Fall Lung Recipe – American Ginseng & Chicken Soup
By Vicky Chan of NourishU
Cooking in the Fall Season
Fall is the time when dryness and cooler temperatures predominate. This is also the time of year when your lungs are most vulnerable to attack. Symptoms related to dryness include coughing with sputum, dry nose and throat, dry skin and lips, chest pain and dry stools.
It is important to increase the intake of soothing fluids to balance the effect of external dryness. The cooling temperatures can increase your appetite, especially for meat, but it is important to change gradually from a diet high in vegetables and fruit over summer months to one that is a mix of meat and vegetables so that the digestive system can adjust more easily. In fall, eat less eggplant because they can turn the digestive system sluggish.
The following superfoods are highly recommended to be taken more in fall to counter the dry seasonal effects.
Fresh Lily Bulb
Excellent for moisturizing lungs and is regarded as vegetable ginseng because of its high protein, phosphate, potassium, calcium and rich multivitamin content.
Red Dates/Jujube
Promote energy, reduce stress on the liver, benefit the formation and maintenance of the bloodstream, body hormones, bones, muscles, skin, hair, body enzymes, and neurotransmitters.
Sweet Potatoes
High in fiber and nutritional content can help to prevent constipation and adding pounds.
Goji-berries
Goji-berries have many health benefits and can improve immune functions to prevent sickness.
Pears
Excellent in lowering heat and moisturizing lungs, prevent cough and clear phlegm.
Pumpkin
Moisturizing, strengthen stomach and spleen functions.
American Ginseng Chicken Soup
American Ginseng / Image from nootriment.com
Symptoms
Lack of energy, easily tired, dry mouth and throat, lack of appetite and profuse perspiration.
Therapeutic Effects
Clears, moisturizes and tonifies the lungs, strengthens the spleen and builds blood.
Ingredients (2 to 3 servings)
- Chicken – one whole
- Ginger – 40gm
- American ginseng 花旗參 – 20gm
- Pitted red dates 紅棗 – 4
Chinese Red Dates / Image from katjuju.com
Directions
- Wash chicken, cut into halves and remove skin and fat. Put chicken in boiling water to boil for 5 minutes, remove and rinse.
- Wash other ingredients and put all ingredients in a pot with adequate water (about 3 liters) and bring to a boil. Remove foam, reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours to about 3 cups of soup left.
- Add salt to serve and drink soup mainly.
Usage
Suitable for the whole family.