Monday, November 20, 2017

Common Chinese Medical Food - Red Dates / Jujube

Medicinal Action and Uses of Jujube Fruit.


Medicinal Action and Uses of Jujube Fruit.

 The Jujube is classed with the raisin, date, and fig as a pectoral fruit, being nutritive and demulcent. It is eaten both fresh and dried.

 A syrup and a tisane were formerly made from it, but the berries are now little used in medicine.

 Jujube paste, or 'Pate de Jujubes,' is made of gum-arabic and sugar. It may be dissolved in a decoction of jujubes and evaporated, but is considered as good a demulcentwithout their addition. It is frequently merely mixed with orange-flower water.

 A decoction of the roots has been used in fevers.

 Key Actions:

 aids in weight management
 antiallergenic
 improves stamina and strength
 mildly sedating
 strengthens liver function
 stimulates immune system
 tonic

 Anodyne; Antidote; Astringent; Cancer; Diuretic; Emollient; Expectorant; Hypnotic; Narcotic; Pectoral; Poultice; Refrigerant; Sedative; Skin; Stomachic; Tonic.

 Jujube helps to efficiently get the energy from food. It also gives energy and has an emotionally calming effect.

 Pharmacology:

Anti-aging effects:Experiments show that Da Zao has an inhibitory effect on the activity of monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) in mice.

 Anti-tumor effects:Administering to mice for 14 consecutive days, Da Zao(Jujube Fruit) can inhibit sarcoma-180 (S180) with a 61% inhibition rate.

 Anti-inflammatory effects:Extracts of Da Zao(Jujube Fruit) leaves can significantly inhibit dimethylbenzene-induced auricular inflammation in mice, egg white-induced toe swelling, and cotton ball-induced granulation tissue proliferation in rats.

 Astringent and Febrifuge:The leaves are astringent and febrifuge. They are said to promote the growth of hair. They are used to form a plaster in the treatment of strangury.

 Anodyne, anticancer, pectoral, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, styptic and tonic:The dried fruits(Jujube Fruit) are anodyne, anticancer, pectoral, refrigerant, sedative, stomachic, styptic and tonic.They are considered to purify the blood and aid digestion.They are used internally in the treatment of chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, diarrhea, anemia, irritability and hysteria. The fruit strengthens the liver and is used by Chinese Practitioners for hepatitis and cirrhosis.

 Counteracting mutation:Experiments show that oral administration of Da Zao(Jujube Fruit) decoction can significantly inhibit cyclophosphamide-induced increase in sister chromatid exchange (SCE), indicating that Da Zao(Jujube Fruit) has an anti-mutation effect.

 Counteracting allergic reaction:Da Zao(Jujube Fruit) solution can suppress the release of leukotrien D4 by basophilic white blood cells in human peripheral blood.

 Counteracting leukemia:Experiments show that water-based extract of Da Zao(Jujube Fruit) has a significant suppressive effect on the proliferation and colony formation of human leukemia K562 cells.

 Effects on the cardiovascular system:Da Zao(Jujube Fruit) has a protective effect on experimental cardiac ischemia in rats. It can significantly increase the subjects' tolerance for oxygen deprivation, counteract various experimental cardiac arrhythmia, suppress platelet aggregation and affect the subjects' hemodynamics and blood rheology, and enhance rats' humoral and cell-mediated immune functions.

 Effects on the phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophage:In-vivo experiments show that Hong Zao(Da Zao)(Jujube Fruit) can increase the phagocytosis of mice's mononuclear-phagocyte system.

 Nutritive qualities:The ancient claims about its extraordinary nutritive qualities may reflect two aspects of jujube: first, persons who were especially weak and unable to eat ordinarily might find the mild and sweet taste of jujube acceptable and at least get some calories (e.g., about 40, still very little) and a small amount of protein, especially valuable if jujube was added to a nutritional dish to make it more palatable; second, persons who did not have much fruit in their diet might have had a low vitamin C level, which could be corrected with a relatively small quantity of jujube fruit or its extract.

 Muscular strength and Increases Stamina:Jujube is both a delicious fruit and an effective herbal remedy. It improves muscular strength and increases stamina. In Chinese medicine it is prescribed as a tonic to strengthen liver function. In one clinical trial in China 12 patients with liver complaints were given jujube, peanuts and brown sugar nightly. In four weeks their liver function had improved.


