Four traditional Chinese recipes for growing children

BY ALEX YU

Children have unique developmental needs. We look at Chinese supplements appropriate for their needs as they grow. Based on their bodies, the best supplements for children are not the same as adults. They need food that is easily absorbed and strengthens their lung, spleen and kidney functions. However, the recipes below are also suitable for adults and elderly people to consume as well.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Walnut kernel gruel

1. Take 30 grams of walnut kernels, 30 grams of hyacinth bean and 100 grams round-grain rice.

2. Cook the above ingredients with three cups (about 750 milliliters) of water for 50 minutes.

3. Add a little dark brown sugar or salt.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Sweet sesame syrup

1. Take 250 grams of sesame, 200 grams of fresh ginger and 200 grams of honey or crystal sugar.

2. Stir-fry the sesame in a heated pan until the sesame crackles.

3. Make some ginger juice by smashing fresh ginger or using a blender.

4. Melt the crystal sugar or honey in a little water, then mix it with the ginger juice.

5. Stir-fry the sesame in ginger juice until the juice dries up.

6. Stir and store in a dry and clean bottle.

7. Take one to two tablespoons every morning and evening with water.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Luo Han Guo Tea

1. Clean Luo Han Guo. Crush into small pieces. Put them into a teapot, then add three to four cups (750-1000 milliliters) of water.

2. Bring to a boil, then turn to low heat.

3. Continuously cook for 15 minutes.

* Suitable for diabetic patients to consume as a daily drink, or as a sweetener to replace sugar.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Ginkgo nut honey

1. Take 6-9 grams (5-10 pieces) of shelled ginkgo nuts.

2. Cook the shelled ginkgo nuts with a cup (250-300 milliliters) of water for 20 minutes.

3. Add one to two tablespoons of honey.

4. Drink the soup and eat the ginkgo nuts.

Caution: Ginkgo nut can be toxic. Pay attention to the dosage, and do not use raw nuts. They should be cooked.

Alex Yu is a registered Chinese medicine practitioner in Hong Kong and a doctoral candidate of the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. He holds a master’s degree in Chinese medicine and bachelor’s degree in Chinese medicine and science from Hong Kong Baptist University.

This post is also available in: Chinese