In spring, people are prone to getting "fire" in their bodies, and many families have nourishing products left over from winter, such as deer antler, donkey-hide gelatin, cordyceps, and specially made pastes. Continuing to consume them may cause excessive internal heat, while storing them may result in spoiling. What should we do?
1. Donkey-hide gelatin: Consume less in spring
Nourishing products like donkey-hide gelatin should be consumed less in spring. The principle of nourishing in spring is to focus on balance, so it is best to avoid excessively hot and greasy nourishing products. In spring, the body's spleen is weak, which means the digestive capacity of the stomach and intestines is poor. At this time, it is advisable to consume relatively light foods. Among nourishing products, apart from cordyceps and bird's nest, which are relatively mild, the other flavors are heavier, and indiscriminate consumption may cause symptoms such as bloating.
However, many donkey-hide gelatin products are made into gelatin tablets, with sesame and walnut added in the middle to neutralize the greasiness of the gelatin itself. It is suitable to consume them at the beginning of spring, but they should be consumed less after the second month of the lunar calendar.
2. Cordyceps: Can be consumed throughout the year
The main function of cordyceps is to enhance the body's immune system, nourish the lungs and kidneys, and balance yin and yang. It has a mild nature and can generally be consumed throughout the year. However, as the weather warms up, the dosage for healthy individuals can be slightly reduced.
The nutritional utilization rate of cordyceps boiled in water is high. You can put 3 to 6 cordyceps in water and boil them over low heat, then drink the water. When the cordyceps water becomes light, you can eat the cordyceps.
The key to preserving cordyceps is to prevent moth damage. It is best to separate them and seal them in plastic bags, then store them in the refrigerator or freezer. As long as they are not stored for too long, they generally will not spoil.
3. Ginseng: Should be consumed according to individual needs in spring
Ginseng has a hot nature and is not suitable for people with mouth ulcers, frequent dry mouth and tongue, and hot palms and soles. Whether ginseng can be consumed after spring depends on the individual. People with weak constitution and coldness can consume it, but the dosage should be reduced accordingly, and it is best not to consume more than 5 grams of ginseng per day.
There are many ways to consume ginseng, such as direct oral consumption and chewing, followed by stewing in soup, and brewing in tea or alcohol. These methods are still applicable after spring, but regardless of which type of ginseng or how to consume it, excessive consumption should be avoided. Even for people with qi deficiency, excessive consumption can also result in excessive internal heat. In addition, when taking ginseng with other herbs or supplements, it is recommended to consult a doctor's advice and avoid arbitrary combinations, as they may cause adverse reactions.
It is worth noting that this is currently the peak period for respiratory diseases. If contagious diseases such as colds occur, it is not suitable to consume nourishing products such as ginseng. Similarly, if you are in the onset period of chronic diseases, you should not blindly consume nourishing products.
When preserving ginseng, it should be packed in bags and stored in the refrigerator at 0°C to 2°C. It can continue to be consumed until the next winter.
4. Nourishing pastes: Can be stored in the refrigerator for long-term consumption
Traditional concepts believe that the function of nourishing pastes is to nourish the body. However, modern concepts of "nourishing" should shift to "balancing". Especially for nourishing pastes, they should be customized for individuals and vary with the seasons. Even in summer, suitable pastes can be consumed.
Now that it is spring, it is advisable to stop consuming nourishing pastes with a winter nourishing function. In spring, it is recommended to add cool medicinal flavors to the pastes. Nourishing pastes should be stored in the refrigerator. If the paste develops small mold spots on the surface after being stored for a long time, it should not be consumed anymore, as the quality may be affected.
In addition, deer antler and deer penis are warm-tonifying and yang-invigorating medicines that contain a relatively high amount of hormones. They are not suitable for consumption unless one has severe kidney yang deficiency.