 Strengthening effect:Fed to mice for 21 consecutive days, Da Zao decoction can significantly increase the subjects' body weight and swimming capacities.

 Seed:The seed is hypnotic, narcotic, sedative, stomachic and tonic. It is used internally in the treatment of palpitations, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, pain, night sweats and excessive perspiration. Also used to improve skin color and tone.

 Root:The root is used in the treatment of dyspepsia. A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of fevers. The root is made into a powder and applied to old wounds and ulcers. It is used for.

 Other Medicine Uses:The jujube is a remedy for anemia, hypertonia, nephritis and nervous diseases.The fruit will impart energy without nervousness. Described as a calm energy.The plant is widely used in China as a treatment for burns.The fruits are used in Chinese traditional medicine, where they are believed to alleviate stress. The fruit is ground to powder, with very small amounts required to promptly calm nerves and purify blood quality.Ziziphin, a compound in the leaves of the jujube, suppresses the ability to perceive sweet taste in humans. The fruit, being mucilaginous, is also very soothing to the throat and decoctions of jujube have often been used in pharmacy to treat sore throats.

 Culinary use:The dried fruitsIn addition to their medicinal use, the candied dried fruits are often eaten as a snack, or with tea. They are available either red or black (called hong zao or hei zao, respectively, in Chinese), the latter being smoked to enhance their flavour. In China, , a sweetened tea syrup containing jujube fruits is available in glass jars,photo and canned jujube tea or jujube tea in the form of teabags is also available. Although not widely available, jujube juice and jujube vinegar are also produced.

 In China, a wine made from jujubes called hong zao jiu is also produced.Jujubes are sometimes preserved by storing in a jar filled with baijiu (Chinese liquor), which allows them to be kept fresh for a long time, especially through the winter. Such jujubes are called jiu zao(literally "spirited jujube").

 Other uses:The jujube's sweet smell is said to make teenagers fall in love, and as a result, in the Himalaya and Karakoram regions, men take a stem of sweet smelling jujube flowers with them or put it on their hats to attract the opposite sex.
Up.

 Modern Medical Research:

 Antioxidants:Jujube Fruit has the highest level of Antioxidants.Considerable laboratory evidence from chemical, cell culture, and animal studies indicates that antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer.

 Adaptogen and Increase Nitric Oxide levels:Zizyphys jujube (synonyms Z. sativa, Z. vulgaris) - jujube, Chinese jujube, red date or Chinese date(Jujube Fruit), have long been grown for their excellent fruit. Natives to Asia where there are many cultivars grown for fruit. However, it has become naturalized in many other warm temperate regions. It was brought into the Mediterranean in ancient Roman times. In China it has the reputation of one of the five principal fruits. Zizyphys jujube fruit with amino acids increase and maintain the body's natural nitric oxide levels. Zizyphys jujube acts as an adaptogen by encouraging normal functioning of the adrenal glands, allowing them to function optimally when challenged by stress. Zizyphys jujube has been shown to enhance mental acuity and physical endurance without the letdown that comes with caffeinated products. Research has shown that Zizyphys jujube improves the use of oxygen by the exercising muscle. This means that a person is able to maintain exercise longer and recovery from workouts is much quicker.

 Anti-inflammatory:Betulinic acid has been reported also to possess anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of betulinic acid is, at least in part, due to its capacity to inhibit enzymes involved in leukotriene biosynthesis, including 5-lipoxygenase (Somatsu, S. et al., Skin and Urology 21: 138, 1959 and Inoue, H., et al., Chem Pharm Bull. 2: 897-901, 1986).

 Treatment of Cancer:Betulinic Acid is abundently found in the Jujube Fruit.Betulinic acid is known to exert its anti-melanoma activity by causing apoptosis (programmed cell death). Apoptosis culminates in the fragmentation of the cellular DNA which can be detected by using monoclonal antibodies to the fragmented DNA (mono and polyoligonucleosomes). Apoptosis may be used as an indicator for specific cytotoxicity of the test compound. Apoptosis was investigated as a probable (or one of the probable) mechanisms of action of betulinic acid for killing leukemia cells (MOLT-4). Betulinic acid is isolated by methods known in the art comprising the steps of preparing an extract from the of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (Rhamnaceae), or Ziziphus mauritiana Lam (Rhamnaceae).

