Winter Tonifying Paste for Longevity and Health
In southern China, people traditionally prepare and consume tonifying pastes before the Winter Solstice (effectively starting from Start of Winter). They take the paste until just before the Spring Equinox—about three months—greatly benefiting physical strength and aligning with the principle of “In winter three months, this is called closure and storage.”
How is the paste made?
For example, an elderly person with general deficiency in qi, blood, yin, and yang, and mild cerebral atrophy (manifesting as memory decline, hypertension, coronary heart disease, high lipids, arteriosclerosis, yet still self-reliant), a physician might prescribe the "Shouwu Yan Shou Dan" formula for paste preparation:
Ingredients: Polygonum multiflorum 20g, Rehmannia glutinosa 30g, Morus mulberry 30g, Ligustrum lucidum 15g, Eclipta prostrata 15g, Sesame seed 30g, Cynomorium songaricum 20g, Achyranthes bidentata 15g, Mulberry leaf 15g, Honeysuckle 10g, Clerodendrum trichotomum 30g, Psoralea corylifolia 15g, Rosa laevigata 10g.
Preparation: Select the above refined herbal slices, soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour, decoct three times like herbal medicine, filter, press to extract juice, concentrate into paste. The consistency should be such that it does not spread on non-absorbent paper. Final concentration: mix 1 part clear decoction with 1/4 part refined rock sugar or honey (previously processed). Typically, 10 lbs of clear decoction combined with 2.5 lbs of rock sugar or honey.
Usage: Take 1 tablespoon (about 15 ml) twice daily, after meals.
Storage: Store in a clean, covered porcelain jar. Dry the jar with low heat before filling. Do not seal immediately to prevent condensation dripping into the paste. Let it cool slightly, cover with gauze overnight, then seal the next day. For long-term storage, ensure container is sealed tightly and keep in a dry, cool, shaded, ventilated area, with measures to prevent heat and moisture.