Traditional Chinese medicine tricks in 5 ingredients

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient healing system based on Taoist principles of living in harmony with nature. Eating the right foods is central to adjusting our bodies, helping the organs function smoothly and in harmony with one another. Here are five star ingredients to make you feel fitter and more energized, according to TCM.

Ginseng

Ginseng’s Chinese name, renshen, means “human root,” because it vaguely resembles a human body: a bulbous head on top, with two “arms” and two forked “legs” at the bottom. Its appearance is significant in Chinese culture, because it’s taken to symbolize ginseng’s potent ability to cure human ills.

Specifically, ginseng is said to strengthen and replenish qi (vital energy), which is essential to the body. Qi a vital substance that sustains life, warming the body and allowing it to move and develop. Qi circulates throughout the body along with blood, providing energy to our organs and tissues.

Goji berries

Also known as wolfberries, goji berries have been used as an herbal remedy for over 3,000 years, with its first recorded use in The Classic of Herbal Medicine. More recently, it’s come to the attention of the West, who revere it as a “superfood” that’s packed with a potent punch of antioxidants and vitamins.

These berries taste floral and sweet, and usually come in dried form. They are thought to be anti-aging because they can benefit the kidneys and to nourish jing, or kidney essence, which underpins human vitality. Goji berries are also eaten to improve eyesight.

Mung beans

This essential yin (cooling) food helps to detoxify the body, expelling heat and adding moisture. Yin and yang are the opposing, primordial elements of nature. To be in good health, our bodies need a roughly equal balance between yin and yang.

Summer time is associated with yang, so it’s important to cool down our bodies with a yin food like mung beans. A refreshing bowl of refrigerated mung bean soup – quite simply, mung beans simmered in water for 20 minutes – is very popular in China during hot weather.

Jujube

Jujube dates have been used in TCM recipes for centuries. They can easily be steeped as teas or steamed with congee to aid circulation and to bolster qi. These brightly-colored fruits are high in vitamins B and C, with a firm red skin, soft, sweet flesh and large seed in the middle.

The seed of the jujube is as important as the flesh. Jujube seeds are thought to promote blood flow, calm the mind, and soothe the nerves, and are often used to treat insomnia. When cooked in water, jujube seeds can reduce fatigue and regulate sleep.

Walnuts

The Chinese have long believed that eating walnuts can sharpen the mind and boost concentration and memory. This stems from the fact that the crinkled appearance of a walnut resembles the folds of a human brain – and according to TCM principles, like replenishes like. In fact, walnuts help to lower cholesterol and have been found to contain compounds that aid the heart and the brain, including omega-3 fats, vitamin E and folate.

In addition to helping the brain, walnuts can support kidney qi and aid digestion by lubricating the intestines. As a warming food, walnuts are a great addition to the diet during the winter months. You can snack on raw walnuts or incorporate them into stir-fries or baked goods.

Read more: The main flavors of Chinese cuisine

Source The Culture Trip

Best activities to do in Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is where heritage has become hip. Galle is surprisingly unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. It's an ideal place to relax in style. Here are the top things to do in Galle.

Go on a Heritage Walk Through Galle Fort

Galle Fort is undoubtedly the city's prime attraction. It's large, 130 acres to be precise, and the most enjoyable way of exploring it is to wander about on foot. In fact, this is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. For curious travelers who aren't content with simply getting lost in the fort's lanes, Galle Fort Walks conducts personalized guided tours that provide fascinating insight its history. There are two options to choose from: Standard or Extended. The standard 90-minute tour covers all the architectural and cultural highlights, tailored to suit guest interests. The extended 150-minute tour goes into detail about colonization in Sri Lanka and its impact. End the day with a magical sunset walk along the fort's ramparts.

Learn About Sri Lanka's Maritime History

History buffs can expand their knowledge by visiting the newly restored Maritime Archaeology Museum (not to be confused with the National Maritime Museum), which occupies a 1671 Dutch spice warehouse on Queen Street. It's an attractive little museum, with four galleries that showcase the country's extensive maritime history from as far back as the prehistoric age. Sri Lanka was in the middle of an international trade route, so it's particularly interesting to see how various cultures were brought together. Exhibits include replicas of ships and relics from shipwrecks in the area.

Take a Look Inside the Dutch Reformed Church

This seemingly modest white church, near the entrance to the fort on Church Street, is not what you might expect inside. Its floor is covered with Dutch gravestones! Not only that, its walls are adored with plaques commemorating the deaths of late Dutch commanders of Galle, and there are burial chambers in its garden. The Dutch Reformed Church belongs to the Protestant religion and was created in the Netherlands during the turbulent Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The Dutch brought the religion with them to Sri Lanka and the church is one of the oldest Protestant places of worship in the country. Its foundations were laid in 1682 but construction wasn't completed until 1755.