 There are several patents that relates to an orally effective herbal extract-based composition having broad-spectrum anticancer activity, more specifically a method of treating, inhibiting and/or preventing malignant tumors of the colon, intestine, stomach, breast, melanoma, glioblastoma, lung, cervix, ovary, prostate, oral cavity, larynx, liver, pancreas, kidney, bladder, endothelial cells, leukemia and myeloma using a herbal extract of Zizyphus, rich in betulinic acid. An advantage of the extract is that the betulinic acid has low systemic toxicity. The extract inhibits Protein Kinase C activity of cancer cells and induces apoptosis.

 Although originally thought to exhibit specific cytotoxicity against melanoma cells, this agent has been found to be cytotoxic against non-melanoma tumor cell types including neuroectodermal.and brain tumor cells.

Treatment of HIV:Betulinic acid and dihydrobetulinic acid acyl derivatives have been found to have potent anti-HIV activity (WO 96/39033). Anti-HIV assays indicated that 3-O-(3', 3'-diimethylsuccinyl)-betulinic acid and dihydrobetulinic acid both demonstrated extremely potent anti-HIV activity in acutely infected H9 lymphocytes with EC.sub.50 values of less than 1.7.times.10.sup.-5 .mu.M, respectively.


 Intercellular Communication:Inter-Cellular Communication within the human body relies on the two messenger molecules, cGMP and cAMP; responsible for pretty much EVERY SINGLE process that takes place in the body. the Jujube fruit has one the highest concentration of cGMP and cAMP of anything -- plant or animal -- known to man. A multitude of interesting health benefits result from better inter-cellular communication.

 Jujube fruit features in revitalizing skin care products:A US firm has launched a new range of products containing the popular Chinese fruit jujube, which is believed to slow down the aging process.

 The jujube fruit, which originated in China more than 4,000 years ago, is believed to invigorate the body, increase metabolism, give strength to the heart and slow down the aging process. In China, it is considered a daily dietary must.And with its high levels of vitamins and nutrients, it is no surprise that the cosmetics industry has picked up on the fruit as a functional ingredient for natural cosmetics products.

 "Rich in calcium, protein, and Vitamins C, B1, B2 and A, the wonder-fruit not only works miracles from the inside, but its reparative nutrients deliver intense moisture, nourishment and protection to the skin as well," said Boscia.

 A small, edible fruit from Asia, Jujube is believed to encourage cell turnover, improve elasticity and firmness of skin, and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

 Indeed, according to market researcher Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD), around 30 new cosmetics products containing jujube ingredients have been launched globally in recent years.The ingredient has been used in skincare, haircare, cosmetics and soap and bath and shower products, with the majority- 22 products- in skincare.The new line by Boscia, which is also fortified with amino acids, includes a body wash and a body cream. Their suggested retail prices are $22 and $30 respectively.
Up.

 More Applications and Uses:

 Enhances cellular communication.
 Combats cellular damage from free radicals.
 Eases sore throats.
 Nourishes the blood.
 Aids in digestion.
 Supports liver and spleen function.
 Detoxifies the body.
 Calms the mind.
 Moderates nervousness.
 Helps to overcome fatigue and weakness.
 Speeds recovery from illness.
 Inhibits gastrointestinal infections.
 Soothes the stomach.
 Provides energy.
 Enhances metabolism.
 Supports cardiovascular health.
 Strengthens blood vessels.
 Provides relief from the heat.
 Boosts Libido.
 Destroys parasites in the intestinal tract.
 Suppresses appetite.
 Supports heart, lung and kidney health.
 Enhances the immune system.
 Slows the effects of premature aging.
 Induces apoptosis in skin cancer cells.
 Impedes tumor growth.
 Assists weight loss.
 Counters affects of poison.
 Remedies boils and sores.
 Relieves bronchitis.
 Reduces fevers.
 Acts as a diuretic.
 Helps in extracting energy from food.
 Alleviates allergies.
 Facilitates sleep.

