Ingredient Name: Bellflower root, bell flower, balloon flower, Campanulaceae or Radix Platycodonis
Chinese Name:桔梗 (jié gěng)
Another “root” to add to the collection. The Chinese love to use a variety of plant, flower and herb roots and truth be told, for me, they all look and smell the same. While most roots are considered in the repertoire of Chinese medicine, the usages do vary from season to cause. I would definitely take caution when using the various types of roots available from your herbalist and definitely use in moderation.
What is this?
The dried root of the bellflower
It is commonly used in Chinese medicine
The flower is found in China, Korea, Japan and Eastern Siberia
The roots when dried are beige in color and are long and shriveled looking
How do I prepare it?
Wash the dried roots in warm water before usage
Where can I buy this?
Commonly found in wet marts in Hong Kong from the herbalist or dried food vendor
What is the cost?
Bellflower roots are relatively affordable
Any benefits?
Excellent in aiding in coughs and sore throat
It is said to help nourish and moisten the lungs
Great for quenching thirst
Any precautions?
Consume in moderation (only 2-3 slices per soup or drink)
Excessive consumption can result in mild nausea and/or vomiting
Additional Information?
Dried bellflower roots can store in tightly sealed contained for up to 6 months
Ingredient Name: Snow Pears or Pyrus Nivalis (dried)
Chinese Name:雪梨幹 (xuě lí gàn) or 梨干 (lí gàn)
This is a great natural additive to any soup or drink, although it is more commonly used in drinks rather than soups. You can do a combination of dried or fresh snow pears in both soups and drinks and this is almost a great staple to have “just in case” you feel like making a soup but the stores are closed or it’s a typhoon or snow storm. And of course, no one is to stop you from eating it if you’re in dire hunger.
What is this?
An edible fruit grown from pear trees
It is usually round and found to grow well in cooler temperatures
The snow pear is often firm in handling and is often associated with being on the more sour and tangy side of taste
Snow pears are known to be a “cooling” fruit
It is often dried with the skin and seeds and dried in disks the size of diameter of the pear
How do I prepare it?
Wash the dried snow pears in warm running water
Use directly in soups and drinks
Where can I buy this?
Commonly found in wet marts in Hong Kong from the herbalist or dried food vendor
It is sometimes available in packages in supermarkets (although more as a snack than as an additive to soups or drinks)
What is the cost?
Dried snow pears are very affordable costing around $1-2 HKD for 2-3 slices
Any benefits?
Pears have 0 fat and provide a healthy intake of natural sugars
Pears are also packed with Vitamin A, C and E1
They contain excellent amounts of copper and potassium and are packed with carbohydrates
Pears also are the least allergenic of all fruits and is often found as a first foods for babies
They are said to assist with the lower of cholesterol and high blood pressure
Pears are excellent laxatives due to their high fiber content
Any precautions?
Pears, especially Snow Pears, are known to be a “cooling” food
Women who are pregnant or menstruating should take caution when consuming Snow Pears
Any substitutes?
“Crystal” pears can also be substituted for Snow Pears in soups
Apples are also an ideal substitute
Additional Information?
Dried Snow Pears store very well in a sealed container
They can be kept in refrigeration for up to 3 months
The licorice is one of the key powerhouse herbs that are used to support lung strength, wellness and health, including an herb that penetrates all the meridians of the body, so these benefits can access multiple organs as well! Did you know that in Europe, licorice is eaten as a candy? While in the East, it’s more commonly used in Chinese soups, dishes, Chinese herbal teas, and medicine. Try just taking the dry root as is and nibbling and sucking on it!
How do I prepare it & store it?
For teas, you can use ground licorice root, which is available in Western Health stores, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the dried whole sliced root is usually used (as pictured)
Typically no preparation needed. If I’m using purchased dried licorice (in packages), I will use directly from the bag into my soup, tea cup, or glass stove top safe tea pot
These ingredients store nicely in plastic or glass containers (or bags), so long as it’s dry for years! Be sure that moisture is limited and there is no direct exposure to extreme sunlight.
What is the cost & where to buy?
In general, one ounce of dried loose flowers can cost around $1-2 CAD (but I have seen the range quite wide)
Dried licorice is commonly found in both Western and Eastern stores (both online and instore), although Chinese Herbal shops will sell them as sliced roots more instead of shredded or powdered licorice (which is the preferred cut for Chinese soups, medicine, and herbal teas)
Any benefits?
Dried licorice helps nourish and tonify Qi
Licorice helps clear heat (but isn’t a cooling ingredient)
It is also a great herb for clearing toxicity from target organs and the meridians
This is a useful herb for dispelling phlegm and relieving coughs
Helps stops spasms and alleviates pain
Any precautions?
Be sure to buy dried licorice from a reputable and reliable source, either online or in person.
Licorice should be used cautiously if there is excess dampness (or water) in the body
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