Dine on Delicious Food

The Old Dutch Hospital adjoining Galle Fort has been converted into a classy dining and shopping precinct. It's a great place to commence your culinary voyage in Galle, and is also a standout spot to see the sunset as the top floor has sea views. A Minute by Tuk Tuk is a quirky favorite serving contemporary Sri Lankan food with a deck overlooking the water. Elegant Sugar Bistro and Wine Bar has an eclectic menu (try the iconic crab kottu) and an extensive range of fine wines.

Shop for Snazzy Souveniers

Make sure you have plenty of space in your suitcase because Galle Fort is filled with irresistible things to buy! There are several upmarket tea stores in the Old Dutch Hospital, with Withered Leaves in particular standing out. Orchid House Boutique has reasonably-priced jewelry, tea and handicrafts (most items are designed by the owner) and Jo Jo on Pedlar Street sells quality gems and jewelry. Barefoot, at the intersection of Pedlar and Church streets, is famous for bright textiles and homeware. Karma Collection on Leyn Baan Street has a gorgeous range of goodies including fashion, art, and accessories. Olanda Furniture, in a Dutch colonial house on Leyn Baan Street, specializes in antiques. The Old Railway is worth venturing to outside Galle Fort for bespoke clothes, crafts and jewelry. It also has a cafe.

Explore a Local Market

Step outside laid-back Galle Fort and you'll definitely know you're still in Sri Lanka. There are vibrant action-filled local markets to explore, for those who are up for an adventure. They provide excellent opportunities for photography too. On Main Street you'll find the 300 year-old Dutch Market, where fresh produce is sold. There are spice shops further along the street. Early risers can also catch the fish market alongside the beach, which comes to life with a cacophony of activity after the fishing boats return with the day's catch.

Get a Massage

What better way to top off your trip than with a rejuvenating massage but don't bother with the rather overrated Spa Ceylon. Sampath, at Spa Sandeshaya on Lighthouse Street, will work wonders to get rid of any tension with his acclaimed deep tissue massage. The Fort Spa on Church Street and Olu Spa in the Old Dutch Hospital are also recommended for a comprehensive range of treatments.

See more: Most breathtaking natural sights in Sri Lanka

Source: Internet

A guide to Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok

Chatuchak Weekend Market is certainly an assault on all five senses. Food stalls will bombard you with wafting aromas of seafood and sweets. Techno music blasts from trendy clothing stalls. Herds of people shove their way through the market, one stall at a time. That being said, Chatuchak Weekend Market is one destination you cannot miss visiting. Being that Chatuchak is the largest market in Asia, navigating it can be confusing. That is why we’re here to offer you a guide on Bangkok’s massive market.

Can you barter?

Bartering is a must. That being said, everything is already cheap, so don’t feel as though you must fight with a vendor to get a certain discount. One great way to get the best deals is to arm yourself with some Thai, for example, knowing a few numbers or two. Otherwise, brush up on your calculator skills. You can also ask a vendor, thao rai (how much). The more Thai you use, the less likely you are to be ripped off.

What to buy?

You can buy anything and everything your heart desires at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Are you on the hunt for a rare, one of a kind piece of art? There is a section for that (section 7, to be exact). Do you need a new wardrobe before returning home? There’s a section for that. One of the best ways to approach exploring this massive market is to venture in not knowing what it is that you want. If you go in with hopes of purchasing jewelry, odds are you won’t be able to find the clothing and accessory section. Getting lost is easy to do here, so arm yourself with one of the free maps from one of the information kiosks. These maps break down where the sections are, as well as what you can buy there.

When should you go?

Chatuchak Weekend Market is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The market opens Friday night at 6PM and closes at midnight. On Saturday and Sunday, it’s open all day from 9AM to 6PM. Many of the stalls disregard these hours and stay open much later. The best time to go shopping is in the morning, or when the market first opens. Many shopkeepers believe that the first sale of the day is good luck. Because of this, they’re more than happy to bring the price down more than usual!

Desserts

If shopping isn’t your thing, be sure to check out the endless stalls of food throughout the entire market. Chatuchak Weekend Market has a wide array of dessert options. Some of these desserts include chocolate-dipped bananas, crepes and brownies. The market is also well-known for its many coconut ice cream stands, served in its own coconut. You can also add an array of toppings, including nuts or strawberry syrup. If you don’t like ice cream but like coconuts, be sure to find the man with the machete selling them. He can be found near the main entrance. If you don’t see him, just listen for his booming voice, screaming, “coconuts!”

There are many different ways to get to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Take the BTS Skytrain to Mochit and follow the signs or the crowd. You can also take the MRT Subway to Chatuchak Park. A taxi driver should also know where this is. If a driver seems to have trouble understanding, pronounce Chatuchak like Jatujak.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900

Read more: Must-visit art museums in Bangkok, Thailand

Source Kelly Iversion/ The Culture Trip