Common Ailments & Remedies 食疗

In TCM, food and medicine are viewed as part of the same continuum.

"药食同源” - medicine and food share the same source.

Food as Medicine
in TCM

In TCM, the boundary between food and medicine is fluid. TCM regards everyday meals as opportunities to support health, restore balance, and treat illness. Unlike concentrated medicinal decoctions, TCM food therapy 食疗 incorporates healing ingredients in small, daily amounts into regular cooking for long-term benefit.

Properties of Key Medicinal Foods

Many common Chinese herbs double as food ingredients, providing gentle therapeutic effects when used in everyday cooking.

Ginger (生姜)

Nature: Warm, pungent

TCM Function: Dispels cold, promotes circulation, harmonizes the stomach

Modern View: Anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, promotes digestion

Goji Berries (枸杞子)

Nature: Neutral, sweet
TCM Function: Nourishes liver and kidney yin, brightens eyes, strengthens blood

Modern View: Rich in antioxidants, supports eye health and immunity

Red Dates (红枣)

Nature: Warm, sweet

TCM Function: Tonifies qi and blood, calms the mind

Modern View: High in vitamins C and B, promotes restful sleep

Chrysanthemum (菊花)

Nature: Cool, sweet and bitter

TCM Function: Clears heat from liver and eyes, calms the liver

Modern View: Anti-inflammatory, supports eye and liver health

Hawthorn Berry (山楂)

Nature: Slightly warm, sour

TCM Function: Promotes digestion, especially of meat/fatty foods

Modern View: Improves lipid metabolism, supports cardiovascular health

Seasonal Cooking for Balance

TCM food therapy thrives on daily, consistent use. Meals are planned to match the season, body constitution, and current symptoms — making eating a form of preventive care.

During the Spring (Liver season), you want to emphasize greens, sprouts, and sour flavors to move qi

Chrysanthemum-goji tea

for liver detox and vision

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During the Summer (Heart/Heat) you want to focus on hydrating, cooling foods

Mung bean soup with mint to clear heat & prevent heatstroke

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During Autumn (Lung/Dryness), you should eat moistening foods like pear, honey, and lily bulb

Steamed pear with rock sugar to soothe dry cough

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During Winter (Kidney/Yang) be sure to eat warming foods like lamb, black sesame, and bone broth

Lamb hotpot with goji berries to warm yang & support immunity

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Food Remedies for Everyday Ailments

🌬 Cold/Flu

Remedy: Ginger-scallion broth + congee
Effect: Disperses wind-cold, opens pores, supports immunity

😴 Fatigue / Qi Deficiency

Remedy: Chicken soup with red dates, goji berries, and astragalus
Effect: Strengthens spleen and lung qi

🍽 Indigestion / Bloating

Remedy: Barley and dried tangerine peel porridge
Effect: Transforms dampness, moves stagnant qi

🌡 Blood Deficiency / Menstrual Imbalance

Remedy: Black chicken soup with dang gui and red dates
Effect: Nourishes blood, regulates menstruation

🧠 Stress & Insomnia

Remedy: Sweet soup with lotus seed, lily bulb, and longan
Effect: Calms the heart, clears heat, promotes restful sleep

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Guiding Principles
for TCM Cooking

Food as Medicine, Not Cure: Gentle, consistent use supports long-term balance and vitality
Balance of Flavors: Use the five flavors to influence organ systems and energetics

Low Dose, Long Use: Medicinal herbs used in cooking are mild and safe for daily use
Harmonious Combinations: Pair herbs that complement each other energetically (e.g., warming ginger with tonifying dates)