 The Chinese have established over the centuries great herbal remedies for all parts of the jujube tree with more use for the dried fruit, which is said to improve liver problems and to dehydrate the body and sooth the vital organs of the body. The Chinese believe the jujube can cure coughs and the sore throat, and even eliminate influenza symptoms or solve breathing problems that result from the lungs. The continuous usage of jujube, according to the Chinese, will improve skin color and cure skin infections. Lastly, the Chinese believe that the jujube fruit will kill internal body and stomach parasites and worms. Very few plants or trees are revered and loved by the Chinese as the jujube tree for the naturalistic medical remedies that result from treatment with fruit and plant extracts from the Chinese jujube. 

Saturday, March 11, 2017

Regular Friends for Ladies ♥ (2)

(continue) As always, credits original authors for info selected here:

Top 9 Acupressure Points to Treat Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) http://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-to-treat-pms/

http://www.searchhomeremedy.com/best-home-remedies-for-menstrual-cramps/

DIET FOR MENSTRUAL DISORDERS
  1. Diet before, during, and after menstruation can have direct bearing on the duration and severity of menstrual symptoms. I recommend a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and moderate to small amounts of organic animal protein.[5]
  2. Foods high in essential fatty acids, including cold-water fish, nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and seeds such as sesame and cassia, are helpful.
  3. One week prior to the onset of your cycle, I recommend that you incorporate scallions, chives, ginger, fennel, orange peel, spinach, walnuts, hawthorn berries (make tea), raspberries, saffron, tarragon, bay leaf, cinnamon, and black pepper into your diet.
  4. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and vinegar around the time of your menstrual period, as should saturated fats, sugar, raw fruits (except berries), salt, and dairy products. Animal proteins should be eaten in moderation.[8]

QI GONG EXERCISE FOR MENSTRUAL DISORDERS
Regular physical activity is very important for promoting the flow of qi in the body. A lack of exercise can increase the severity and duration of symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea. In addition to a regular physical exercise regimen, a good moving meditation can help balance the emotions, reduce stress, strengthen the organs, and regulate menstruation.

I recommend the movement section White Crane Twists Its Body to Look Up of the Eight Treasures Qi Gong to my patients for menstrual problems. This exercise helps regulate liver energy, promotes the flow of qi and blood, strengthens the uterine muscles, and helps regulate menstruation.[4] Do this exercise twice daily for best results.
  1. In a quiet, comfortable environment, preferably outdoors, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, spine erect, tailbone tucked in, and head tilted slightly forward. Let your arms hang at your sides, with the shoulders relaxed.
  2. Begin with rhythmic, slow, and relaxed breathing. Inhale deeply but softly, and imagine the breath extending all the way down to the lower abdomen, about two finger-widths below the navel. Exhale gently and softly. Stay in this position for 7 breath cycles, relaxing and calming your mind.
  3. Now, begin the exercise: Inhale, and widen your stance to two shoulder-widths apart. Exhale and bend forward, placing your palms on your knees so that you’re bent over at a 90-degree angle.
  4. Inhale, and grasp the back of your left ankle with your right hand while pushing against your left knee with your left hand.
  5. Exhale, and twist your upper torso to the left, twisting your head to look up. You should feel a stretch in your left leg muscles and back.
  6. Inhale, release the grip on your ankle, and return to the forward bend position. Exhale, and place your palms on your knees, remaining bent over at a go-degree angle.
  7. Inhale, and grasp the back of your right ankle with your left hand while pushing against your right knee with your right hand.
  8. Exhale, and twist your upper torso to the right, twisting your head to look up. You should feel a stretch in your right leg muscles and back.
  9. Inhale, release the grip on your ankle, and return to the forward bend position. Exhale, and place your palms on your knees, remaining bent over at a 90-degree angle.
  10. Repeat the exercise 3 to 7 times, alternating from one side to the other. Do not overstretch.
  11. Conclude the exercise by returning to the initial standing posture and meditating for 1 minute.

