Two Tonic Soups for Damp-Dispelling and Stomach-Warming Health Preservation
In spring, after the Awakening of Insects, thunder was not heard; only a few muffled rumbles were heard during the Spring Equinox night, indicating frequent clashes between cold and warm air masses. This means that fluctuating temperatures, heavy rains, and high humidity will persist for a long time in Guangzhou and the Pearl River Delta region. Such weather makes elderly people most susceptible to neck and back pain, limb numbness, especially those with rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatic arthritis history. Meanwhile, this inconsistent temperature variation often leads to digestive issues, causing gastric disease patients prone to relapse. This article specially introduces two home-based tonic soups with auxiliary therapeutic effects.
Silk Tree Branch Fresh Chicken Soup
Smells slightly herbal yet fresh and mild, it nourishes essence, dispels wind-dampness, and benefits joint health.
Ingredients: 40g fresh mulberry twigs, 1 whole chicken (cleaned), 3 slices of ginger.
Preparation: Wash and briefly soak the mulberry twigs; clean the chicken, remove internal organs and tail. Place all ingredients including ginger into a clay pot, add 3000ml water (about 12 bowls), boil over high heat, then simmer on low heat for 3 hours. Add appropriate salt and cooking oil before serving. Serves 3–4 people.
White Pepper Pork Stomach Soup
Has a rich aroma and functions to dispel cold-dampness and warm the gastrointestinal tract.
Ingredients: 15g white pepper, 1 pork stomach, 3 slices of ginger.
Preparation: Clean the pork stomach thoroughly with salt or cornstarch; crush the white pepper and stuff it into the stomach, then tie both ends tightly with thread. Place together with ginger into a clay pot, add 3000ml water, boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 3 hours. Add salt and cooking oil to taste. The pork stomach can be removed, sliced, and served with soy sauce as a side dish. Serves 3–4 people.