Comprehensive treatment for mixed obesity: Wild ginseng, snow fungus, and hemp seed soup and Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup

There are many types of obesity, such as: water-dampness type obesity, stagnation type obesity, simple obesity, hyperphagia type obesity, and qi deficiency type obesity. Clinically, obesity is often not caused by a single type. Several types of obesity can often occur simultaneously. When more than one type of obesity is present, it is called "mixed obesity." This state, characterized by a mixture of deficiency and excess, and diverse pathologies, requires a more comprehensive treatment plan, that is, while supporting the body's vital energy, it is also important to eliminate pathogenic factors.

For mixed-type obesity, the choice of dietary soups should be multifunctional. They should replenish depleted vital energy while also clearing accumulated phlegm, dampness, and constipation. The following two soup recipes focus on lubricating the intestines and relieving constipation, respectively, and greatly replenishing qi and blood, covering the core aspects of treating mixed-type obesity.

Mixed obesity and corresponding herbal formulas:

(1) Wild Ginseng, Snow Fungus, and Hemp Seed Soup. Serves: 4. Ingredients: 5 mace of wild ginseng root, 3 mace of snow fungus, 3 mace of hemp seeds, half a catty of pork ribs, 5 honey dates. Cooking method: Simmer in 12 bowls of water for 2 hours. Efficacy: Nourishes Yin and clears heat, promotes bowel movement.

Wild ginseng rootlets are highly effective in replenishing vital energy. The Compendium of Materia Medica even states, "Long-term consumption can lighten the body and prolong life." However, ginseng is expensive, especially wild ginseng. If you want to eat wild ginseng but find it too pricey, you can eat wild ginseng rootlets. Wild ginseng rootlets are the extremely fine branches or fibrous roots cut from wild ginseng. They also have the effect of replenishing qi and promoting body fluid production, but at a much lower price. They are very cost-effective. Wild ginseng rootlets can also provide energy and enhance the efficiency of fat burning.

Snow fungus, also known as silver ear fungus, is a common food. It has a sweet and bland taste and is neutral in nature. It possesses various health benefits, including nourishing yin, clearing heat, moistening the lungs, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, promoting body fluid production, lowering lipids and blood pressure, anti-aging, and anti-tumor effects. Snow fungus is a highly nourishing food. Regular consumption not only aids in weight loss and lipid reduction but also whitens the skin and promotes beauty. It is particularly beneficial for improving rough skin associated with mixed-type obesity.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), purgatives are categorized into two types. One type is the purgative that acts as a strong purgative, such as rhubarb and senna leaves. These herbs have a strong purgative effect but can easily damage the body's vital energy. The other type is the laxative that acts as a mild laxative, such as honey and hemp seeds. These herbs have a milder effect and do not harm the body's vital energy. Hemp seeds are sweet in taste and neutral in nature, possessing the function of moistening dryness and promoting bowel movements. They are a commonly used laxative and can also be used in soups. Hemp seeds not only cleanse the intestines but also provide healthy plant oils.

(2) Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup. Serving size: 1 person. Ingredients: Astragalus membranaceus 3 qian, Codonopsis pilosula 3 qian, Poria cocos 3 qian, Atractylodes macrocephala 3 qian, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (processed) 1 qian, Angelica sinensis 3 qian, Rehmannia glutinosa (processed) 5 qian, Ligusticum chuanxiong 3 qian, Paeonia lactiflora 3 qian, Cinnamomum cassia 5 fen (to be taken separately). Preparation: Boil 4 bowls of water down to 1 bowl, then add Cinnamomum cassia and take separately. Efficacy: Greatly replenishes vital energy, strengthens the spleen and kidneys.

The Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup is a famous formula. It consists of ten Chinese herbs: Astragalus membranaceus, Codonopsis pilosula, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (processed), Angelica sinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa (processed), Ligusticum chuanxiong, Paeonia lactiflora, and Cinnamomum cassia. It is named for its powerful tonic effect on vital energy. This soup can be used for various deficiencies, general weakness, blood and qi deficiency, sallow complexion, fatigue, and general obesity.

Astragalus membranaceus is sweet and slightly warm in nature. It has the effects of tonifying qi and raising yang, consolidating the exterior and stopping sweating. Codonopsis pilosula is sweet and neutral in nature. It has the effects of tonifying the middle qi. Poria cocos is sweet and neutral in nature. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the middle, calming the mind and soothing the nerves, and promoting diuresis and eliminating dampness. Atractylodes macrocephala is sweet and warm in nature. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and drying dampness, promoting diuresis and stopping sweating. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (processed) is sweet and neutral in nature. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and stomach, and tonifying the middle qi. Angelica sinensis is sweet and pungent and warm in nature. It has the effects of nourishing blood and regulating menstruation, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. Rehmannia glutinosa (processed) is sweet and warm in nature. It has the effects of nourishing blood and yin. Ligusticum chuanxiong is pungent and warm in nature. It has the effects of promoting qi and blood circulation. Paeonia lactiflora is bitter and sour and slightly cold in nature. It has the effects of nourishing blood and astringing yin, softening the liver and relieving pain. Cinnamomum cassia is pungent and sweet and very hot in nature. It has the effects of warming the middle and tonifying yang, dispelling cold and relieving pain.

These ten medicinal herbs work together to comprehensively regulate bodily functions. They not only address the issue of "deficiency" but also resolve the issue of "excess" by strengthening the spleen, removing dampness, and promoting blood circulation. For those suffering from mixed-type obesity-long-term obesity, weakness, and illness-who have failed to achieve weight loss goals through various methods, the Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup is the ultimate secret to reshaping the body and embarking on a healthy weight loss journey. With consistent use, one can not only achieve a slimmer figure but also regain long-lost vitality.