 




Regular Friends for Ladies ♥ (1)

I have tried providing to female friends around me, but recent chats with a few lady friends who do not see me often remind me that it's better to gather some information (not just in Chinese) for them. Credit authors of the original articles cited below. Hope those of you who suffer monthly feel better month by month. ❤

The easiest physical remedy when one can sit down or lay down, though, remains put a bag either filled with hot liquid or a cloth bag filled with warm ingredients such as fennel, hot peppers, ramulus cinnamoni, asarum sieboldii - whichever available.

Natural Treatments for Menstrual Disorders

By Dr. Mao Shing Ni

Monthly menstrual periods are a normal part of a woman’s life. Menstruation is essential for the renewal of the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. Major fluctuations in hormone levels precede a menstrual period, and it is normal to feel minor discomfort before and  during menstruation. However, many women experience severe symptoms or painful menstruation. Painful menstruation, ordysmenorrhea, is more common in young women in their teens and twenties than in older women, and it can be secondary to an underlying condition such as endometriosis,pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, orpremenstrual syndrome(PMS).[1]

The symptoms of painful menstruation begin days before the onset of menstruation, and can continue throughout the cycle.
Symptoms include:
  • lower abdominal cramping,
  • a dull ache that often radiates to the lower back,
  • heavy menstrual flow with or without clots,
  • dull headaches, constipation or diarrhea,
  • frequent urination, and
  • mood changes including anxiety or depression.

    Stress, lack of exercise, and excess caffeine use can also cause menstrual discomfort and PMS. In Western medicine birth control pills or other hormonal agents, diuretics, and antidepressants are often prescribed.

In Chinese medicine, a healthy menstrual cycle relies on several factors, including the condition of the blood, the level of energy, and the proper functioning of the liver and kidneys. For example, if there is heat in the blood or a stagnation of energy resulting from emotional imbalance and stress, the menstrual flow becomes disrupted, causing pain and discomfort. Many women also suffer from a condition in which cold affects the uterus, causing severe menstrual cramps and pain. Stress and intense emotions, especially anger, frustration, and resentment, can easily depress the liver. Over time, the stagnation turns into heat, pushing the blood to flow out heavily with clots and pain.[2]

In one case, a patient of mine would go from being gentle and sweet to rageful and anxious - like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - as soon as she hit her ovulation. Two weeks later, when her period would start, she’d return to being her sweet self. Her menstrual pain was unbearable as a result of recurrent endometriosis, which had already been treated with surgery three times. She was referred to me by her gynecologist, and together we created a treatment plan involving diet and nutrition, acupuncture and herbal therapy, exercise, and meditation. After about six months, her symptoms were reduced by about 90 percent. She was quite happy, but the happiest person was her husband, who once remarked that I had saved their marriage. Following are some recommendations for treating menstrual problems. Be sure to have your gynecologist examine you thoroughly to rule out fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, or other serious disorders.

Selected in current blog post title ending with (1) is a few easiest home remedies that ladies can apply anywhere:
HOME REMEDIES FOR MENSTRUAL DISORDERS
  1. Make a broth by boiling 3 slices of ginger, 1 chopped green onion, 1 fennel bulb, the dried peel of 1 small orange, and a pinch of black pepper in 3 1/2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain, and drink 1 cup 3 times a day beginning 1 week prior to the onset of menstruation.
  2. Make tea by boiling 1 teaspoon each of hawthorn, cinnamon, and turmeric in 3 1/2 cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain, and drink 3 cups daily. This is a good remedy for abdominal bloating, distention, and pain.
  3. Take a hot Epsom salt sitz bath daily before the onset of your period. Once your period starts, massage ginger oil into your abdomen and place a heating pad over your abdomen for 30 minutes for pain relief.
DAILY VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS FOR MENSTRUAL DISORDERS
  1. Supplementing with vitamin B complex and vitamin E (800 IU) can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  2. Taking magnesium (500 milligrams) combined with vitamin B6 (50 milligrams) can help reduce cramps and pain.
  3. Taking niacin (200 milligrams) combined 
    with rutin (500 milligrams) and vitamin C (1,000 milligrams) is also useful for pain relief.
  4. Supplementing with evening primrose oil (450 milligrams GI.A) can help balance the hormonal system.
  5. Essential fatty acids in the form of omega-3-rich fish oil (1,000 milligrams EPA; 800 milligrams DHA) and flaxseed oil are natural anti-inflammatories that help reduce menstrual pain and clotting.[3]
  6.  
SELF ACUPRESSURE FOR MENSTRUAL DISORDERS

