HL Grains, Legumes, Nuts & Seeds

Common Chinese Name: 薏仁 / 薏米, Yi Ren/ Yi Mi Common English Name: coix seed, Chinese pearl barley, Job's tear Common Form: White, dried, round kernels. Note that if the body of the seed is small and narrow, it is not the coix seed in TCM, but western Pearl barley. TCM Five Flavors: Sweet, bland TCM Energetics: Cooling Meridian Affiliation: Stomach, Spleen, Lungs Nutritional Science: Nutrients: rich in antioxidant, fibre, and many phytonutrients specific to coix seed, 15.4g of complete protein/100g Functions: lowers blood sugar, boosts immunity against cancer cells, relieves muscle spasm, regulates blood sugar, relieves abdominal bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reduces fever TCM Benefits: Helps with...

Common Chinese Name (pinyin): 绿豆 (lǜ dòu） TCM Five Flavors: Sweet TCM Energetics: Cooling Meridian Affinity: Heart, stomach Nutritional Science: 成分 Protein, carbohydrates carotene, riboflavin B2, phosphatidylcholine (PC).  Function: Lower blood lipid, cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-tumor, antibacterial, protects liver and kidney.  It contains high level of antioxidant which will reduce chronic disease risk Antioxidants Vitexin and Isovitexin: may prevent heat stroke May Lower LDL Levels which can lower the risk of heart disease TCM Benefits: 功效 Clear heat and relieve summer heat and red eye Diuretic and detoxification Alleviate summer heat and thirst  Relieve common cold with wind-heat syndrome Cooking...

Common Chinese Name (pinyin): 黄豆 (huáng dòu） TCM Five Flavors: Sweet TCM Energetics: Neutral Meridian Affinity: Spleen, stomach, large intestine Nutritional Science: 成分 Nutrients: Protein, fat, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamin vitamin B1, riboflavin vitamin B2, niacin, folic acid, pantothenic acids, biotin, isoflavones.  Function: Antioxidation, lower blood lipid, anti-thrombosis, antiviral, regulates glucose level, neuroprotective effect.  TCM Benefits: 功效 Invigorate the spleen and relieve bloating Promote urination and better water balance, reduce fluid retention Boarden the Middle Jiao to improve digestive health Detoxify  Cooking Suggestions: 使用方法 Soak overnight before cooking.  Make soy milk. Add to bone broth. Make tempeh or...

Common Chinese Name (pinyin): 玉米 (yu mi) TCM Five Flavors: Sweet TCM Energetics: Neutral Meridian Affinity: Stomach, large intestine Nutritional Science: 成分 Nutrients: Around 60% starch, 4% fat. Contains vitamin K, thiamin vitamin B1, riboflavin vitamin B2, vitamin B6, niacin vitamin B3, pantothenic acid, biotin, carotenoids. Function: Diuretic, lipid-lowering, prevents vitamin K deficiency.  TCM Benefits: 功效 Regulate the Middle Jiao and increase appetite Diuretic and reduce water retention Help with high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar Cooking Suggestions: 使用方法 Cook in soup or add to dishes. Corn flour can be used for pastries, tortilla, tamale, and...

Common Chinese Name (pinyin): 粟米 (sù mǐ）小米 TCM Five Flavors: Sweet, salty TCM Energetics: Cool Meridian Affinity: Kidney, spleen, stomach Nutritional Science: 成分 Nutrients: fat, protein, starch, thiamin (vitamin B1), iron  Functions: supports healthy nerve signals and nervous system, cardiac function and health (Vitamin B1 assists in the formation of neurotransmitter acetylcholine which helps transfer the message between muscle and nerves), hair and skin health, slows the development of Alzheimer’s disease, combats muscle weakness (iron)   TCM Benefits: 功效 Tonify the Middle Jiao: promotes digestion Benefit the Kidneys Clear heat and detoxify Relieve nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea  Moisturize the body,...

Common Chinese Name (pinyin): 荞麦 (qiáo mài） TCM Five Flavors: Sweet, slightly sour TCM Energetics: Cooling Meridian Affinity: Spleen, stomach, and large intestine Nutritional Science 成分: Nutrients: salicylic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, carotenoids, chlorophyll  Functions:  Suitable for gluten-sensitive population Help maintains stable blood sugar level Benefits the heart Lowers blood pressure and blood lipid   TCM Benefits 功效: Tonifies spleen and eliminates intestinal stagnancy Descends Qi and improves digestion Detoxifies and heals sores Reduces coughing due to rebellious Qi  Helps with food stagnation, diarrhea  Helps with excessive or abnormal vaginal discharge Cooking Suggestions 使用方法: Buckwheat noodle (Soba!) Add whole...