by Dr. Nicole Chien
As any busy mums knows, it’s easy to get run down. Most people at some time have been guilty of reaching for a chocolate bar or sugary ‘energy’ drink just to get through the day. And while occasionally this might not be a problem, there are healthy alternatives to sugary drinks and foods that are more natural and nutritional. One way to build your health and immune system is by using Chinese Herbal Medicines and consulting with a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) expert and herbal nutritionist.
Here are a few key foods and remedies commonly use in TCM to build health and vitality.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a key remedy in TCM. It helps build health and stamina and is especially useful to fight fatigue, enhance concentration, immunity and strength and has proved transformative for many, changing the way they feel and operate. Not all drinks Ginseng drinks are created equal though so look for one that also contains Ginseng and astragalus, licorice and other herbs. These ingredients help nourish Qi, improve digestive health and boost body metabolism.
Special Tonic Soups
Other Chinese herbs and foods that really help build health and wellness are known as ‘special tonic soups’. There are many tonic soups including ones that increase metabolism, build collagen (great for breastfeeding mums), improve Qi and energy and help build bones and joints. These soups have huge benefits for runners and other athletes as well as mums who like to keep fit. Pregnancy can strip the mother of a lot of calcium and other nutrients, so it is important for mums to eat to retore these deficits. Your Chinese herbal nutritionist can make up these soups for you and there are companies that make them ready made. Chicken Essence is a great tonic in itself too and really helps fight fatigue. It is rich in iron, copper, zinc and vitamins. It is also great for improving metabolism (yes really!). Beef Essence is another great immunity booster.
Snow Fungus
Apart from Ginseng drinks, there are several other health drinks that mums everywhere can enjoy including Snow Fungus Drinks (snow fungus is a special mushroom type fungus with a sweet taste and crunchy texture) which contains amongst other things collagen, dietary fibre and amino acids to support general health, and also to reduce the body’s absorption of sugar. Additionally, it helps to build physical strength and a youthful appearance (skin glows!) which is why drinks with snow fungus are always popular with beauty influencers and editors!
Jujube Fruit
You might also look for drinks or teas that contain jujube fruit. Two compounds that are found in jujube, called flavonoids and saponins, have been shown in studies to increase sleep. Jujube fruit has also been shown to help control spikes in blood sugar and reduce glycosylated haemoglobin in those with type 2 diabetes, which often marks poor blood sugar regulation. Alone, Jujube is not a cure-all for high-blood sugar but it is helpful in helping to regulate it. Perhaps the biggest benefit for all mums who still struggle with ‘baby brain’ postpartum, is that jujube has been shown to improve learning capacity and could even support brain growth.
It is important to discuss any new addition to your diet with a TCM expert as well as your regular health care advisor. Research for yourself and ask questions. Good TCM practitioners and Chinese herbal suppliers should always explain what is in each food or drink they suggest and explain exactly why they help. Also make sure you discuss whether any herbs or foods are unsuitable for breastfeeding mums.
About Author
Nicole Chien is a leading nutritionist with a Bachelor’s Degree of Nutrition from Taiwan and a Masters from Monash University and a mother of two. For over 20 years she has worked in pregnancy, maternal, postpartum and baby & childhood nutrition as well as weight management. https://tasteforlifeaustralia.com.au/en