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Yesterday, I made chicken bone broth. I drink bone broth to improve immune function, support the endocrine system, heal the digestive tract, increase blood cell count, and a source of dissolved minerals. And there are many other health benefits to drinking bone broth, too! While traditional Chinese medicine views each person as unique, bone broth is one thing that every person can include in their diet without harm. It's not too much of an inconvenience to make at home and definitely worth the effort. Making your own bone broth is one of the more affordable ways to remain healthy, especially since you can use kitchen scraps. I take a whole roasted rotisserie chicken and remove the skin and meat from the bone. Of course, a higher quality chicken will yield higher quality bone broth. I put the bones and a few pieces of skin to a slow cooker and add leftover veggies like celery greens and ends, onion and garlic with skins, carrots, mushrooms, and green onions. I also added some excellent herbs and spices such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and bay leaves. I didn't have any on hand this time but star anise and cinnamon are also wonderful additions. Then I cover with water and set the slow cooker for 24 hrs. After about 24 hours, I pick out the larger veggies and bones, then drain the broth through a colander into a glass container and store in the fridge. It's that simple! This morning, I had a cup with whisked eggs (a modified eggdrop soup), a large handful of spinach, and some avocado. Bone broth is also fantastic for soup bases, braising veggies, or sipping by itself.  Notes For Cooking
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 It’s that time of year again where we put on our cozy sweaters, huddle indoors, and indulge in the festive flavors of the season. But what should we eat to nourish the body for the coming spring? The colder months are perfect for slowing down, resting, and becoming introspective. And the foods we eat also play a critical role in the conservation and rebuilding of energy this time of year. When you think of autumn and winter, think of warm foods. Soups, roasted vegetables, and slow cooker meals are excellent ways to nourish and rebuild the body’s energy and immune system. Foods also contain different energetic properties. For that reason, in addition to warming food through preparation, it is important to eat foods that are warm in quality as well. Here are some guidelines for choosing foods, based in the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. · The slower it grows, the warmer it is. This includes root vegetables, fennel, spring onion, cabbage, and winter squash. · Choose reds, oranges, and yellows. Foods that are warm in color also warm the body. Examples are red apples (rather than green), cherries, corn, pumpkin, and red meat. But don’t be fooled by bell peppers, tomatoes, and bananas. These are actually cold in nature. · Keep it spicy. Ginger, garlic, nutmeg, cinnamon, onion, turmeric, and cloves are some of the wonderful spices available for the colder months. Any spices that taste warm are warming to the body. · No to raw foods. While smoothies and salads are packed with nutrients, these cold foods are too hard on the body this time of year if consumed consistently. A general rule is to have 75% of foods be cooked and warm. Bonus: Ginger-Carrot SoupOne of the most delicious flavor combinations I know of is carrot and ginger. Ginger is a wonderful digestive aid that strengthens the upper GI lining, reduces nausea and vomiting, and has strong anti-inflammatory effects, The carotenes in carrots strengthen the immune system and help maintain healthy skin and hair. Ingredients:
Preparation:  Many people have been working outdoors recently readying gardens and crops for summer. When working in the heat, it is important to stay hydrated and pace your efforts to avoid dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. Chinese herbal medicine has a tasty option to help with summer heat. Watermelon fruit and peel are used to quench thirst, generate body fluids, lessen feelings of heat, and promote urination. It is an excellent snack if you are going to be working or playing hard this summer. Watermelon Peel Salad Serves 6.
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Thoughts and practical tips to help you look and feel your best based in the wisdom of Chinese medicine.
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