In the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine, rice is revered as the first of the five grains, and it contains rich nutritional and medicinal properties. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the sweet taste of rice penetrates into the three meridians of the spleen, stomach and lungs, and has a variety of benefits for human health. It can replenish the body's "Zhongqi", that is, the qi of the spleen and stomach, and has a significant conditioning effect on symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and indigestion caused by weakness of the spleen and stomach. 
Rice, like a gentle nourished, is easy to digest and absorb, and is an ideal food for nourishing the spleen and stomach. Traditional Chinese medicine often recommends rice porridge for people with weak body or poor spleen and stomach function after illness to help restore physical strength and promote digestion. In addition, rice can also nourish the yin and moisturize the lungs, bringing relief to coughs and dry mouth caused by dry lungs. Long-term consumption of rice in moderation can indirectly regulate blood circulation, improve physical functions, and also help maintain vision and hearing health. In TCM diet, rice is often paired with various herbs or ingredients to create a variety of healthy porridges. For example, yam barley porridge can strengthen the spleen and promote dampness, and red date longan porridge can nourish blood and calm the nerves. In the ** period of various diseases, it is also a warm and tonic porridge for the body. However, although rice is suitable for most people, for certain medical conditions such as diabetics or people who need to control their caloric intake, the intake of rice should be reasonably controlled to prevent blood sugar from rising too quickly or having excess calories. 
In addition, rice can be processed in a special way to enhance its medicinal effects. For example, fried rice boiled water can be used for diarrhea, while rice soup has a good nourishing and thirst-quenching effect. In conclusion, from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, rice is not only a staple food on our table, but also a therapeutic treasure with a variety of health benefits. Through different cooking methods and recipe combinations, we can target different body types and conditions. Of course, any dietary therapy should be carried out under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner, following the principles of individual differences and syndrome differentiation. 
A collection of winter stomach-warming delicacies