(Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by Amiee)
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the spleen and stomach are known as the “foundation of acquired nature”, which means the foundation for human survival and growth after birth. The spleen is responsible for transportation and transformation, and the stomach is responsible for reception. Together, they complete the digestion and absorption of food and provide the basis for the biochemical production of qi and blood for the whole body. If the spleen and stomach function well, the qi and blood are sufficient, and the human body is full of vitality; otherwise, a variety of diseases will arise, and the body will be weak and sick.
Today’s recipe is yam cake with jujube paste. Yam is a particularly good ingredient for the spleen and stomach. You can eat yams every day, and your spleen and stomach will get better and better. Jujubes replenish qi and blood, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and are also ingredients that can be eaten every day. The combination of the two is the best nutrition for the spleen and stomach.
“Huangdi Neijing” is the foundation of Chinese medicine theory, which mentions the core role of the spleen and stomach many times.
How to maintain the spleen and stomach?
First, eat less raw, cold, spicy, and greasy food to avoid damaging the yang energy of the spleen and stomach;
Secondly, eat a moderate amount of warm and easily digestible food, such as millet porridge, yams, lotus seeds, red dates and other ingredients that strengthen the spleen and stomach.
The theory that “the spleen and stomach are the foundation of the acquired constitution” has a long history and runs through the entire Chinese medicine system. From the Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine to the Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach, doctors of all generations have emphasized the importance of the spleen and stomach and proposed corresponding conditioning methods. Modern people often suffer from a weak spleen and stomach due to improper diet, disordered work and rest, and emotional stress. If we can follow the wisdom of Chinese medicine and regulate the spleen and stomach reasonably, we can maintain a healthy physique and prevent a variety of chronic diseases.
Ingredients:
Fresh Yam: 300 g
Jujube, 80 g
Low-gluten flour, 200 g
Instructions:
1. Peel the yam and cut into pieces.
2. Steam the yam and jujube for 30 minutes after the water boils.
3. Remove the cores of the jujube.
4. Mash the yam.
5. Combine the mashed yams, jujube paste, and low-gluten flour in a bowl, and make a dough.
6. Cut into many small portions, and make small cakes with your hands.
7. Heat a pan over low heat, and add oil. Arrange the cake and pan-fry until cooked.
The finished yam and jujube paste is sweet. It can be used as breakfast or as a staple food, suitable for people of all ages.
