Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is more than just a healthcare system; it’s a culinary art form that blends flavors with healing properties. Rooted in centuries of wisdom, Chinese medicine recipes harness the power of natural ingredients such as herbs, roots, and spices to promote wellness and balance within the body.
Whether you’re looking to boost immunity, improve digestion, or restore energy, these recipes offer a delicious way to experience the benefits of holistic health.
In this post, we will explore some fundamental Chinese medicine recipes that you can easily prepare at home. These recipes are designed not only to taste great but also to nourish your body deeply.
From warming soups to revitalizing teas, each recipe incorporates key medicinal ingredients that support your well-being throughout the seasons. Let’s dive into the world where food meets medicine and discover how simple cooking can heal and energize!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chinese medicine recipes are beloved for their dual purpose: they nourish your body while tantalizing your taste buds. These recipes are thoughtfully crafted to balance yin and yang, enhance qi (vital energy), and strengthen your organs naturally.
Healing benefits are integrated into everyday meals, making it easy to support your immune system and improve overall health. Plus, many of these recipes are comforting and versatile, perfect for anyone new to TCM or experienced in holistic healing.
By incorporating natural ingredients like ginger, goji berries, and astragalus root, you’re not only enjoying rich flavors but also receiving a host of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
These recipes make wellness deliciously simple!
Ingredients
- Astragalus root (10g) – boosts immunity and energy
- Goji berries (15g) – rich in antioxidants, supports eye and liver health
- Ginger slices (5 pieces) – warms the body and aids digestion
- Chinese red dates (10 pieces) – nourish blood and calm the mind
- Dang gui (Angelica sinensis) root (8g) – replenishes blood and regulates menstruation
- Lotus seeds (20g) – strengthen the spleen and kidneys
- Chicken broth (4 cups) or vegetable broth
- Fresh shiitake mushrooms (100g) – boosts immunity and adds umami flavor
- Spring onions (2 stalks) – enhance flavor and promote circulation
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp) – seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
Equipment
- Large soup pot or slow cooker – for simmering ingredients gently
- Strainer or fine mesh sieve – to remove herbs before serving (optional)
- Knife and chopping board – for prepping fresh ingredients
- Measuring spoons and cups – to ensure accurate ingredient quantities
- Ladle – for serving soup
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the herbs: Rinse the astragalus root, dang gui, goji berries, lotus seeds, and red dates under cold water to remove impurities.
- Simmer herbs: In a large soup pot, add the rinsed herbs along with 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the medicinal properties to infuse the broth deeply.
- Prepare fresh ingredients: While the herbs simmer, clean and slice the shiitake mushrooms and chop the spring onions. Peel and slice the ginger.
- Add fresh ingredients: After the initial simmer, add the ginger slices, shiitake mushrooms, and spring onions to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Season the soup: Add soy sauce and salt to taste, adjusting the seasoning based on your preference.
- Strain if desired: For a clear broth, strain out the herbs and ginger slices before serving. Otherwise, serve with all ingredients included for maximum benefit.
- Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. This soup is especially comforting during colder months or when you need an energy boost.
Tips & Variations
“Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using Chinese medicinal herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on medication.”
You can customize this recipe by substituting the chicken broth with a rich vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version. Adding tofu cubes or cooked barley can increase protein and fiber content, making the soup more filling.
For a sweeter touch, try incorporating dried longan fruit or rock sugar during the simmering process. Both ingredients are prized in TCM for their calming effects and ability to nourish the heart and spleen.
If you want to explore more warming recipes, check out our Authentic Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup Recipe Made Easy for a spicy twist on healthful eating.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition | Per Serving (1 bowl) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 |
Protein | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 10g |
Fat | 3g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 450mg (depends on soy sauce amount) |
Vitamin C | 15% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This nourishing soup pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a light vegetable stir-fry to complete your meal. For a refreshing contrast, try serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables.
To keep your meals balanced and wholesome, you might also enjoy exploring other recipes like Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious or quick bites such as Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
More Chinese Medicine Recipes to Try
Ginseng and Chicken Soup
This classic recipe uses ginseng root for its revitalizing effects combined with tender chicken to nourish qi and blood.
- Ginseng root (5g)
- Chicken thighs (500g)
- Chinese red dates (8 pieces)
- Goji berries (10g)
- Ginger slices (3 pieces)
- Water (6 cups)
- Salt to taste
Simmer all ingredients in water for 1.5 to 2 hours until the flavors meld and the broth is rich. Strain before serving for a clear, nourishing soup.
Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea
A soothing and cooling tea that balances heat and calms the liver, perfect for detoxification and eye health.
- Dried chrysanthemum flowers (5g)
- Goji berries (10g)
- Honey (optional, to taste)
- Hot water (2 cups)
Steep chrysanthemum flowers and goji berries in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Sweeten with honey if desired.
Drink warm or chilled.
Black Sesame and Walnut Congee
This creamy porridge is rich in black sesame seeds and walnuts, known to nourish the kidneys and improve hair health.
- Rice (1/2 cup)
- Black sesame seeds (2 tbsp)
- Walnuts (1/4 cup, chopped)
- Water (4 cups)
- Rock sugar or honey (optional)
Cook rice in water until it breaks down into a smooth porridge. Toast black sesame seeds and walnuts lightly, then stir into the congee.
Sweeten if desired.
For more ideas on holistic and plant-based recipes, check out our curated collections like Ayurvedic Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy and Tasty Meals and Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy.
Conclusion
Chinese medicine recipes provide an incredible opportunity to combine nourishment with healing in every bite. By using natural ingredients steeped in tradition, you can create meals that support your body’s balance and vitality while delighting your palate.
These recipes are simple enough for daily cooking but powerful enough to offer real health benefits.
Whether you’re new to TCM or a seasoned practitioner, experimenting with these recipes opens a gateway to holistic wellness through food. Remember, food is medicine, and with these Chinese medicine recipes, you’re embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health, flavor, and harmony.
Enjoy the journey of cooking and healing!
📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup
Description: A nourishing soup combining traditional Chinese herbs with chicken to boost immunity and energy. Ideal for recovery and wellness during cold seasons.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT2H
Total Time: PT2H15M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole free-range chicken (about 3 lbs), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 10 dried red dates
- 15g dried goji berries
- 20g dang gui (Chinese angelica root), sliced
- 10g dried astragalus root
- 5 slices fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 liters water
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- Salt to taste
- 2 stalks green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken pieces and blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Rinse all herbs and soak goji berries for 5 minutes.
- In a large pot, add water, chicken, ginger, garlic, and all herbs.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours.
- Add rice wine and salt to taste, cook for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot garnished with chopped green onion.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 | Protein: 30g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 10g
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