Cell-Revitalizing "Food and Medicine Recipes" for June from Herbal Pharmacist Ai Okubo
[June 2024]
"Warm Okra Recipes" to Alleviate Rainy Season Sluggishness
As the summer solstice arrives, when the sun is at its highest point, the full force of summer's UV rays pours down. This is the time when measures against UV radiation and the cold from air conditioning become necessary. In Chinese medicine, this period is considered when the "heart," which works to stabilize emotions, and the "spleen," which cultivates digestive and absorptive capacity and stamina, are prone to weakening. Irregular habits and stress can cause the mind and body to react sensitively, making it difficult to manage one's physical condition.
With people buying fewer perishable fresh vegetables, they tend to rely more on instant foods, leading to an increase in concerns such as acne, body odor, and constipation.
In June, as health and beauty issues increase, let's overcome them by reviewing our lifestyle habits, incorporating sticky foods, and performing gastrointestinal care to regulate the autonomic nervous system.
◆This Month's Key Ingredient
Okra
One reason for feeling sluggish during the rainy season and summer is reduced gastrointestinal function. When you feel heavy and sluggish, try choosing sticky foods. The mucilaginous component of okra supports gastrointestinal function. It also helps suppress increases in blood sugar and cholesterol levels, making it recommended for those concerned about lifestyle-related diseases. Be careful, as the sticky component can leach out if you boil it after cutting.
◆Recipe Introduction
Instant Okra Mentaiko Soup
Perfect for Busy Mornings
A soup perfect for busy mornings, just add hot water. Rich in qi, blood, and fluids, including Vitamin D, B vitamins, minerals, and protein. Also effective in regulating the body's internal clock.
→Watch the video for instructions
Ingredients (for 1 serving)
Okra 2-3 pieces
Mentaiko (spicy pollack roe) 1/2 sac
Perilla leaves 5 leaves
Bonito flakes 1 handful
Hot water 200ml
Soy sauce to taste
Instructions
①Heat the okra in a microwave (600W) for 1 minute, then finely chop.
②Julienne the perilla leaves.
③Put all ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and serve.
Point
＊Okra can be eaten raw, so heating is optional.
＊Lightly sprinkle salt on raw okra and roll it on a cutting board to remove the fuzz and improve texture.
Okra Mapo Tofu
Reduces Sluggishness & Damage
A hearty mapo tofu thickened with okra. To alleviate the sluggishness of the rainy season and damage from unaccustomed air conditioning, add plenty of chives, garlic, and ginger.
→Watch the video for instructions
Ingredients (for 1 serving)
Okra 6 pieces
Firm tofu 1/2 block
Ground chicken 250g
Chives 1 bunch
Ginger 1 slice
Garlic 1 clove
A)
Miso 1.5 tbsp
Doubanjiang (chili bean paste) 1 tsp
Mirin 2 tbsp
Instructions
①Roughly chop the okra, cut the chives into 3cm pieces, and mince the ginger and garlic.
②Mix the seasonings from A together.
③Sauté the ground chicken, ginger, and garlic in a frying pan.
④Add the diced tofu, okra, chives, and A, and mix until the okra thickens.
Point
＊For added flavor, sprinkle black pepper or sansho (Japanese pepper) to taste at the end.
＊If you cut the firm tofu and place it in a colander, it will drain excess water and absorb the flavors better.
Profile
Ai Okubo
Pharmacist and herbal medicine counselor. Studied traditional Chinese medicine, medicinal cuisine, and Eastern beauty at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, becoming the first Japanese person to obtain the International Traditional Chinese Medicine Beauty Therapist qualification. After managing a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy, dispensing pharmacy, and aesthetic salon, she is now involved in product development, writing, and corporate consulting as an expert in medicine and beauty, including traditional Chinese medicine and medicinal cuisine.
Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/aivonne85/
Official Twitter:https://twitter.com/Ai_loveflower
