Traditional Chinese Foods Made from Herbal Medicines
China is renowned for its deep-rooted tradition of integrating medicine and food, a practice known as yao shan (药膳), which translates to "medicinal cuisine." This culinary philosophy is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), emphasizing the balance of yin and yang, and using natural ingredients to promote health and well-being.
Here are some of the most popular Chinese dishes that incorporate traditional medicinal herbs and remedies.
1. Herbal Chicken Soup (药材鸡汤)
Key Ingredients: Chinese herbs like ginseng, goji berries, red dates, angelica root (dang gui), and astragalus root (huang qi).
Health Benefits:
Boosts energy and vitality.
Strengthens the immune system.
Improves blood circulation.
How It’s Made: Chicken is simmered with a mix of herbs to create a nourishing broth that is both flavorful and medicinal.
2. Ginseng Stew (人参炖汤)
Key Ingredients: Ginseng, lean meat (often chicken or pork), and sometimes wolfberries and red dates.
Health Benefits:
Enhances stamina and reduces fatigue.
Supports overall health and longevity.
Strengthens the respiratory system.
How It’s Made: The ginseng is slow-cooked with meat to infuse the dish with its distinctive aroma and health-boosting properties.
3. Eight Treasure Congee (八宝粥)
Key Ingredients: Glutinous rice, lotus seeds, red beans, goji berries, jujube, peanuts, and Chinese yam (shan yao).
Health Benefits:
Improves digestion.
Provides a rich source of energy.
Nourishes the blood and promotes skin health.
How It’s Made: The ingredients are boiled together until the congee reaches a thick and creamy consistency, making it both a delicious and medicinal breakfast option.
4. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶)
Key Ingredients: Dried chrysanthemum flowers, sometimes combined with goji berries or honey.
Health Benefits:
Reduces heat in the body and soothes the eyes.
Relieves stress and improves sleep quality.
Helps in detoxifying the body.
How It’s Made: Chrysanthemum flowers are steeped in hot water to release their fragrant and calming essence.
5. Angelica Duck Soup (当归鸭汤)
Key Ingredients: Angelica root (dang gui), duck meat, ginger, and red dates.
Health Benefits:
Supports blood replenishment, especially for women.
Nourishes the body after illness.
Improves circulation and warms the body.
How It’s Made: Duck meat is stewed with angelica root and other herbs to create a rich and deeply flavored soup.
6. Wolfberry Egg Soup (枸杞蛋花汤)
Key Ingredients: Wolfberries (goji berries), eggs, and sometimes ginger.
Health Benefits:
Enhances vision and eye health.
Boosts energy and immunity.
Supports liver and kidney functions.
How It’s Made: A simple, light soup with beaten eggs cooked in a broth infused with wolfberries.
7. Black Sesame Paste (黑芝麻糊)
Key Ingredients: Ground black sesame seeds, rice, and sugar (optional).
Health Benefits:
Strengthens hair and prevents premature graying.
Supports kidney health.
Improves digestion and skin health.
How It’s Made: Black sesame seeds are ground into a fine paste and cooked into a smooth dessert-like consistency.
8. Lotus Root Soup (莲藕汤)
Key Ingredients: Lotus root, peanuts, red dates, pork ribs, and sometimes Chinese herbs like lily bulbs or goji berries.
Health Benefits:
Boosts lung health and improves respiration.
Strengthens the immune system.
Soothes the digestive system.
How It’s Made: Lotus root is simmered with other ingredients to produce a hearty, nourishing soup.
9. Herbal Jelly (龟苓膏)
Key Ingredients: Turtle shell powder, herbs like smilax glabra (tu fu ling), and other medicinal plants.
Health Benefits:
Cools the body and reduces internal heat.
Detoxifies and promotes healthy skin.
Aids in digestion and relieves inflammation.
How It’s Made: The ingredients are boiled and set into a jelly, often served with a drizzle of honey or sugar syrup.
10. Red Date and Longan Tea (红枣桂圆茶)
Key Ingredients: Red dates, dried longan, and sometimes ginger or goji berries.
Health Benefits:
Replenishes blood and energy.
Promotes relaxation and better sleep.
Improves skin complexion.
How It’s Made: The ingredients are boiled into a sweet, fragrant tea that can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Conclusion
Traditional Chinese medicinal cuisine seamlessly blends nutrition and healing. These dishes not only satisfy the palate but also support holistic health by balancing the body’s energy. Whether you’re looking to boost immunity, enhance vitality, or simply enjoy a nourishing meal, these herbal-infused foods provide a perfect combination of flavor and wellness.
Exploring yao shan offers a glimpse into the harmony of food and medicine in Chinese culture—where every bite is both delicious and beneficial.