Take 3-5 flowers and steep them in tea to drink. Re-brew when the flavor is very weak. This can clear heat while also relieving eye fatigue.
3. For kidney deficiency and weak spleen, use Chinese yam
The book "Ben Cao Zheng" mentions that Chinese yam can strengthen the spleen, supplement deficiency, nourish essence, and secure the kidneys. Therefore, Chinese yam is very beneficial for middle-aged and elderly people with a weak spleen and stomach, or for men with kidney deficiency. The best ways to prepare Chinese yam are in soups or quickly stir-fried, which can retain its nutritional value to the greatest extent. Stir-fried wood ear mushrooms with Chinese yam is a delicious and nutritious dish. Wood ear mushrooms are a perfect match for Chinese yam, and it is recommended to eat it often.
4. For menstrual cramps or irregular menstruation, use hawthorn
Many people know that the sour hawthorn can aid digestion, but few know that hawthorn can also treat women's health issues when used correctly. Hawthorn's function of invigorating blood and resolving stasis is particularly strong, making it very suitable for women with a blood stasis constitution to relieve menstrual cramps and irregular menstruation.
Two pounds of hawthorn, washed and pitted, are placed in a blender with a small amount of water. Blend the hawthorn into a puree. Then, pour it into a pot and simmer over low heat (be sure to stir continuously) until the puree thickens. Let it dry at room temperature, then cut it into cake-like pieces to eat whenever you want.
Reminder: Although hawthorn is good, it is not suitable for pregnant women, people who are prone to acid reflux, or those with stomach diseases.
The foods mentioned above are all scientifically proven "medicine and food sharing the same source" foods. As long as we learn to use them correctly, we can enjoy delicious food while also maintaining our health and strengthening our bodies, achieving two things at once.