TCM Basics 101: Supermarket Herbs - Rice
TCM Nature: Cooling
TCM Taste: Mildly sweet, neutral
TCM Meridian Affinity: Spleen, Lungs
Benefits:
· Increases energy and stamina
· Soothens skin
· Moistens Yin and Clears Heat
· Reduces swelling
· Supports kidney functions
Spirituality:
The word “Qi” used in Taoism, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts, means “life force, energy or breath.” It is derived from the two symbols of air and a bowl of steaming rice. If you want a good, strong life force: Eat rice!
In China, during the annual Chinese New Year Festival, sticky rice cakes, called “Nian Gao” are eaten as a symbol of increasing prosperity for the New Year.
Rice resonates with the energy of the earth element and the Sun. It is feminine in nature. In Asia, rice spirits are honored as mother-type entities.
The tradition of throwing rice at newly married couples is meant to impart blessings of fertility, abundance and prosperity and it is the first food a new bride in India will offer her husband.
Further reading: