Recipes

DANDELION PESTO PASTADandelion greens have been used for thousands of years in China for supporting and detoxifying the Liver, and garlic also helps to support Liver and Stomach health. Pine nuts support the Liver’s “mother,” the Kidney (according to Five Element Theory). This pesto is great tossed with pasta and additional toasted pine nuts and roasted vegetables such as cauliflower (for the Kidney) or zucchini (for the Liver)! It can also be great spread on crunchy thin crust, topped with thinly sliced veggies and baked for a pesto pizza!

DRAGON’S WAY QIGONG® FRIED RICEIf you enjoy eating in the Dragon’s Way Qigong style, you'll love this recipe. It's easy to make especially if you have leftover rice and veggies.

GARLICKY CORN PILAFLooking for a creative way to use up the vegetables in your fridge? Try adding them to your rice or pasta dishes for healing benefits. White rice is a centuries-old staple for most Asian countries because of its special healing essence for Stomach function. Paired with garlic, the zucchini in this rice pilaf gives your Liver function a boost. As a sweet, yellow vegetable, corn supports your Stomach function. Mushrooms are used to cleanse the body and have an overall healing benefit.

QUINOA WITH CHICKPEASQuinoa was once called “the gold of the Incas.” It is a superfood—rich in fiber, protein, iron, and much more. It also has a warm essence that helps to remove dampness and stagnation from the body. Many other elements of this recipe have healing benefits as well. Olives and sea salt are both beneficial to the Kidney, and lemon and chives boost your Liver. And in addition to adding a nice crunch to this dish, the chickpeas strengthen the Spleen, Heart, and Lung.

RICEOnions have detoxifying properties, helping to eliminate toxins from the body. Rice has a harmonizing effect on the digestive system, helping to alleviate digestive discomfort and promote regularity.

ADORNED COUSCOUSWith hints of citrus, this refreshing dish is also warming and nourishing. Couscous helps aid in digestion and balance fluid in the body. The various ingredients in this dish support most of the major organs. Cucumber: Lung; Garlic, Scallions, Lemon: Liver; Mango: Stomach; Pine nuts and Kidney Beans: Kidney.

GARDEN MARINARA SAUCE WITH PASTAWhether the tomatoes come from your backyard garden or the produce section of your supermarket, making a homemade sauce is the best way to bring out that just-picked-taste. And it doesn’t need to take all day, either! Use a variety of tomatoes to heighten the flavor of your sauce without having to add too many additional ingredients. In addition to the Heart-healthy red wine and tomatoes, this sauce incorporates zucchini and garlic, which support your Liver!

GRAND MASTER LU’S DRAGON NOODLESDid you know that craving noodles, pasta or breads is the body’s way of asking for nurturing? Why not honor that request and nurture yourself? Here is an easy to make, delicious dish that offers a Chinese take on noodles. This is a great dish to serve accompanied with different stir fried vegetable side dishes. The portion sizes are hearty, so don’t be shy about sharing!

BARLEY SESAME SALAD

Eaten for centuries by the Chinese as a simple food-as-medicine herbal remedy, Chinese barley (Job’s Tears) can rid the body of extra water and mucus that can contribute to weight gain, sluggishness, and arthritis. It is also particularly good at balancing the Qi of the digestive system, especially the Spleen and Stomach. Irma likes to make this for a quick breakfast or lunch with leftover barley cooked the day before!

Grains and Noodles

Food & Health

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The Five Element Framework

Food & Health

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The Five Element Framework

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