How to nourish the five zang organs with the five grains.

Introduction: The "Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" states, "The five grains are for nourishment, and the five fruits are for assistance," which fully illustrates the importance of grains in the dietary structure. The main nutrients for the human body still need to be supplied by cereals. Let's listen to the introduction by Chen Hailing, Deputy Chief Physician of Internal Medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine—How to eat the five grains to nourish the five organs in spring.

In spring, the liver (Wood) flourishes. When Wood flourishes, it can easily overcome the Spleen (Earth). In late spring and early summer, the function of the spleen is in a period of transitioning to prosperity. Following the health principle of adapting to the four seasons, the prosperity of the spleen will drive the stomach's function of rotting and ripening food. A person's digestive and absorption abilities will be enhanced, and their appetite will be better. Therefore, this is an excellent time to eat whole grains to nourish the spleen and stomach and store energy for the body. Furthermore, the annoying "spring sleepiness," from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, is caused by the enhanced vital energy of growth combined with insufficient qi and blood. "Spring sleepiness" is also one of the typical symptoms of spleen deficiency. If you are suffering from the disturbance of "spring sleepiness," it is even more important to eat more spleen-nourishing grains at this time to strengthen the spleen and stomach function, allowing food to be transformed into qi and blood and distributed throughout the body to provide energy.

Millet nourishes the spleen and stomach

Millet is the head of the five grains and the most nutritious among them. Its nature is warm and it can benefit the spleen and stomach. The spleen and stomach are the foundation of postnatal life; humans eat the five grains and transform them into essence, relying on the spleen and stomach. Only when the spleen and stomach are healthy can the other internal organs have a source of nutrition. Fresh millet can be cooked into congee. The top layer of millet oil can be used to feed children with a weak spleen and stomach. Regular consumption can strengthen the stomach and spleen and prevent diarrhea. For the elderly, postpartum women, and patients after surgery, their gastrointestinal function is very weak. At this time, taking millet congee to nourish the spleen is far superior to ginseng chicken soup. When cooking millet congee, you can also add red dates, lotus seeds, lilies, eggs, etc., to increase nutrition and flavor.

Millet and Pumpkin Congee

Rice is the grain for the lung

Rice is the rice we eat in daily life. Its nature is slightly cool and it can nourish lung yin, benefit the intestines, relieve vexation and thirst, promote urination, tonify the middle jiao, and generate muscle. Those with lung heat, cough, or yellow phlegm should drink rice soup. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said that the lung governs the skin and body hair. Therefore, women who want to beautify themselves can often drink the top layer of rice oil from congee. Long-term consumption will surely have an effect, surpassing any cosmetics. You can also cook congee with rice and Gordon Euryale seeds to nourish the lung and essence, unblock the blood vessels, and improve complexion.

Wheat is good at supplementing heart qi

>In spring, the wind is strong, and the temperature, air pressure, and humidity changeable, which can make people's emotions volatile and prone to feelings of frustration and depression. If you have symptoms such as vexation, palpitations, or insomnia, you might as well cook wheat into congee to drink. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" states: "Wheat can eliminate heat, stop vexation, moisten dryness, promote urination, and is good at supplementing heart qi." Among the five grains, wheat is the only one that contains the qi of the four seasons. It is planted in autumn and harvested in summer, and its growth cycle spans the four seasons. Generally, after drinking for about a week, most people can see effects.

Corn and Soy Milk

In the five elements, spring belongs to Wood, and the liver also belongs to Wood. Therefore, the spring qi connects to the liver. In spring, liver qi flourishes and ascends, so it is necessary to strengthen the protection and nourishment of the liver. Mung bean is a holy product for pacifying the liver among the five grains. It can clear liver fire, especially in late spring and early summer, making it particularly suitable for those with excess liver fire, as well as people with high blood lipids, high blood pressure, fatty liver, or a tendency to get angry. In addition, drinking tea made from Goji berries and Huai chrysanthemums regularly can not only clear the liver and brighten the eyes but also nourish insufficient liver blood, lower blood lipids, lower blood pressure, and treat dizziness.

Black bean is the grain for the kidney

Black bean is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature. It has the effects of tonifying the kidney and strengthening the body, activating blood and promoting urination, detoxifying, and moisturizing the skin. It is especially suitable for those with kidney deficiency. Natto, a healthy food in Japan, is made from fermented black beans, similar to what we commonly call fermented black beans (douchi). Here, I will introduce the simplest way to eat black beans: after cooking the black beans, add a small amount of salt and mix well. Regular consumption can tonify the kidney and strengthen bones. In addition, pour freshly roasted black beans into rice vinegar while hot and seal it. Eat the beans and drink the vinegar. Long-term persistence can lower blood pressure.

Experts remind us that although the five grains are good, they should be eaten at fixed times and in fixed quantities; one should not overindulge without restraint. The nourishing effect of the five grains must be combined with a reasonable dietary mix, regulation of daily routine, and emotional adjustment. Only in this way can the body and mind become healthier and healthier.

Black Bean, Peanut, and Tremella Soup