  1. 1. Locate the acupoint Valley of Harmony (LI-4), 
    in the web between your thumb and index finger on your right hand. Apply steady pressure with your left thumb until you feel soreness. Hold for 2 minutes. Repeat on the left hand.
  2. 2. Find the acupoint Great Surge (LIV-3), in the web between the big and second toes on your right foot. Apply steady pressure with your left thumb until you feel soreness. 
  3. Hold for 2 minutes. Repeat on the left foot.
Engaging these points helps promote the smooth flow of qi, soothes stagnation, and helps alleviate painful menstruation, cramps, and stress.
  1.  
  2. Relieve menstrual pain naturally with fennel seeds

     

     

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Mung Bean Benefits and Recipe

In China, mung beans are a very popular food, especially in the hot summer months. They are grown in almost all the provinces of China.
Most families in China eat mung beans and use them widely in different recipes, such as mung bean noodles, mung bean cake, mung bean rice, mung bean soup, mung bean desserts and even mung bean wine.
They are also commonly sprouted to make bean sprouts. Mung bean soup is an extremely popular family dish in China during summer.

1. The health benefits of mung beans

A very famous ancient Chinese doctor and pharmacologist, Li Shi Zhen (1518-1593), stated in his book Ben Cao Gang Mu that “mung beans are highly recommended not only as a rich source of nutrients but also as a medicine”.
He described that mung beans can help to clear heat and toxins from the body, balance the organs and skin, and tonify Qi. Mung beans can also improve circulation throughout the twelve channels of the body.
Today, we know that mung beans are low in calories and rich in fibre. They also contain vitamins A, Bs, C, D, E, K, folic acid, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
i) Clear heat and prevent summer heat-stroke
Chinese Medicine understands that the external environment has a strong influence on the body.
For example, in a hot climate, the body will absorb more heat from its external environment. If the body cannot release this heat by itself, physical symptoms may occur including: feeling hot and sweaty, red face, thirst, dry skin, constipation, lack of energy, headache and/or dizziness.
Mung beans have been shown to regulate body temperature and prevent heat stroke. Cooked mung bean soup is best kept refrigerated which helps to preserve and increase its health effects.
Drinking two or three cups a day of this soup will help to release the summer heat and rebalance the body’s yin and yang.
During the hot seasons, traditional Chinese medicine recommends foods that are cooling in nature which can assist the body to release excess heat and cool down. Ideally, these types of foods should be part of the daily diet during summer.
ii) Clear the skin and reduce acne
Traditional Chinese medicine texts categorise mung beans as sweet in taste and cooling in nature. Mung beans affect the Heart channel and clear heat and toxins from the skin, and cool heat in the blood.
Therefore, mung beans can help acne and other skin symptoms, such as the common skin rash, cold sores, mouth ulcers, pimples and boils.
The phytoestrogens in mung beans contain anti-ageing properties that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which benefit healthier skin.
Furthermore, scientific studies have shown that mung beans provide anti- inflammatory benefits by inhibiting the release of the protein HMGB1, which regulates the inflammatory response.
To benefit skin conditions, mung bean soup should be thick in consistency and consumed at room temperature (see the recipe below).
iii) Clear toxins from the body
The proteins, tannins and flavonoids in mung beans are also considered effective for binding to and clearing pesticides and heavy metals like mercury and lead from the body.

2. Mung bean soup recipes

i) Mung bean soup recipe for summer heat and hot weather
This recipe is suitable to clear body heat and prevent heat stroke during a hot summer.
2 handfuls of mung beans 7 cups of water
Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes on low heat. Set the soup aside to cool (once cooled it can also be refrigerated).
Drink this thin soup as required. The beans can also be eaten if soft enough.
ii) Mung bean soup recipe for skin conditions
This recipe can help to clear skin heat and reduce acne and other skin complaints as mentioned above.
2 handfuls of mung beans 4 cups of water
Bring to the boil for 3 minutes in a saucepan, then remove from heat and cover with a lid. Allow the beans to soak in the boiled water for 30 minutes then strain and drink the thick liquid soup.
This process can be repeated once more using the same batch of mung beans.
It is recommended to drink one cup of this soup twice a day in conjunction with regular treatment. Give yourself two days break from the soup after every five days.

