6 wellness flowers that absorb autumn dampness and cold, a must-have for families with elderly members
Osmanthus - treats toothache and bad breath
Wellness value
Osmanthus blooms abundantly in autumn. Fresh osmanthus is rich and sweet, with the effect of resolving phlegm and promoting body fluids. It can relieve discomfort such as toothache, cough, excessive phlegm and bad breath.
How to consume
1. Osmanthus tea
Place freshly picked osmanthus in a ventilated spot and let the moisture drain naturally, then steep in water or make tea; discard the first infusion, then add a few goji berries and honey to the second infusion for a better taste.
2. Osmanthus wine
A sip of osmanthus wine in autumn is mellow and inviting, making the whole body feel at ease. Put shade-dried osmanthus in a jar, add a few pieces of rock sugar and a few goji berries, then pour in sorghum liquor until 80% full, seal it, and place it in a dark, ventilated spot. It will be ready to drink after 3 months.
If it can be cellared for more than 1 year, it becomes an excellent vintage brew.
Chrysanthemum - brightens the eyes and clears internal heat
Wellness value
Autumn is dry and prone to internal heat. Drinking a little chrysanthemum tea or chrysanthemum congee is just right. Chrysanthemum is cool in nature and can clear internal heat, brighten the eyes, relieve dizziness and vertigo, and also ease irritability and stuffiness.
How to consume
1. Chrysanthemum congee
Prepare 50 grams of white rice, 20 grams of millet, 15 grams of dried honeysuckle and 3 red dates, add an appropriate amount of water, simmer until thick, turn off the heat and eat.
2. Chrysanthemum pillow
After shade-drying fresh chrysanthemums, put them in a gauze bag and stuff it into a pillow. It is excellent for sleep. Wild chrysanthemum, tribute chrysanthemum and Hangzhou white chrysanthemum all work. A yellow chrysanthemum pillow can prevent wind-heat colds, while a white chrysanthemum pillow can nourish the liver and brighten the eyes.
Honeysuckle - clears heat and detoxifies
Wellness value
Honeysuckle itself is a Chinese medicinal herb that clears heat and detoxifies. Whenever there is sore throat, bleeding and inflamed gums, fever and discomfort, or red and swollen eyes, honeysuckle can be consumed.
How to consume
1. Honeysuckle tea: Dried honeysuckle can be steeped directly in water. Adding a little honey and raw licorice root improves the taste.
2. Honeysuckle congee: Add water to 100g of rice, bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Add 10g of dried honeysuckle and simmer covered for 20 minutes, then it is ready to eat.
Gardenia - treats constipation
Gardenia is an excellent fragrant ornamental flower. Its flowers, leaves, roots and stems can all be used as medicine. It has the effects of clearing the lungs and stopping cough, clearing heat and promoting urination, and also helps move the bowels and treat constipation.
How to consume
Stir-fried gardenia with small bamboo shoots
First, saute chopped scallions and shredded ginger in the pan, then add blanched gardenia flowers, thinly sliced small bamboo shoots and cured meat. Stir-fry several times, then add MSG and salt. This dish is tender and refreshing, especially suitable for people with poor appetite and abdominal bloating with constipation.
Camellia - reduces swelling and disperses blood stasis
Wellness value
The transition between winter and spring is the season when camellias bloom. Camellia can stop bleeding, cool the blood, reduce swelling and disperse blood stasis. Used externally, it can also treat burns and bruises. It can be called a living wound medicine.
How to consume
Camellia pancakes
1. Prepare a small amount of camellia flowers, 100g of shrimp, half a carrot, 1 celery stalk, 3 eggs, salad dressing, cornstarch, salt and MSG.
2. Mash the camellia flowers, shrimp, carrot and celery into a paste, add the eggs and cornstarch, stir evenly, then add a little salt and MSG for seasoning.
3. Pour a small amount of oil into a flat pan. Once hot, pour in the batter and pan-fry until both sides are golden brown. Just before it is done, sprinkle a layer of sesame seeds, then take it out and eat. You can drizzle a little sauce according to personal taste.
Aloe - beauty and anti-aging
Wellness value
Aloe is known as the "family medicine cabinet" and has strong health and wellness value. It can strengthen the heart, invigorate blood circulation, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. For the skin, it moisturizes, reduces wrinkles, fights aging, and removes pimples and acne!
How to consume
Cold-tossed aloe
Take a section of fresh aloe leaf, 3~5cm is enough. After blanching in boiling water, cut into pieces and set aside; take an appropriate amount of jellyfish skin, soak in water to remove salt, and set aside; wash the small cucumber and cut into pieces. Put all the ingredients on a plate, add salt, drizzle a little sesame oil and vinegar, mix evenly and it is ready to eat.
Which aloe can be eaten?
Not all aloe can be eaten. Generally, there are 3 commonly eaten types: Curaçao aloe (American aloe), tree aloe (Japanese aloe), and striped aloe (Chinese aloe).
Note: People with an allergic constitution should use with caution