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5 Chinese Herbs To Boost Your Pregnancy Health

TCM promotes the holistic approach to maintain balance during pregnancy. TCM Herbs are prescribed and added into the pregnancy diet to boost energy levels and strengthen the body in order to cope with the changes during pregnancy. But when should you consume it and what is safe and beneficial for pregnant mothers? Let us share more with you!

Here are 3 common herbs that can boost your pregnancy health, and in the next post, we will be sharing another 2 herbs, one from a fruit and one from a flower!

A well-balanced diet with grains, vegetables, protein and fruits is one of the keys to keeping your baby’s healthy development during pregnancy. However, is that enough? Ask yourself the following questions, and so obviously, it’s time to nourish your pregnancy body with TCM herbs if your answer is “yes” to any of them.

1) Do you FEEL breathless during pregnancy?
2) Do you FEEL the water retention is worse?
3) Do you FEEL the constipation issue is worse?
4) Do you FEEL your skin complexion or colour is darkening?

Codonopsis Root

Codonopsis Root, known as “党参, Dǎng shēn”, is a herb that boosts vital energy or “qi” and reduces fatigue during pregnancy. If you constantly feel “breathless” and quickly get tired, rejuvenate yourself with a bowl of warm black chicken soup with Codonopsis Root every alternate week.

Black Chicken with Codonopsis Root

Black chicken with Codonopsis Root, Astragalus Root, white fungus, red dates for 1-2 hours. Sprinkle with a bit of goji berry after turning off the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

 

Ingredients: 

  • 300-400g of Fresh Black chicken 
  • 5-6 sticks of Codonopsis Root 
  • 2 small pieces of White Fungus 
  • 5 Red dates 
  • 10g Wolfberries 
  • 1 liter of water 

Steps:

  1. Blanch black chicken by bring it to boil from cold water. 
  2. Boil herbs (except goji berries) with black chicken with 1 liter of water for 30 minutes 
  3. Simmer over a low heat for a further 45-60 minutes 
  4. Turn off the heat and mix wolfberries into soup and let it sit for 10 minutes. 
  5. Drink the prepared soup while it is hot.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root, known as “黄芪, Huáng qí”, is one of the most commonly used “super” herbs in many TCM medicine because of its potential healing benefits in treating a wide variety of health conditions. Vice versa, it is a “super” TCM herb for pregnant mothers because it promotes strength and stamina and the immune system.

Chinese Yam

Chinese Yam (淮山) comes with an abundance of “vital” properties that most pregnant mothers need. Consuming Chinese Yam is beneficial to supporting the spleen and digestion system and improving the absorption of nutrients. Rejuvenating your body with a plate of stir-fry Chinese yam and mushroom is always an excellent choice for you and your family members.

Stir-Fry Chinese Yam and Mushroom

Peel the outer skin of Chinese Yam (with gloves) and cut it into slices. Boil the sliced Chinese Yam in water for 3-5 minutes. Stir fry the mushrooms with garlic and add in Chinese Yam for 3 minutes before turning off the heat. Add salt or soy sauce for extra flavours. 

Ingredients: 

  • 300-400g Fresh Chinese Yam 
  • 100g Mushroom
  • 3 cloves of chopped Garlic 
  • Salt or soy sauce 
  • Oil

Steps:

  1. Peel the outer skin of Fresh Chicken Yam and cut into slices 
  2. Blanch chinese yam by bring it to boil from cold water for 3-5 minutes  
  3. Add oil and bring it to hear 
  4. Stir fry the chopped garlic until it turns yellowish 
  5. Add mushroom and fresh Chinese Yam for 3-5 minutes
  6. Add salt or soy sauce for extra flavors

Dried Lily Bulb

Dried Lily Bulb, known as 百合, is a common herb used in many of Asia’s tonic desserts. It is sweet and contains properties to soothe and promote lung health, calms and relaxes minds and improves fluid and skin complexion. With the loss of appetite and bouts of nausea and vomiting, this dessert will be a perfect choice for the day.

Dried Lily Bulb with Red Dates

Boiled dried lily bulbs with longan, lotus seeds and red dates for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Add rock sugar to enhance the taste.

Ingredients: 

  • 20 petals of Dried Lily Bulbs 
  • 20 Dried Longan 
  • 20 Dried Lotus Seeds 
  • 20 Red Dates 
  • 1500ml of water 
  • A handful of Rock sugar

Steps:

  1. Soak dried lotus seeds with hot water for 10 minutes. 
  2. Boil all the ingredients (except rock sugar) with 1.5 litre of water for 15 minutes 
  3. Simmer over a low heat for a further 30-45 minutes 
  4. Turn off the heat and add a handful of rock sugar for flavours.

Dried Orange Peels

Did you know that consuming red beans* (赤小豆) with dried orange peels will reduce water retention for mothers during pregnancy? If you have been troubled by water retention, pampering yourself with a warm red beans soup bowl is always an excellent choice! Dried orange peels (陈皮) are known herbs to improve “qi” circulation, digestion and bloating.

Red Beans with Dried Orange Peel

Boiled 2 cups of red beans (赤小豆) with one piece of orange peels for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Add rock sugar to enhance the taste.

*Based on TCM perspective, there are two types of red beans, known as红豆 or 赤小豆. 红豆are generally bright red and round. 赤小豆 is deep or dark red and oval.

Ingredients: 

  • 1.5 cups of red beans  (赤小豆) 
  • 1 piece of dried orange peels 
  • 1500ml of water 
  • A handful of Rock sugar

Steps:

  1. Boil all the ingredients (except rock sugar) with 1.5 liter of water for 15 minutes 
  2. Simmer over a low heat for a further 30-45 minutes 
  3. Turn off the heat and add a handful of rock sugar for flavours. 

Watch our Cooking With Yen episode, with invited lovely mum @keweitay. Featuring the Pre-Partum Collagen Nourishing Soup, made up of superior ingredients, filled with the richness of collagen from the fish maw and white fungus.

This soup is perfect for general consumption, especially for your family members and a little one who wishes to nourish their body. Click here to buy the soup.

Note: Above herbs and recipes are suggested for pregnant mothers with general consumption only. If you are suspected of or having health complications during pregnancy, it’s best to consult with your Chinese physician or TCM practitioner before taking it during pregnancy. Madam Partum shall not be liable for any consequences whatsoever arising from the consumption of the above herbs and recipes.

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