Eating jujubes this way multiplies their benefits a hundredfold.

Introduction: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that red dates are sweet in nature and neutral in flavor, and have the effects of tonifying the middle jiao, replenishing qi, nourishing blood, and promoting the production of body fluids. They are best eaten regularly. However, different ways of eating red dates yield different effects. Below are 8 recommended ways to double the efficacy of red dates.

1. Red Date Tea → Toning Qi and Protecting the Throat

Steeping fried black red dates in tea can treat stomach cold and stomach pain. If added with longan, it becomes a blood and qi tonic tea, suitable for people who use their vocal cords frequently, such as teachers and sales clerks.

2. Red Date Soup → Relieving Cough and Moistening the Lungs

The "Bixiao Fang" written by Meng Shen of the Tang Dynasty records: "Boiling red dates, tremella fungus, and rock sugar together into a soup can relieve cough and moisten the lungs." The specific method is: take about half a tremella mushroom, 10 red dates, and 60 grams of rock sugar, the amount can be adjusted according to personal taste. Soak the tremella fungus in water until it expands, remove the stem, tear it into small pieces, and put it in a pot with the red dates and rock sugar. Add 6 bowls of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for half an hour before turning off the heat.

Taro and Red Date Soup

3. Red Date Boiled Eggs → Nourishing Blood and Beautifying

Boil red dates and longan in brown sugar water. When the dates and longan are soft, add an egg and continue to cook over low heat until the egg is done. Red dates, longan, and brown sugar all have blood-nourishing effects. Boiling eggs in this water is both nourishing and beautifying.

4. Red Date Soaked Water → Nourishing the Liver and Detoxifying

Drinking water soaked with red dates can nourish the liver and detoxify. It should be noted that it is best to break the red dates before soaking them in water. Additionally, fresh red dates are not suitable for soaking or decocting because they are very high in vitamin C, which can be destroyed by hot water.

5. Red Date Porridge → Calming the Mind and Aiding Sleep

People with symptoms such as restlessness and anxiety can cook a porridge with an appropriate amount of lily seeds, lotus seeds, red dates, and millet, which has a calming and sleep-aiding effect.

Black Sesame and Red Date Porridge

6. Red Date Soaked Wine → Ensuring Smooth Blood Vessels

Drinking wine soaked with red dates has a certain effect on keeping blood vessels smooth.

7. Steamed Red Dates with Black Fungus → Preserving Youth and Removing Freckles

Steamed red dates with black fungus has the effect of preserving youth and removing freckles. The specific method is: take 10 red dates, 15 grams of black fungus, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Soak the red dates in water for about 2 hours; soak the black fungus until it expands, then place them together in a bowl, add an appropriate amount of water and rock sugar, and steam in a steamer for about 1 hour before eating.

8. Red Date and Ginger Drink → Nourishing the Stomach and Calming the Mind

The red date and ginger drink has a good effect on nourishing the stomach. Grind licorice, cloves, and agarwood into a fine powder, then add some salt. Each time, take 15-25 grams and decoct or soak it with red dates and ginger to make tea, drink several times a day. It has the effects of nourishing blood, strengthening the stomach, and calming the mind.

Jujube, Brown Sugar, and Ginger Water