3. Precautions and diet advice

Mung beans are generally not suitable for people who have a cold body constitution. Avoid eating mung beans if you have diarrhoea or often experience cold symptoms such as cold hands and feet.
If you are unsure of whether or not mung beans are suitable for you, or if your symptoms persist, please consult with your experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.


Mung bean cake recipes from online:

For the following, replace coconut cream/water with water or milk or half and half, any liquid you like:

---------

Green bean cake 綠豆糕






This popular Chinese dessert is a real treat. I love it so much that everytime I visit my parents in Taiwan, I have to pack up my suitcase with it and bring it back to the States. They were so precious that I felt I was eating gold.


It is mashed green bean (or mung bean) filled with mashed red bean (asuki bean). Sounds simple but tastes delicious. Dear Carol shared this recipe on her blog, and I couldn't wait to try it out. It tastes just like the ones I bought from the store! I was so happy. I no longer need to buy them from Taiwan. I can just make them in my own kitchen! I made about 45 of them, put them in a container, and headed to my in-laws'. The weather was in the low 60s and it's raining. Everybody was home doing nothing. We sat around the table, chatting, brewing tea and enjoying this delicious treat. It was such a wonderful afternoon filled with sweet memories.


Red Bean Filling:
12 oz. red beans
cooking oil
sugar
1 Tbsp maltose (optional)




Soak 12 oz. red beans (asuki beans) overnight. The next day, remove excess water, leave just enough to cover the beans. Cook or steam them until soft and easy to mash. Put them in the blender to finely mash them. Add a little water if too dry to operate, one Tbsp at a time. After they are mashed, weight it to get an idea of how much mashed red bean there is. Pour it in a pan, add cooking oil (8% weight of the bean), sugar (20% weight of the bean) and roughly 1 Tbsp of maltose to the mashed beans. Add more sugar if prefer sweeter taste. Stir constantly. Cook until excess water evaporates, and the mashed beans come to form a dough. Be careful not to cook it too dry. Let cool on a plate, the dough will be a little harder when cooled. Divided into 5 grams each.

This is a common filling of Chinese desserts. The leftover mashed red bean can be frozen. Just defrost it in the refrigerator the night before before the next use.





Green Bean Paste:


Peeled split mung bean


Peeled split mung beans

Soak 200 grams of peeled split mung beans in 400 grams water for two hours. Cook or steam until easy to mash. Use a silicon spatula or a fork to mash the beans, and mix in 5 Tbsp powder coffee creamer. Cook in a pan with 40 grams sesame oil, 20 grams of olive oil, 40 grams sugar and about 1 Tbsp maltose on low to medium heat. Cook until excess water evaporates, and the mashed beans come to form a dough. Let cool on a plate.





The mold is available on Amazon.com. Do not need to butter, spray or flour the mold. Put a small amount of the green bean paste in, make an indent with your thumb, put the red bean paste (5 grams) in it. Flatten it a little, and top with a small amount of the green bean paste. Flatten with your palm or a rolling pin; Remove excess green bean paste if necessary. Knock on one side of the mold first, then the opposite side. The cake should come out easily.

You can also use the madeleine pan or petit fours pan or other silicon cake mold to make it.




Homemade green bean cakes


Homemade green bean cakes


Store-bought green bean cakes

Mung Bean Benefits and Recipe

In China, mung beans are a very popular food, especially in the hot summer months. They are grown in almost all the provinces of China.
Most families in China eat mung beans and use them widely in different recipes, such as mung bean noodles, mung bean cake, mung bean rice, mung bean soup, mung bean desserts and even mung bean wine.
They are also commonly sprouted to make bean sprouts. Mung bean soup is an extremely popular family dish in China during summer.

