By Karen Wang, Therapeutic Chef & Nutritionist
This simple and nourishing tonic is easy to make and soothing to the digestive tract.
Yield: approx. 2 cups
Ingredients:
10 dried lotus seeds, soaked overnight in water
½ oz. dried Solomon's seal root
4 - 5 jujube dates
¼ cup bone broth or vegetable broth
2 cups filtered water
8 - 10 small fresh shiitake mushrooms
1 oz. fresh lion's mane mushroom
Pinch of sea salt to taste
1. Soak the lotus seeds in water overnight and drain.
2. Soak the dried Solomon seal in water for about 30 minutes before cooking.
3. Place the lotus seeds, Solomon seal, jujube dates, shiitake mushrooms, broth,
and water in a medium pot.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Add in the lion's mane and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. When ready, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
7. Strain out the liquid, which is now a nourishing tonic.
Drink ½ - 1 cup per day.
The cooked solids can be eaten with other foods.
Note: Because these ingredients are nutrient-dense and contain a lot of fiber, they should be divided into several servings. Store the tonic and solids separately in the fridge.
Health benefits of each ingredient:
Lotus seeds:
In TCM, they are considered to be neutral, sweet, and astringent.
Lotus seeds are full of beta-sitosterol, raffinose, and proteins that help support the body's blood sugar levels. They are also wonderful at boosting immunity and can help relieve heart heat.
Solomon's Seal:
Solomon's Seal, a plant with a long history of medicinal use, is known for alleviating musculoskeletal issues. In Chinese medicine, Solomon's Seal is known as yù zhú and is valued for its ability to nourish the yin and moisten dryness in the lungs and stomach. It is also believed to tonify the kidneys and promote the production of bodily fluids.
Lion's Mane:
Has been used for food and medicine for centuries in Asia.
Modern science is substantiating its benefits for brain health and neurological functions.
Here's a great article by Paul Stamets, a leading expert on mycology:
Shiitake:
This delicious and versatile edible fungus is a powerhouse of nutrients and one of the most scientifically studied mushrooms for its health-promoting properties.
There is a long list of benefits, including boosting the immune system, protecting against cancer, supplying B vitamins that help with energy, and reducing inflammation.
Jujube:
Jujube fruit is also called the red date and the Chinese date. Despite its alternative name, "red date,"
the jujube fruit is not a date but a species of Ziziphus in the buckthorn family.
This beautiful crimson fruit is packed with antioxidants and nutrients that are heart-healthy, promote restful sleep, and support women's hormonal balance by supplying phosphorus that works with iron to alleviate anemia. Holistic medical experts recommend women consume jujubes, particularly during menstruation, to offset the fatigue and other side effects caused by blood loss.
Resources:
Organic jujube dates can be found at:
www.justjujubes.com
Organic Solomon Seal can be found at:
www.etsy.com
Organic Lotus Seeds can be found at:
https://biggreenorganic.com/
If you would like to access gluten-free and healthy recipes:
www.kareniscooking.com
