The Five Grains refer to: rice, wheat, soybeans, corn, and tubers. It is also customary to refer to grains other than rice and flour as coarse grains. The term "Five Grains and Coarse Grains" generally refers to grain crops, so the Five Grains are also a collective term for grain crops. Below, the editor will introduce the benefits of five commonly eaten grain crops.
The Benefits of Eating the Five Grains
1. Wheat Nourishes the Heart: Wheat is known as the "most precious of the Five Grains." Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that it can nourish the heart, calm the mind, and relieve irritability and dryness. It has a therapeutic effect on eliminating menopausal syndrome in women, spontaneous and night sweats, and irritability. Preparation: Use whole wheat with its bran to make congee, or buy some floating wheat from a Chinese herbal pharmacy to boil into a drink. Take it in the morning, noon, and evening daily.
2. Sorghum Nourishes the Liver: Sorghum and soybeans are both coarse grains, but they are indispensable supporting roles among the Five Grains. Sorghum has the effect of nourishing the liver and benefiting the stomach, as well as being astringent to stop diarrhea. For people with chronic diarrhea, consuming it continuously for a period will have a good effect. Preparation: Process sorghum into flour, roast it until cooked, and mix it with boiling water to form a thin paste. Take it before breakfast and dinner daily.
3. Millet Nourishes the Spleen: Millet is the foremost of the Five Grains, and regular consumption can strengthen the spleen and stomach. For people with a weak spleen constitution, millet is a top-grade tonic that can replenish the middle burner, boost qi, and promote longevity. Preparation: Cook a pot of millet congee, skim the essence from the top layer—the "milk oil"—and drink it on an empty stomach. It has a great therapeutic effect for nourishing the spleen and stomach and can be taken in the morning and evening daily.
Milky Pumpkin and Millet Soup
Extended Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Millet
4. Rice Moistens the Lungs: Rice includes varieties like brown rice and purple rice. When symptoms such as lung heat and cough appear, it has a great effect in nourishing yin and moistening the lungs. Preparation: Simmer rice congee over low heat until the rice soup is thick. Drink only the soup, not the grains, at any time.
5. Soybeans Nourish the Kidneys: Black soybeans in soybeans are known as the "grain of the kidneys." TCM believes they can tonify the kidneys, strengthen the body, detoxify, and moisten the skin. They have a good therapeutic effect on kidney deficiency and edema. Preparation: Soak them, then blend them into soy milk, or cook black bean congee. Take it once in the morning and once in the evening daily.
Black Beans Soaked in Vinegar
Extended Reading: A Complete Guide to Eating Black Beans
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