My Top 3 Chinese Herbal Home Remedies

Although we try our best to prevent illness, physical, emotional and environmental stressors sometimes get the best of us.

These herbal remedies are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and have been passed down through generations. In this blog post, we're going to unveil my top 3 herbal home remedies that can work wonders for your health and stop common illnesses in their tracks.

Wind-Cold Soup

Wake up with a scratchy throat, fatigue and a clear runny nasal discharge? Wind-Cold soup is here to save the day! This soothing concoction is a popular remedy for colds, flu, and overall immunity.

Add sliced ginger, scallions, and garlic to your favorite broth (vegetable, chicken or beef) and simmer for 15 minutes. This soup will warm you up from the inside out.

For other tips on food therapy, check out my blog post Nourishing the Body and Soul: The Healing Powers of Food Therapy.

Wind-Heat Tea

Sore throat, congestion and fatigue got you down? Turn to peppermint and chrysanthemum tea and citrus fruits to keep you cool and hydrated.

For those interested in exploring more ways to best care for your body and prevent illness, visit my Holistic Health Shop where you'll find my top handpicked products.

Upset Stomach Congee

Congee is a traditional Chinese rice porridge that's gentle on the stomach and easy to digest, making it perfect for soothing an upset stomach. Here’s a simple TCM-inspired congee recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white rice (organic Jasmine or short-grain is ideal)

• 6-7 cups water or broth (you can adjust depending on the consistency you prefer)

• 1-2 slices of fresh ginger (to warm the stomach and aid digestion)

• 1-2 pieces of dried Chinese red dates (jujube), optional (for Qi nourishment)

• A pinch of salt (optional)

• 1-2 teaspoons of sesame oil or coconut oil

• Green onions, finely chopped, (removes pathogens)

Instructions:

1. Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the congee from becoming too sticky.

2. Cook the Congee:

   • In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and water (or broth).

   • Add the slices of ginger and the dried Chinese red dates.

   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

   • Let it simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom. You want the rice to break down and create a creamy, porridge-like consistency.

   • If the congee becomes too thick, add more water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.

3. Season and Serve:

   • Once the congee reaches your desired texture, remove the ginger slices and red dates if you prefer.

   • Stir in a pinch of salt and the sesame or coconut oil.

   • Serve hot, garnished with green onions.

TCM Insights:

• Rice is neutral and nourishing, providing gentle energy and helping to regulate digestion.

• Ginger is warming, disperses cold, and harmonizes the stomach, making it excellent for relieving nausea and stomach discomfort.

• Red Dates (Jujube) are optional but are known for nourishing the blood and Qi, adding a bit of sweetness to the congee.

  
  

This congee can be eaten plain or with light, easily digestible toppings, such as steamed vegetables or a bit of poached chicken, depending on what your stomach can handle. It’s a versatile base that you can adapt to your needs.