Detailed guide to making the medicinal dish Dwarf Lilyturf-steamed Soft-shelled Turtle

The traditional Chinese medicine dish of Dwarf Lilyturf-steamed Soft-shelled Turtle has the effects of nourishing yin and invigorating blood, softening hardness and dispersing nodules. Although it can serve as a family soup dish in autumn, it can also assist in treating splenomegaly after diseases such as amenorrhea in women and malaria. Dwarf Lilyturf (Herba Lycopi) is slightly warm in nature, enters the liver and spleen meridians, and has the effects of invigorating blood and nourishing blood. The Lei Gong Pao Zhi Lun says it "can break blood and unblock long-standing accumulations"; soft-shelled turtle, also known as Chinese softshell turtle or biē, is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, with the effects of nourishing yin and blood, softening hardness and dispersing nodules. The Compendium of Materia Medica holds that it can "eliminate chronic malaria and malarial masses," and the Essentials of Materia Medica also records that it "cools blood and supplements yin, and also treats malaria."

Ingredients: 10-15 grams of Dwarf Lilyturf, 1 soft-shelled turtle, 2-3 slices of ginger.

Preparation: First scald the soft-shelled turtle with hot water to make it urinate, then cut it open and remove the intestines and organs; grind the Dwarf Lilyturf into powder and place it into the turtle's belly (use both shell and meat), then put it together with the ginger into a stewing jar, add an appropriate amount of cold boiled water, and stew over water for about two and a half hours. Stir in an appropriate amount of salt and raw oil and stew for a moment longer. This amount is enough for 1-2 people; adding a little rice wine when eating gives better results. If used for treatment, it is best taken once every other day, and noticeable effects appear after 3-5 consecutive doses.