Beef or Chicken TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of meat (beef or chicken)

• 50 g of sheng jiang (生姜) - Fresh ginger - Rhizoma Zingiberis crudae
  (Promotes sweating, releases the surface, warms the Middle Burner, stops vomiting, warms the Lung, calms cough.)

• 50 g of Astragalus - Huang qi (Sheng) (黄芪) - Astragalus membranaceus
  (Tonifies Qi, gives tone to the body, supports natural defenses.)

• 50 g of red jujube (Chinese dates) - da zao (大枣) - Ziziphus jujuba
  (Stimulates blood circulation, helps with menstrual comfort, aids recovery after the cycle, gives tone to the body.)

• 50 g of Ginseng leaves - Ren shen ye (人参叶) - Panax ginseng
  (Tonifies Qi, maintains energy balance, contributes to optimal intellectual and cognitive function.)

• 50 g of goji berries - gou qi zi (枸杞子) - Fructus Lycii Chinensis
  (Antioxidant, reduces fatigue, detoxifies the body, provides vitality.)

• 50 g of Glehnia roots - Bei Sha Shen (北沙参) - Glehnia littoralis
  (Soothes the lungs, relieves the respiratory tract.)

• Water (about 3-4 liters)

• Seasonal vegetables: leeks, turnips, celery, carrots, potatoes

Instructions:

1. Preparation of the Herbs:
   Place the herb ingredients in a large spice ball to facilitate their extraction while avoiding their presence in the broth. This is particularly helpful for children who may be reluctant to consume herbs.

2. Cooking:
   In a large pot, add the meat, spice ball, and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for about 2 hours.

3. Adding the Vegetables:
   Midway through cooking, add the seasonal vegetables (leeks, turnips, celery, carrots, potatoes) to cook with the meat and herbs. This allows you to enjoy their flavors and nutrients.

4. Serving:
   Once cooking is complete, remove the spice ball and serve the broth hot, accompanied by the meat and vegetables.

5. Benefits:
   This comforting broth tonifies the spleen and lungs, thereby stimulating the wei qi (卫气) to strengthen the immune system against external aggressions, ideal for the cold season.

Tips:

• Adaptation:
  You can adjust the herbs according to your preferences or availability. For example, if you can't find certain ingredients, other tonifying herbs can be used.

• Storage:
  This broth keeps well in the refrigerator and can be frozen for quick meals in winter.

This recipe allows the whole family to benefit from its therapeutic properties while enjoying a warm and comforting meal. Enjoy your meal!