Bitter almond is widely used to relieve coughing, asthma, dissolve phlegm and relieve constipation. Sweet almonds are tastier but less effective than bitter almonds.

Almond congee

Ingredients: Sweet almonds (10g), rice (50g)

Preparation: Peel sweet almonds, mash them, make congee.

Dosage: Eat for breakfast.

Function: Helps relieve coughing and asthma. 

 Almonds, celery, cucumber and carrot salad

Ingredients: Sweet almonds (50g), celery (100g), cucumber (80g), carrot (20g)

Preparation: Peel almonds, slice celery, cucumber and carrot. Place in boiling water for a few minutes and remove. Dress with oil, salt.

Function: Helps dispel excessive internal heat, lower high blood pressure, coughing and asthma.

Chestnuts

Nutrition: Rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acid, carotene, vitamins B1, B2 and C. Fresh chestnuts are richer in vitamin C than tomatoes. They contain microelements like potassium, magnesium and zinc. Eating chestnuts can help prevent common ailments of aging, such as hardening of the arteries and poor memory.

TCM function: "Warm" (yang energy) chestnuts help nourish the stomach and spleen, reinforce kidneys, strengthen tendons, promote blood circulation, reduce bleeding, dispel internal damp and "wind." Widely used to relieve vomiting or diarrhea due to deficient energy in stomach and spleen.

Chestnuts are one of the most recommended foods in winter because of its kidney reinforcing function. According to TCM, one's "innate essence" is stored in the kidneys (the term for kidneys and the reproductive and urinary systems).

Eating chestnuts can also help relieve pain in legs and lower back, treat poor memory and too-frequent urination, a common problem among the elderly.

Tips: Chestnuts are rich in sugar, so they are not recommended for diabetics or anyone trying to lose weight. Don't eat too many, especially after a meal.

 Chestnut, jujube and fu ling (tuckahoe) congee

Ingredients: Chestnuts (30g), tuckahoe (12g), 10 jujubes, rice (60g)

Preparation: Peel chestnuts, make congee. Sweeten with sugar.

Function: Helps relieve diarrhea caused by excessive cold in the stomach and spleen.

(Shanghai Daily February 3, 2009)