Associate Professor - Doctor - Doctor Nguyen Thi Bay, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3 shared that in the context of more and more people being interested in safe and sustainable health care methods, stewed black chicken with Chinese herbs stands out as a choice that harmoniously combines the theory of oriental medicine and the scientific basis of modern nutrition.
Black chicken - a tonic for blood and energy
According to traditional medicine, black chicken meat is sweet, neutral, and belongs to the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians. This is a medicinal herb that has the effect of replenishing blood and qi, nourishing yin, strengthening the spleen, benefiting the stomach, and benefiting the marrow. It is suitable for symptoms of weakness, anemia, qi deficiency, and prolonged fatigue, especially after serious illness, after surgery, or for the elderly and postpartum women.
Black chicken stewed with Chinese herbs is not only a nutritious food but also an integrated health therapy.
Photo: AI
According to modern medicine, black chicken contains 18-20 g of protein/100 g of meat, providing all the essential amino acids such as lysine, leucine, isoleucine. Black chicken meat also has high iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus content, and contains biological active substances such as carnosine, anserine with antioxidant properties, protecting the nerves and cardiovascular system. With lower fat and cholesterol than regular chicken, black chicken is especially suitable for people who need to recover their physical strength while still controlling their metabolism well.
Combined medicines
To maximize the effect of nourishing blood and qi, the dish uses a combination of some classic medicinal herbs in oriental medicine. Each ingredient has its own separate effect, and at the same time supports each other in regulating yin and yang, nourishing blood, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the liver and kidneys:
Rehmannia glutinosa (12-16 g): Sweet taste, warm properties, enters the liver and kidney meridians, has the effect of nourishing yin, replenishing blood, and nourishing essence. This is an important ingredient in blood-enriching medicines. Rehmannia glutinosa contains iridoid glycosides - a group of active ingredients proven to have the ability to increase blood cell proliferation, anti-inflammatory and mild hypoglycemia.
Codonopsis pilosula (12 g): Has the effect of replenishing qi, strengthening the spleen, supporting digestion, used instead of 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 (Caucasus) (10 g): A typical medicinal herb in blood tonics, blood nourishment, and blood circulation, especially suitable for women with blood deficiency or people with chronic anemia. Angelica contains ferulic acid - an active ingredient that supports blood circulation, increases peripheral blood flow, and protects blood vessels.
White peony (8 g): Sour, bitter taste, slightly cold, enters the liver and spleen meridians, has the effect of nourishing blood, softening the liver, and relieving pain. When combined with angelica, white peony 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 ingredient is paeoniflorin - a substance with sedative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Goji berries (8-10 g): Sweet taste, neutral properties, enters the liver and kidney meridians, has the effect of nourishing the liver and kidney, nourishing essence and blood, and brightening the eyes. According to modern medicine, goji berries contain polysaccharides, betaine, and zeaxanthin - substances that help increase immunity, fight oxidation, and protect the retina.
Red dates (jujubes) (4-6 fruits): Sweet, warm, with the effect of replenishing the middle and benefiting qi, nourishing the spleen and stomach, and calming the mind. Red dates are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, helping to calm the nerves, regulate digestion, and support increased absorption of medicinal herbs when combined.
Fresh ginger (2-3 slices): Spicy, warm, enters the spleen and stomach meridians, has the effect of warming the middle, dispelling cold, making food easier to digest, and at the same time regulating the cold properties of other medicinal herbs. Ginger contains gingerol - an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and digestive tract-protecting active ingredient.
Mugwort or perilla (optional 5-7 g): Can be added depending on the user's physical condition. Mugwort helps regulate blood, dispel cold, and relieve pain. Perilla relieves colds, aids digestion, and reduces stomach cold. These two herbs are often used to support the post-cold period, after surgery, or when the body is cold.
Mugwort or perilla is often used to support the post-cold period, after surgery or when the body is cold.
Photo: MH
Processing and use
How to prepare. Clean the black chicken (200-300g), soak in diluted vinegar to remove odor and retain nutrients. Marinate with a little salt, seasoning powder, sugar and sliced ginger for about 20-30 minutes to absorb evenly. Arrange a layer of herbs at the bottom of the pot (mugwort or perilla if using), place the chicken on top, add the prepared herbs. Pour in enough water to cover, cover tightly, simmer for 60-90 minutes until the chicken is tender and the broth is flavorful.
Reasonable frequency of use. Healthy people: 1 time/week, for health preservation and gentle nourishment. Weak people, elderly people, premenopausal women, and women with serious illness: 1-2 times/week, no more than 2 times/week. Should not be used continuously every day to avoid "over-nourishing", causing heat accumulation or metabolic disorders.
Notes when using and choosing medicinal herbs
Avoid using black chicken stewed with Chinese herbs during the period of fever, acute inflammation or digestive disorders due to heat. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before using because some medicinal herbs have mild blood-activating properties. Prioritize buying medicinal herbs at quality-controlled facilities, such as traditional medicine hospitals, medicinal herbs departments at medical universities. Medicinal herbs should be roasted, marinated and processed according to standards (main medicinal herbs), do not use raw, unprocessed medicinal herbs for cooking, to ensure safety and treatment effectiveness.
According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Bay, stewed black chicken with Chinese herbs is not only a nutritious food but also an integrated health therapy, helping to balance yin and yang, strengthen the body's vitality and support the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases or weakness. When used for the right people, in the right dose and in the right way, this dish is an ideal choice for modern people on the journey of sustainable health care, preventing diseases from the root - 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
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