When it comes to nourishment, traditional Chinese medicine is the most skilled.
In terms of the forms of nourishment, there are various methods such as general nourishment, warming nourishment, nourishing for vitality, and drastic nourishment… In terms of the content, there is nourishment for qi, blood, yin, yang, and the five internal organs…
At this time, when summer transitions into autumn, the most suitable method of nourishment is—clearing nourishment!
As summer ends and autumn begins, although the weather gradually becomes cooler, the temperature is still relatively high, and the autumn dryness is becoming more pronounced, making it easy for one to get overheated.
Therefore, ancient people adeptly used clearing nourishment to cope with this complex climate.
This method combines nourishing yin, strengthening the spleen and stomach, clearing internal heat, and eliminating excess heat, which not only nourishes the body but also prevents seasonal harms.
The best food for clearing nourishment is—duck meat.
01
Duck meat nourishes yin
Duck meat belongs to waterfowl and has the effect of nourishing yin, helping to reduce autumn dryness. It is listed as a superior product in the “Shennong’s Materia Medica,” indicating its benefits for the human body.
02
Duck meat strengthens the spleen
Duck meat can supplement and increase qi, and improve digestion because the spleen and stomach are the foundations of postnatal health. Eating duck meat can help strengthen one’s body.
For those with ascites, edema, or persistent heat sores due to internal heat, consuming duck meat can be considered as dietary nourishment.
03
Duck meat clears internal heat
The “Daily Materia Medica” written by Wu Rui in the Yuan dynasty states: “Duck nourishes the five internal organs, clears internal heat, supplements blood, and generates fluids for the stomach.”
This means that duck meat is cold in nature and can clear internal heat.
However, duck meat does not harm yang energy, making it suitable for those who are prone to overheating or those who stay up late; consuming duck meat can nourish the body without causing excess heat.
Tips:
Beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and other types of meat can also be eaten at this time, as they can supplement protein and various trace elements, which are beneficial for the body. However, due to seasonal reasons, duck meat is more recommended, but other meats are not prohibited.
Duck meat is friendly to blood vessels
Duck meat has a relatively high protein content, low fat content, and its nutrients are easily absorbed.
Moreover, duck meat has a low cholesterol level, and its fatty acids are mainly unsaturated, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Furthermore, the niacin found in duck meat aids in restoring insulin function.
Generally, obese and diabetic patients may have insulin resistance, meaning insulin is being secreted in large amounts but its efficacy is poor. Niacin can help make insulin more flexible and sensitive, which can aid in lowering blood sugar.
There are specific ways to eat duck
01
Pair with ginger—warms the stomach
The pungent and warm nature of ginger can neutralize the cold nature of duck meat.
People with chronic gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome may experience bloating, abdominal pain, or diarrhea after eating duck meat. It is recommended to cook it with ginger.
02
Pair with Solomon’s seal—nourishes the lungs
Solomon’s seal and northern ginseng are often used together, enhancing the yin-nourishing effect.
When combined with the yin-nourishing and heat-clearing properties of duck meat, it is suitable for those with yin deficiency and lung dryness or lung heat that causes dry cough, thirst, hemoptysis, anxiety, low fever, etc. Patients with pneumonia or tuberculosis are particularly encouraged to consume it.
You can take 10 grams each of Solomon’s seal and northern ginseng and stew them with duck meat.
However, it is not advisable to eat too much for those with wind-cold cough or phlegm dampness and qi stagnation.
03
Pair with goji berries—nourishes liver and kidney
Duck meat can nourish the yin of the five internal organs, while goji berries supplement the liver and kidney, making it better for nourishing both when cooked together in soup.
04
Pair with lotus root and lily—nourishes the spirit
Lotus root can stimulate appetite and clear heat, while lily can moisten the autumn dryness and calm the heart and spirit.
