Milk is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, and enters the lung and stomach meridians. It can nourish the lungs and stomach, generate body fluids, and moisten the large intestine. It is suitable for symptoms such as stomach pain due to yin deficiency and constipation due to fluid depletion. It is often used to treat peptic ulcers and habitual constipation. Those with diarrhea, spleen deficiency, or dampness should avoid it.
Second, apples are sweet and cool in nature. They can strengthen the spleen and replenish qi, benefit the stomach, promote body fluid production and moisten dryness. They are suitable for symptoms such as spleen deficiency with poor appetite, stomach yin deficiency, and yin deficiency with stomach pain.
3. Cabbage has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, relieving pain, detoxifying and reducing swelling, and clearing heat and promoting diuresis. It can be used for symptoms such as chest tightness, thirst, sore throat, urinary retention, impaired hearing and vision, poor sleep, joint stiffness, and abdominal pain caused by internal heat. Its vitamin C and other components have analgesic effects and promote ulcer healing. Stewing cabbage with Job's tears, dried tangerine peel, and honey can treat stomach pain, upper abdominal distension, and gastric and duodenal ulcers. Stewing it with red beans, winter melon, and rock sugar can reduce swelling and promote diuresis. Those with loose stools or weak spleen and stomach should not eat too much.
Fourth, spinach is sweet and cool in nature, and can moisten dryness, nourish the liver, benefit the stomach and intestines, and relieve constipation. The "Compendium of Materia Medica for Food Therapy" states that it "benefits the five internal organs, clears the stomach and intestines, and detoxifies alcohol." Spinach can promote the secretion of gastric and pancreatic juices, increase appetite, and aid digestion; its rich fiber also helps intestinal peristalsis and facilitates bowel movements. However, spinach has a high oxalic acid content, which hinders calcium absorption. Therefore, it should be avoided when eating with high-calcium foods such as tofu and seaweed, or it should be lightly blanched before cooking to remove the oxalic acid.
Fifth, sweet potatoes are neutral in nature and sweet in taste, and they nourish the spleen and replenish qi. The Compendium of Materia Medica records that they "nourish the middle, warm the stomach, and nourish the five internal organs." Eating them in cold weather can nourish the stomach, aid digestion, and help with weight loss.
VI. Longan Li Shizhen once said, "Among fruits, lychee is the most delicious, but longan is the best for nourishment." Unlike lychee, which is considered to be hot and damp in nature, longan can be used in medicine and has various effects such as invigorating yang, replenishing qi, warming the stomach, and tonifying the spleen.
7. As the weather gets colder, some people with weak spleen and stomach often experience symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, and fatigue. Regularly drinking yam porridge can effectively relieve stomach discomfort.
8. Pumpkin. According to the *Compendium of Materia Medica*, pumpkin is "warm in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the spleen and stomach meridians." It can replenish qi, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and relieve pain. Its rich pectin content can "adsorb" bacteria and toxic substances, including heavy metals and lead, thus playing a detoxifying role. At the same time, pectin can protect the stomach from irritation and reduce ulcers. Pumpkin can be used to cook porridge or soup to nourish the stomach and intestines.
9. Carrots are sweet and neutral in nature. Traditional Chinese medicine believes they "regulate qi, nourish the middle jiao, benefit the spleen and diaphragm, moisten the intestines and stomach, soothe the five internal organs, and have a digestive effect." The abundant carotene can be converted into vitamin A, which can improve eyesight, nourish the spirit, enhance immunity, and prevent respiratory diseases. Carotene is fat-soluble, so stewing it with meat is the best way to prepare it, and it also tastes better.
