ALIMENTOS SALUDABLES A BASE DE HIERBAS ORIENTALES

DIETA HIERBAS INVIERNO

 

 

 

 

Mulberry Branch & Danshen Chicken Tonic Soup

Sāng zhī Dān shēn Bāo Jī (桑枝丹参煲鸡)

 

 

This dish uses traditional medicinal herbs and is known to help relieve cervical spine–related disorders. It is especially suitable for strengthening the body during the winter season.

 

TCM Therapeutic Effects

• Relieves neck pain, especially pain radiating to the head, shoulders, arms, or fingers
• Alleviates numbness, coldness, and heaviness in the limbs
• Improves shoulder joint mobility and reduces pain triggered by coughing or sneezing
• Helps ease burning, stabbing, or sharp nerve pain

 

Indications

This soup is suitable for individuals who present with:

• A dark red tongue with slightly yellow and greasy coating
• A pulse that is tight and slightly rapid

 

Ingredients

• 1 hen (about 750 g)
• 60 g mulberry branches (桑枝)
• 15 g Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza, 丹参)
• 10 g Chuanxiong (optional, 川芎)
• Adequate amount of salt
• Ginger (optional)
• Huadiao wine (Shaoxing wine, optional, 花雕酒)

 

Cooking Method

1. Preparation

Clean the hen by removing feathers and internal organs. Wash thoroughly, cut into pieces, and blanch in boiling water to remove blood impurities. Wash the mulberry branches well; if using older branches, soak or pre-decoct them. Prepare Danshen and Chuanxiong as needed.

 

2. Making the Soup

Place the chicken, mulberry branches, Danshen, Chuanxiong, and other ingredients into a clay pot.
If you have decocted herbal liquid prepared in advance, you may add it directly along with the chicken.

 

3. Simmering

Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer gently until the chicken becomes tender.
This takes about 2 hours, and you should ensure the broth level remains adequate.

 

4. Seasoning

Add salt at the end.
Ginger can be added during simmering for more aroma, and a splash of Huadiao wine at the end enhances the fragrance.

 

Medicinal Properties of the Ingredients

• Mulberry Branch (桑枝)

Bitter and neutral in nature; enters the Liver meridian.
Dispels wind, unblocks the channels, promotes circulation of qi and blood, and relaxes muscles and joints.

 

• Danshen (丹参)

Promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, and has a calming effect on the nerves.

 

• Chuanxiong (川芎)

Invigorates blood, moves qi, and relieves pain.

 

• Hen (Chicken)

Strengthens the body, replenishes qi and blood, and enhances physical vitality.

 

Precautions

• Individuals taking anticoagulants should consult a physician before consuming Danshen, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
• A hen is preferred for tonic soups due to its softer texture and richer flavor.