Watch the Video 2:36
YouTube

I strongly believe that Traditional Chinese Medicine is very effective in helping with many conditions, including preventing colds and the flu, jet lag, and insomnia, and it is not uncommon for doctors to recommend Chinese herbs. In our last video I visited my Chinese doctor (“R U Yin or Yang” video). Dr. Chun Han Zhu gave me an herbal “prescription” for a soup, so my next stop is Boston’s Chinatown where I visit my favorite herbal shop.

Some of the herbs Dr. Zhu recommended are:

• Dang gui or Angelica sinensis, an herb commonly used to treat women’s reproductive health issues and also recommended to help prevent and treat some forms of cardiovascular disease
• Huang Qi or Astragalus is recommended for treating the common cold and upper respiratory infections because it helps to strengthen the immune system
• Go ji or Wolfberries which are believed to nourish the “yin,” strengthen blood, liver, and the kidneys, and contain anti-oxidants.

Go to the SpicesofLife recipe section for a delicious and easy recipe, Poached Pears in a Cinnamon-Ginger Syrup.

Stay tuned for the next video where you can join me in the kitchen while I make Steamed Black Bone Chicken Soup. YUM!

Nina

Watch the Video 4:56
YouTube

Dr. Chun Han Zhu, a brilliant Chinese doctor who lives near Boston, has been a teacher, healer, and mentor for many years. In this video he explains some basic principles of yin and yang. He also offers suggestions of how you can avoid colds and the flu in the colder weather by eating certain foods that will provide balance and strengthen the immune system.

As Dr. Zhu explains, it is helpful to know whether you are yin or yang. Ideally, you should be diagnosed by a Chinese physician, but here are some tips that might help you to know what type you are.

Yin Body Types

• Listless or lacking energy
• Thin and Pale-faced
• Vulnerable to infectious disease
• Relaxed, easy-going and quiet
• Sensitive to cold

Yang Body Types

• Usually superactive, hyper, full of energy and vitality
• Generally heavyset or overweight
• Flush-faced or ruddy complexion
• Restless or impatient
• Not sensitive to cold

Stay tuned for the next videos where we explore a Chinese herbal store and then make two dishes that are great for the winter.

Enjoy!

Nina