Food IS Medicine…
The old trick of treating a cold or flu with Chicken Noodle Soup is not merely a myth, but is in fact a tried-and-true way of tonifying the body, while pushing out pathogens that have compromised the body’s normal ability to stave off a cold or flu.
As a licensed acupuncturist practicing in traditional East Asian Medicine, I believe that ultimately food should be your medicine. Food is no different than herbs in terms of their innate properties that promote the balance of Qi and optimal health within the body. According to traditional East Asian Medicine, Qi is the vital life force energy that runs through specific channels within the body that correlate with the healthy functioning of our internal organs. In this article we will be exploring the nutritional attributes of food from the perspective of East Asian Medicine, in terms of their ability to promote the free flow of Qi within the body, as well as nourishment of the body through the yin fluids and blood.
First, lets take a look at the health benefits of Sinigang (Pork in Tamarind Soup), a traditional filipino dish that greatly tonifies & nourishes the body; which is also perfect for treating any Winter colds or ailments. Sinigang has the following ingredients: sampalok (tamarind), sliced pork on the bone, onion, tomatoes, labanos (daikon), sitaw (string beans), kangkong (water spinach leaves), gabi (taro), siling mahaba (long green chili peppers), with calamansi (a filipino citrus), and patis (fish sauce) as a condiment.
The pork in Sinigang nourishes the yin or the fluids of the body, therefore reducing dryness, and tonifies the Qi and blood. Due to its nourishing and tonifying properties, pork can treat dry skin, constipation, and chronic fatigue. In addition, the pork broth itself helps to strengthen the bones. The tamarind tonifies the stomach Qi, aiding in digestion and treating constipation, as well as treating exterior invasions that may cause flu-like symptoms such as a fever & and sore throat. Similarly, the daikon in the soup also helps with digestion. Shrimp may also be added or substituted for the pork, which can promote lactation, and treat infertility
As you can see, your food can serve as great remedies and preventives for illness. By making healthy food choices, you can treat acute illness, as well as prevent chronic illness from occurring.
The following is a list of common foods and their health properties:
MUNG BEANS
Mung Beans can help to reduce Edema or water retention, cools summer heat, and can also reduce toxicity within the body.
Here’s a delicious traditional Filipino dish which uses mung bean:
In addition, mung bean paste with warm water makes a great facial mask for treating acne.
DAIKON
Cooked Daikon promotes digestion, while when eaten in its raw form clears heat toxicity that can cause sore throat, and nose bleeds. In addition, this root can be used to treat Diabetes.
Here’s a simple Filipino dish that you can make with daikon:
WATER CHESTNUTS
Water chestnuts promote body fluids, dispel phlegm coughs, & cool the blood. They can be used to treat dry mouth, resolve food stagnation, and benefit vision.
GARLIC
Garlic detoxifies the body, promotes digestion and treats chronic diarrhea. In addition, it treats parasitic, fungal, or bacterial infections, such as candida.
PERSIMMON
Persimmon moistens the lungs, and resolves phlegm; making it great for treating coughs. They also promote digestion by moistening the intestines. They can also be used to treat constipation & hemorrhoids.
WINTER MELON
Winter Melons clear toxicity from the body & dissolve phlegm. In addition, they reduce edema by promoting urination. Since they are low in calories, winter melon can also promote weight control.
LYCHEE
Lychees promote body fluids, tonify the Qi, and nourish the blood. In essence, they nourish and energize the body. Furthermore, lychee harmonizes the stomach, and alleviates appetite loss.
RICE
Rice harmonizes, tonifies, and regulates the stomach’s Qi; making it a great remedy for chronic diarrhea and constipation.
BALUT
Quite the filipino delicacy, eating Balut has many health benefits. It has a generally moistening property, great for treating lung heat. Balut is also great for treating diabetes, cancer, and menopause.