“Eggs: A Dietary Conundrum During Colds”
When faced with the distress of a cold, many people wonder: Should eggs be included in the “forbidden” list of foods during this time? To answer this question, we first need to delve into the composition and characteristics of eggs.
“Eggs and Duck Eggs: Understanding Their Nature and Benefits”
An egg, also known as a chicken egg, consists of egg white and egg yolk. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), egg white, termed as chicken’s clear part, is believed to have the effects of moistening the lungs, benefiting the throat, clearing heat, and detoxifying. Therefore, it is often used to alleviate symptoms like sore throat, dampness, and swollen, painful eyes.
On the other hand, despite its higher cholesterol content, egg yolk’s nourishing effects cannot be ignored. It can nourish kidney yin, enrich heart blood, and supplement the spleen and stomach.
In China’s traditional culture, eggs are an essential ingredient for women during postpartum recovery.
However, opinions differ on whether eggs can be consumed during a cold. In reality, if eggs are not cooked through frying, pan-frying, or barbecuing, they do not impose a burden on the body.
Apart from chicken eggs, duck eggs are also an option. Duck eggs have a cooling nature and are more suitable for individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, prone to issues like dry throat and tongue. However, those with yang deficiency might experience discomfort such as bloating and diarrhea when consuming duck eggs.
“Dietary Methods During a Cold: Egg and Perilla Leaf Soup and Mugwort Leaf Ginger Egg Soup”
In our lives, there are some traditional dietary methods, such as the Egg and Perilla Leaf Soup. This soup requires two eggs and 30 grams of perilla leaves. Boil the perilla leaves for a few minutes, strain the residue, and then crack the eggs, mix them evenly, and cook in the pot. This soup is used to treat wind-cold colds.
Additionally, there’s the Mugwort Leaf Ginger Egg Soup. For this soup, you need two eggs, 10 grams of mugwort leaves, and 15 grams of ginger. Place the eggs with shells in water, add mugwort leaves and ginger, boil for ten minutes, peel the eggs, and continue boiling for another five minutes. This prepared egg and soup can be used to treat dysmenorrhea and stomach pain.
“Rolling Egg Method: a Cold Treatment in Ethnic Medicine”
There is also a rolling egg method, popular in some ethnic medicines. Firstly, take two to three fresh eggs, boil them in hot water, and remove the shells. Then, soak one egg in water around 80 degrees. Wrap the egg with gauze, roll it clockwise on the patient’s forehead, chest, neck, back, abdomen, palms, and soles until the area turns slightly red. Then switch to another egg for continuous rolling. This method can treat symptoms like children’s colds, nasal congestion, headaches, and stomach chill.
“From Chicken Eggs to Duck Eggs: How to Choose a Suitable Dietary Plan”
In summary, whether it’s chicken eggs or duck eggs, each has unique nutritional value and usage methods. As long as we choose a consumption method that aligns with our physique and needs, we can enjoy deliciousness while simultaneously prioritizing our health.