Delicious and healthy eating: How to prepare nutritious stewed black chicken with Chinese herbs.

Chicken stewed with Chinese herbs is one of the typical traditional dishes and medicinal recipes, possessing both high nutritional value and playing a role in regulating blood circulation and supporting the body's recovery after illness.

Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Thi Bay, from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, shared that in the context of increasing interest in safe and sustainable health preservation methods, stewed black chicken with traditional Chinese medicine stands out as a harmonious combination of traditional Eastern medicine theory and the scientific basis of modern nutrition.

Black chicken - a medicinal herb that nourishes blood and vital energy.

According to traditional medicine, black chicken meat has a sweet taste, a neutral nature, and acts on the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians. It is a medicinal ingredient that nourishes blood and qi, replenishes yin, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and benefits bone marrow. It is suitable for conditions such as weakness, anemia, qi deficiency, and chronic fatigue, especially after serious illness, surgery, or for the elderly and postpartum women.

Stewed black chicken with Chinese herbs is not only a nutritious food but also an integrated health and wellness therapy.

Photo: AI

According to modern medicine, black chicken contains 18-20g of protein per 100g of meat, providing all essential amino acids such as lysine, leucine, and isoleucine. Black chicken meat also has a high content of iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, and contains bioactive compounds such as carnosine and anserine, which have antioxidant properties and protect the nervous and cardiovascular systems. With lower fat and cholesterol levels compared to regular chicken, black chicken is particularly suitable for people needing to recover their physical strength while maintaining good metabolic control.

Combined medicinal ingredients

To maximize its blood-nourishing benefits, this dish combines several classic medicinal herbs from traditional Chinese medicine. Each herb has its own distinct effect, while the others support each other in regulating yin and yang, nourishing blood, strengthening the spleen, and tonifying the liver and kidneys.

Rehmannia glutinosa (12-16 g): Sweet taste, warm nature, enters the liver and kidney meridians, has the effect of nourishing yin and replenishing blood, and nourishing essence. It is a key ingredient in blood-tonifying prescriptions. Rehmannia glutinosa contains iridoid glycosides - a group of active compounds proven to increase blood cell production, fight inflammation, and mildly lower blood sugar.

Codonopsis pilosula (12 g): It has the effect of tonifying Qi, strengthening the spleen, and aiding digestion. It is used as a substitute for ginseng in many cases of mild weakness. Codonopsis pilosula is rich in saponins and polysaccharides – substances that play a role in regulating immunity and increasing the body's natural resistance.

Angelica sinensis (10 g): A typical herb in blood-tonifying, blood-nourishing, and blood-activating formulas, especially suitable for women with deficient blood or chronic anemia. Angelica sinensis contains ferulic acid - an active ingredient that supports blood circulation, increases peripheral blood flow, and protects blood vessels.

White peony root (8 g): Sour and bitter taste, slightly cool in nature, enters the liver and spleen meridians, has the effect of nourishing blood, soothing the liver, and relieving pain. When combined with Angelica sinensis, white peony root helps regulate liver qi, reduce muscle stiffness, stabilize mild blood pressure, and support the improvement of muscle and joint pain due to blood deficiency. The main component is paeoniflorin - a substance with sedative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Goji berries (8-10 g): Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, enters the liver and kidney meridians, and has the effect of nourishing the liver and kidneys, enriching essence and blood, and improving eyesight. According to modern medicine, goji berries contain polysaccharides, betaine, and zeaxanthin - substances that help boost immunity, fight oxidation, and protect the retina.

Red dates (Chinese dates) (4-6 fruits): Sweet in taste, warm in nature, they have the effect of nourishing the body, replenishing vital energy, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and calming the nerves. Red dates are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which help soothe the nerves, regulate digestion, and support increased absorption of medicinal herbs when combined.

Fresh ginger (2-3 slices): Spicy in taste, warm in nature, enters the spleen and stomach meridians, has the effect of warming the body, dispelling cold, making food easier to digest, and simultaneously regulating the cold nature of other medicinal herbs. Ginger contains gingerol - an active ingredient that is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and protects the digestive tract.

Mugwort or perilla (5-7 g, optional): The amount can be added depending on the user's condition. Mugwort helps regulate blood, dispel cold, and relieve pain. Perilla relieves colds, aids digestion, and reduces abdominal coldness. These two herbs are often used to support recovery during the post-cold period, after surgery, or when the body is weak and cold.

Mugwort or perilla are often used to support recovery during the post-cold period, after surgery, or when the body is weak due to cold.

Photo: MH

Processing and utilization

Preparation method: Clean 200-300g of black chicken, soak in diluted vinegar to remove odor and preserve nutrients. Marinate with a little salt, seasoning powder, sugar, and sliced ​​ginger for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. Arrange a layer of herbs at the bottom of the pot (mugwort or perilla if using), place the chicken on top, and add the prepared herbs. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken, cover tightly, and simmer over low heat for 60-90 minutes until the chicken is tender and the broth is flavorful.

Recommended frequency of use. Healthy individuals: once a week for health maintenance and gentle nourishment. Those with weakness, the elderly, premenopausal women, and those recovering from serious illnesses: 1-2 times a week, no more than 2 pieces per week. Avoid daily use to prevent "over-nourishment," which can lead to heat accumulation or metabolic disorders.

Notes on using and selecting medicinal herbs

Avoid using black chicken stewed with Chinese herbs during periods of fever, acute inflammation, or digestive disorders of the heat-related type. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before use as some herbs have mild blood-activating properties. Prioritize purchasing herbs from quality-certified sources, such as traditional medicine hospitals or herbal medicine departments at medical universities. Herbs should be properly processed and prepared according to standards (main herbs); do not use raw, unprocessed herbs for cooking to ensure safety and treatment effectiveness.

According to Doctor Nguyen Thi Bay, stewed black chicken with Chinese herbs is not only a nourishing food but also an integrated health therapy that helps balance yin and yang, strengthen vital energy, and support the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases or weakness. When used correctly, in the right dosage, and in the right way, this dish is an ideal choice for modern people on their journey to sustainable health care, preventing disease from the root and nourishing from the root.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-ngon-an-khoe-cach-che-bien-ga-ac-ham-thuoc-bac-bo-duong-185250408003947747.htm