Season: The Start of Spring
The Start of Spring marks the transition from nourishing yin during autumn and winter to cultivating yang during spring and summer. This is a period when the body’s metabolism becomes most active, making it especially important for health preservation.
At this time, the body’s yang energy begins to rise, and the circulation of qi and blood gradually moves toward the surface. The pores, which were in a closed state during the winter, start to open. As a result, the body’s surface defense against external pathogens becomes weaker. Combined with fluctuating temperatures, it becomes easier to contract wind-cold-dampness pathogens, leading to symptoms such as colds and coughs.
This period requires special attention to protecting the body from external environmental changes and enhancing immunity to prevent illness. It is also important to balance nourishing yang energy while avoiding excessive sweating or depletion of vital energy.
Health Benefits:
Nourishes the liver, strengthens the spleen, boosts qi, and tonifies the kidneys.
Recommended Recipe
Prepared Fo-ti & Goji Berry Pork Liver Soup
Ingredients
- Pork liver: 200 grams
- Goji berries: 5 grams
- Prepared Fo-ti (制首乌): 10 grams
- Scallions, ginger slices, salt, and other seasonings as needed
Instructions
- Wash the pork liver, slice it thinly, and blanch in boiling water briefly. Remove and rinse with cold water. Clean the goji berries and prepared Fo-ti.
- Heat a pot with a small amount of oil, add water, then place the pork liver, goji berries, prepared Fo-ti, scallions, and ginger slices into the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer.
- Season with salt according to taste and serve once cooked.
Ingredient Details
- Prepared Fo-ti (制首乌): Bitter, slightly astringent, and warm in nature. It targets the liver and kidney meridians and is known for its ability to tonify the liver and kidneys, as well as nourish essence and blood.
- Goji Berries: Sweet and neutral in nature. They target the liver and kidney meridians and are effective for tonifying the liver and kidneys, nourishing essence, and improving vision.
- Pork Liver: Sweet and neutral in nature. It targets the liver, spleen, and stomach meridians and is beneficial for replenishing liver blood, boosting qi, strengthening the spleen, and enhancing vision.
About the Soup
Prepared Fo-ti & Goji Berry Pork Liver Soup is a nutrient-rich medicinal soup that embodies the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dietary therapy. The combination of pork liver, goji berries, and prepared Fo-ti enhances their individual benefits when cooked together. However, due to the high cholesterol and purine content in pork liver, individuals with hyperlipidemia or high uric acid levels should consume this dish with caution.
This recipe is ideal for those looking to improve liver health, strengthen the spleen, boost energy, and support overall vitality during the dynamic metabolic phase of early spring.
