TCM IV - Food to support the spleen, lungs, kidneys, liver and emotional heart:

Question 1

Foods to support the spleen

Answer 1

• Naturally sweet foods (Avoid empty sugars), prepared by wet cooking methods (boiling, steaming, braising) are warming, easy to digest and an excellent source of hydration
• Ingredients:
  o Whole grains (rice, oats, millet, quinoa, amaranth)
  o Buckwheat
  o Sweet potatoes
  o Squash
  o Root vegetables
  o Beetroot
  o Yam
  o Hazelnuts
  o Macadamia nuts
  o Ginger
  o Cinnamon
  o Cumin
  o Carraway seeds
  o Mustard seeds
  o Cardamon
  o Liquorice
• Dishes: Soups, Stews, Porridges, Mild curries, Dahl

Question 2

Food to support the lungs

Answer 2

• Pungent or spicy foods (E.g. black pepper, ginger, chili, spring onions, garlic) help the lungs to expel mucus and induce a sweat. They should be used in moderation as to not to cause too much Heat or Dryness
• Roasted almonds, pine nuts or thyme support Lung Qi
• Yoghurt, honey and pears moisten the lungs and support Lung Yin. Dates lubricate the lungs and are also useful for dry coughs and sore throats (avoid if diabetic/ hypoglycaemic/ obese)

Question 3

Foods to support the kidneys

Answer 3

• Dishes cooked with bone, cartilage and marrow (e.g. bone broths) are deeply nourishing and a great support those recovering from adrenal fatigue or chronic illness
• Butter, ghee, cold pressed oils and animal fats support hormonal health
• Foods:
  o Black beans
  o Kidney beans
  o (Black) sesame seeds
  o Chia seeds
  o Walnuts
  o Chestnuts
  o Soy milk
  o Tofu
  o Root vegetables
  o Fish and shellfish
  o Seaweed
  o Mushrooms
  o Miso
  o Sea salt

Question 4

Foods to support the liver

Answer 4

• Dark leaves and vegetables help build Blood – while their bitter taste helps clear Heat:
  o Spinach
  o Sorrell
  o Rocket
  o Kale
  o Chard
  o Cabbage
  o Brussels sprouts
  o Celery
  o Asparagus
  o Broccoli
  o Lovage
  o Parsley
  o Coriander
  o Bay leaf
  o Basil
  o Sage
  o Rosemary
  o Artichokes
• Red coloured foods such as raisins, red dates, red grapes, berries, rosehip, beetroot are great Blood builders, as are cooked meats, beans and lentils or vegetable juices
• Sprouted seeds or beans help move liver Qi

Question 5

Foods to support the emotional Heart

Answer 5

• Chinese medicine is rooted in Daoist philosophy, and spiritual practices such as meditation would be the primary method of nourishing the Spirit
• There are only a few foods that support the Spirit:
  o Pistachio
  o Poppy seeds
  o Rose
  o Vanilla
  o Lotus seeds
• Recall that cooking methods involving expansion (e.g. soufflés) or swirling (e.g. scrambled eggs) have a particular resonance with the emotional Heart. This swirling movement resembles singing and dancing (as expressions of joy). Expansion imitates the joyful connection with the world coming from the Heart.
• The bitter taste helps drain bitterness from the heart