Description
Hairy Peach Root known scientifically as Ficus hirta and colloquially as “Five-Finger Peach Root” (五指毛桃, Wǔzhǐ Máotáo) because its leaves resemble an open hand and its roots have a peach-like aroma, this herb is prized for its unique fragrance and gentle medicinal properties.
It is an excellent choice for relieving symptoms like bloating, bodily heaviness, and fatigue, leaving you feeling light, balanced, and revitalized. Hairy Peach Root produces a soup that is remarkably fragrant, mildly sweet, and well-loved for its pleasant, unique, mildly sweet, and creamy coconut-like aroma.
Health Benefits
Resolves dampness, invigorates Qi, relieves symptoms like bloating, heavy sensations, lethargy, fortifies the spleen, and eases the muscles and joints.
· Strengthen the Spleen and Tonify the Lungs : It gently boosts the Spleen’s function of transforming and transporting nutrients, which helps resolve dampness and improve energy.
· Invigorate Qi and Activate Blood : It helps to move Qi and blood, relieving stiffness and pain in the muscles and joints.
· Expel Dampness and Relax the Tendons : It is particularly effective for dispelling the “Dampness” common in humid climates which can cause a feeling of heaviness, bloating, and joint discomfort.
Ideal for individuals experiencing :
• Constantly fatigue, bodily heaviness, and poor appetite due to dampness.
• Mild joint stiffness or aches associated with dampness.
• Recovering from an illness who needs a gentle energy boost without over-stimulation.
• Living in humid climates or during the rainy season
• Enjoying diets rich in damp-forming foods (dairy, greasy/fried foods, sugar, cold drinks).
Precautions
· Suitable for All age : Hairy Peach Root is considered one of the safest and mildest tonic herbs.
· An Acute / Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation. As it is a Qi-tonifying soup, it is best avoided during an active cold or flu with fever (an “exterior” pathogen), as it may trap the illness inside.
· Pregnancy : Should be used only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.
· Medical Conditions : If you have diabetes, allergy or are on medication, consultation with doctor is essential. All herbs are not for infants.
· It’s best to Avoid taking food and beverage that are contraindications to Qi-tonifying herbs ( Ginseng, Astragalus Root, Radix Codonopsis ) as they are considered to dissipate Qi and reduce the tonic effect of the herbs. Food such as :
· Cooling & Raw Food : raw vegetable & salad, cold drinks & ice-cream, certain fruits such as watermelon, pear & grapefruit, certain seafood such as crab and clams.
· Dampness-Producing Food : Dairy products, sweeteners & sugary food, greasy & fried food, wheat & highly processed grains & food
· Pungent & Dispersing Food & Herbs : Radish, mint & peppermint, hot spices in excess.
· Specific Food-Drug Interactions : Coffee & tea.
or strictly separate intake by several hours.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
General Dietary Advice While Tonifying Qi
When you are prescribed a course of Qi-tonifying herbs, it is a signal that your body needs focused support. Adhering to these dietary guidelines, even for a short period, will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the herbs and speed up your recovery.
1. Embrace Warm, Cooked Foods : Soups, stews, congee (rice porridge), and well-cooked vegetables are ideal. They are easy to digest and warm the Spleen and Stomach.
2. Eat at Regular Intervals : Don’t skip meals. The Spleen thrives on routine.
3. Chew Thoroughly : This is the first and most crucial step of digestion.
4. Don’t Overeat : Overeating is one of the quickest ways to injure Spleen Qi.
5. Use Spleen-Tonic Foods in Cooking : Incorporate small amounts of sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, rice, oats, and ginger into your meals.
