What are the functions, effects, and methods of consumption of chicken gizzard lining (Fructus Arctii)?
Nov 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, chicken gizzard membrane (Ji Nei Jin) is a common traditional Chinese medicinal ingredient that has various functions and benefits, including strengthening the spleen and stimulating the appetite, fortifying the kidneys and enriching essence, promoting urination to remove urinary tract stones, regulating gastrointestinal functions, and enhancing immunity. It can be consumed by mixing the powdered form with water, cooking it into porridge, preparing it in soups, stir-frying, or steeping it as a tea. During its use, one should generally avoid consuming foods high in tannic acid, such as persimmons, apples, tea, and coffee, to prevent interference with the efficacy of the medicine.
Generally speaking, chicken gizzard (Ji Nei Jin) is a common traditional Chinese herb that has various functions and benefits, including strengthening the spleen and stimulating the appetite, fortifying the kidneys and enriching essence, promoting urination and eliminating calculi, regulating gastrointestinal functions, and enhancing immunity. It can be consumed in various ways such as taking the powdered form mixed with water, cooking into porridge, making into soup, stir-frying, or brewing as tea. Detailed explanations are as follows:
I. Functions and Benefits
1. Strengthening the Spleen and Stimulating the Appetite
Chicken gizzard can nourish the stomach and spleen meridians, promote digestion, and help alleviate symptoms such as food accumulation, indigestion, abdominal pain, and bloating.
2. Fortifying the Kidneys and Enriching Essence
Chicken gizzard contains abundant trace elements and various vitamins, which can nourish the body and strengthen physical condition. It can assist in treating urinary system disorders such as seminal emission and bedwetting.
3. Promoting Urination and Eliminating Calculi
Chicken gizzard helps the body excrete excess waste and prevents urinary system diseases. It is commonly used as an adjunct in treating gallstones, kidney stones, bladder stones, and similar conditions.
4. Regulating Gastrointestinal Function
Chicken gizzard can promote gastric juice secretion, enhance the digestive capacity of gastric acid, and stimulate gastrointestinal motility, thereby improving symptoms such as indigestion and loss of appetite.
5. Enhancing Immunity
Rich in nutrients such as protein, amino acids, and trace elements, chicken gizzard can strengthen the human immune system, improve resistance, prevent diseases, and promote overall health.
It is recommended to use chicken gizzard in appropriate amounts under the guidance of a physician according to individual constitution and health condition.
II. Methods of Consumption
1. Powdered Form Mixed with Water
Wash and dry chicken gizzard thoroughly, grind it into fine powder, and mix with warm water for consumption to maximize its medicinal effects.
2. Cooking into Porridge
Add an appropriate amount of chicken gizzard powder into porridge while cooking until fully done. This combines the medicinal effects of chicken gizzard with the nutrition of porridge, making it easier for the body to absorb.
3. Making into Soup
Prepare chicken gizzard together with ingredients such as pork ribs or chicken to enhance the nourishing effects of the soup.
4. Stir-frying
After washing, stir-fry chicken gizzard. Consuming it after stir-frying enhances its function of strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea, while also improving its taste.
5. Brewing as Tea
Chop dried chicken gizzard into small pieces, steep in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, then filter out the residue to make a drink. The tea has a mild flavor and is suitable for people of all age groups.
Maintain healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, and avoid consuming foods high in tannic acid such as persimmons, apples, tea, and coffee, which may interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine.
