Tomorrow is the valley rain, the last solar term of this spring not only indicates the coming summer, but also hides some health wisdom handed down by the ancestors. On this day, heavy humidity and spring fatigue may make people feel physically exhausted, and the old people often say: "Gu Yu eats 3 grasses and does not run to the hospital", this sentence is not a casual saying.
The rainy season is the late spring and early summer, and the weather gradually turns from dry to humid, and the human body is easily troubled by moisture. This is where three special herbs – alfalfa grass, houttuynia cordata and plantain – come into play. They can clear away heat and detoxify, strengthen the spleen and liver, and even help improve sleep quality, and are regarded by the older generation as an indispensable natural medicine for spring.
1. Dandelion
During the rainy season, the fresh leaves and flowers of dandelion are rich in nutrients, especially its heat-clearing and detoxifying and diuretic properties, which are ideal for eliminating excess moisture and toxins from the body. Consuming dandelion can help clear the intestines, enhance liver function, and make people feel relaxed and welcome the arrival of summer. Try to choose dandelions that grow away from pollution sources and in areas that have not been sprayed with pesticides. It is best to pick in the morning after the dew has dried, when dandelions are highly nutritious and the leaves are fresh and elastic.
Recipe recommendation: Dandelion consommé
Ingredients: 100 grams of fresh dandelion, 3 shiitake mushrooms, 10 grams of wolfberry.
Method:
After the dandelion and shiitake mushrooms are washed, slice the shiitake mushrooms.
Put the dandelions, shiitake mushrooms and goji berries together in a pot and add an appropriate amount of water.
After boiling over high heat, turn to low heat and cook for about 20 minutes to make the soup slightly green and fragrant.
Once the soup is cooked, the salt can be adjusted to individual taste.
2. Houttuynia cordata
Houttuynia cordata is at its most tender during the season, and its natural fishy smell can greatly stimulate the appetite. Houttuynia cordata has a good effect of clearing heat and dampness, and is often used to prevent and treat colds or pulmonary fever and cough in spring and summer. Choose Houttuynia cordata that grows near clean water, with green leaves but not yellow, free of pests and diseased spots. When picking, try to use young stems and leaves, which have the best taste and the strongest medicinal effect.
Recipe recommendation: Houttuynia cordata mixed with tofu
Ingredients: 50 grams of Houttuynia cordata, 1 piece of soft tofu, minced garlic, light soy sauce, appropriate amount of sesame oil.
Method:
Houttuynia cordata is washed and finely chopped, and the tofu is cut into small pieces.
Blanch the tofu in boiling water to remove the smell, remove and drain.
Place the tofu cubes in a bowl and add the chopped Houttuynia cordata.
Sprinkle with minced garlic, drizzle with light soy sauce and sesame oil and mix well and serve.
3. Plantains
The diuretic and heat-clearing properties of plantain are especially suitable for the rainy season, it can help the body to remove excess water and moisture, reduce the burden on the body, and prevent dizziness or weight caused by excessive moisture. Choose plantain that grows in non-polluted areas and has fresh, no yellow leaves. It is best to pick on a sunny day to avoid a decrease in the quality of the herbs due to moisture.
Recipe recommendation: Plantain pot with lean meat
Ingredients: 100 grams of plantain, 200 grams of lean meat, 3 slices of ginger.
Method:
After the plantain is washed, slice the lean meat and slice the ginger.
Put the plantain, lean meat and ginger slices in a pot and add the water to taste.
Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer for an hour, seasoning with salt to taste.
Cook until the meat is cooked and the herb flavor is fully dissolved and ready to eat.
Eating is very important for food during the humid season, and the "three grasses" – alfalfa, houttuynia and plantain – are an excellent choice at this time. Not only do these herbs help us tone our bodies, but they also take advantage of their unique health benefits to effectively fight dampness and promote health.