I caught an interesting cooking show on TV last night. On Astro's Asian Food Channel (Channel 703), I watched a show on TCM. It was a Taiwanese programme where the host and hostess spoke in Mandarin and sometimes a smattering of Taiwan Hokkien.
The show featured 3 recipes each segment, using TCM herbs with the herbalist host explaining about the uses of the specific herbs. Then the lady hostess would cook up a dish, usually a main course, using the herbs.
While I am not very interested in making dishes like prawn balls with Chinese herbs (it seemed just too much work!), I liked the 2 other recipes they showed.
One was a milk beverage with herbs (I can't recall what now). But the other one was easy. A tong sum and red date tea.
Tong sum or dang shen is a mild herb which resembles a dry, gnarled twig the size of a finger. It is called the poor man's ginseng in some instances because it shares similar properties with the more expensive ginseng. Dang shen is actually a root which benefits the spleen and lungs and is often used together with other herbs in soups.
This inexpensive herb helps to boost immunity, nourishes blood and lowers blood pressure. That's why it is suitable to restore health to the body, especially one that's been ill or unwell. It helps with restoring one's appettite too.
It is also a herb to use for promoting digestion especially if you have a sluggish digestion (indicated by bloating and indigestion).
To simmer this tea, you need some dried red dates (seeded) and some dang shen. Wash and put both into a pot with 2 bowls of water. Simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until water is reduced to one bowl. Drink warm.
The show featured 3 recipes each segment, using TCM herbs with the herbalist host explaining about the uses of the specific herbs. Then the lady hostess would cook up a dish, usually a main course, using the herbs.
While I am not very interested in making dishes like prawn balls with Chinese herbs (it seemed just too much work!), I liked the 2 other recipes they showed.
One was a milk beverage with herbs (I can't recall what now). But the other one was easy. A tong sum and red date tea.
Tong sum or dang shen is a mild herb which resembles a dry, gnarled twig the size of a finger. It is called the poor man's ginseng in some instances because it shares similar properties with the more expensive ginseng. Dang shen is actually a root which benefits the spleen and lungs and is often used together with other herbs in soups.
This inexpensive herb helps to boost immunity, nourishes blood and lowers blood pressure. That's why it is suitable to restore health to the body, especially one that's been ill or unwell. It helps with restoring one's appettite too.
It is also a herb to use for promoting digestion especially if you have a sluggish digestion (indicated by bloating and indigestion).
To simmer this tea, you need some dried red dates (seeded) and some dang shen. Wash and put both into a pot with 2 bowls of water. Simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until water is reduced to one bowl. Drink warm.
Comments
I just stumbled upon your blog, and I love it!! Please post more...
I'm already headed to my herbalist in Chinatown (I'm in New York) to go buy Chinese Yam and wolfberry.
Best,
Laurel
Hey, thanks for your comment. I shall post more.... but I've been super busy. ;-) Come back often because I've got a new bunch of soup recipes to share! And welcome to my blog too. Tell me how your soups turn out too.
My daughter just had her period. Is this tea good for her? Should she drink it before or after her period?
Thanks,
Audrey
Thanks for the idea. I need to ask my regular herbalist how to do so. I am still a learner, just like you ;-).
Hi Audrey:
When I was young, my mom used to make nourishing soups for me to drink once I finish my periods. This is to build up the blood. One or two days after the period's done should be a good time to drink these soups. Hope this helps!
I used to drink tong sum + red date + kei qi for the past 3 weeks. I have 4 q's:
1) can women expecting conceiving drink this?
2) if using a slow cooker how long should it be? 1 or 2 hour?
3) should i wash it before cook it?
4) can drink everyday?
Dangshen or tong sum is supposed to be a mild herb which even children can take.
Red dates are good for blood-building while dang shen is to boost immune system. Based on these two characteristics, I don't see why conceiving women shouldn't drink it. However, again I must stress that I am not a medical doctor or herbalist or acupunturist. If you are doubtful, then please stay away from these herbs or get a second opinion from a herbalist. If you use a slow cooker, 1 hour would do. Yes, just rinse the red dates (pit them please) and rinse the dang shen. Sometimes you do not know if the herbs are exposed to dirt or dust. In Malaysia, I have seen herbs sunned in the open air. You can drink daily but like all things in life, don't overdo it. Why not drink it 2-3 times a week instead of daily?