1. The health benefits of mung beans

A very famous ancient Chinese doctor and pharmacologist, Li Shi Zhen (1518-1593), stated in his book Ben Cao Gang Mu that “mung beans are highly recommended not only as a rich source of nutrients but also as a medicine”.
He described that mung beans can help to clear heat and toxins from the body, balance the organs and skin, and tonify Qi. Mung beans can also improve circulation throughout the twelve channels of the body.
Today, we know that mung beans are low in calories and rich in fibre. They also contain vitamins A, Bs, C, D, E, K, folic acid, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
i) Clear heat and prevent summer heat-stroke
Chinese Medicine understands that the external environment has a strong influence on the body.
For example, in a hot climate, the body will absorb more heat from its external environment. If the body cannot release this heat by itself, physical symptoms may occur including: feeling hot and sweaty, red face, thirst, dry skin, constipation, lack of energy, headache and/or dizziness.
Mung beans have been shown to regulate body temperature and prevent heat stroke. Cooked mung bean soup is best kept refrigerated which helps to preserve and increase its health effects.
Drinking two or three cups a day of this soup will help to release the summer heat and rebalance the body’s yin and yang.
During the hot seasons, traditional Chinese medicine recommends foods that are cooling in nature which can assist the body to release excess heat and cool down. Ideally, these types of foods should be part of the daily diet during summer.
ii) Clear the skin and reduce acne
Traditional Chinese medicine texts categorise mung beans as sweet in taste and cooling in nature. Mung beans affect the Heart channel and clear heat and toxins from the skin, and cool heat in the blood.
Therefore, mung beans can help acne and other skin symptoms, such as the common skin rash, cold sores, mouth ulcers, pimples and boils.
The phytoestrogens in mung beans contain anti-ageing properties that stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which benefit healthier skin.
Furthermore, scientific studies have shown that mung beans provide anti- inflammatory benefits by inhibiting the release of the protein HMGB1, which regulates the inflammatory response.
To benefit skin conditions, mung bean soup should be thick in consistency and consumed at room temperature (see the recipe below).
iii) Clear toxins from the body
The proteins, tannins and flavonoids in mung beans are also considered effective for binding to and clearing pesticides and heavy metals like mercury and lead from the body.

2. Mung bean soup recipes

i) Mung bean soup recipe for summer heat and hot weather
This recipe is suitable to clear body heat and prevent heat stroke during a hot summer.
2 handfuls of mung beans 7 cups of water
Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes on low heat. Set the soup aside to cool (once cooled it can also be refrigerated).
Drink this thin soup as required. The beans can also be eaten if soft enough.
ii) Mung bean soup recipe for skin conditions
This recipe can help to clear skin heat and reduce acne and other skin complaints as mentioned above.
2 handfuls of mung beans 4 cups of water
Bring to the boil for 3 minutes in a saucepan, then remove from heat and cover with a lid. Allow the beans to soak in the boiled water for 30 minutes then strain and drink the thick liquid soup.
This process can be repeated once more using the same batch of mung beans.
It is recommended to drink one cup of this soup twice a day in conjunction with regular treatment. Give yourself two days break from the soup after every five days.

3. Precautions and diet advice

Mung beans are generally not suitable for people who have a cold body constitution. Avoid eating mung beans if you have diarrhoea or often experience cold symptoms such as cold hands and feet.
If you are unsure of whether or not mung beans are suitable for you, or if your symptoms persist, please consult with your experienced traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

一目了然:目诊 | Eyes: window to (much) more than the soul

“名门者,目也。” 与耳诊、手诊等一样,眼睛里可看出的等学问可大了... 从瑶医目诊到老中医的望诊辩证,巨人的肩膀上加以积累,了解更多都受益。


20150331 《养生堂》:名老中医的望诊秘诀(1)
http://youtu.be/VW-2UpvUtCY
快进37分钟左右有图,以下系列中反复出现。

20150401 《养生堂》:名老中医的望诊秘诀(2)
https://youtu.be/zPRFNFDQCmE

20150402 《养生堂》:名老中医的望诊秘诀(3)
http://youtu.be/5uXVJ0AbadY

20150403 《养生堂》:名老中医的望诊秘诀(4)
http://youtu.be/gKxWE68TSAs

瑶医目诊(上): 北京瑶医医院覃迅云教授讲解神奇目诊
http://youtu.be/ShvXnx3R2U0

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养生堂 20130422 四代中医名家的护目绝学(1)
http://youtu.be/9-OgC_VRZJ0