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TCM Treasures - Bird’s nest
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SIMPLIFIED Chinese: 燕窝 Pinyin: yàn wō
Bird’s nest has long been a popular tonic, especially for women as they are said to improve the complexion by promoting cell regeneration and reduce signs of aging.
Bird’s nest made of swiftlet saliva is a neutral-energy tonic that reinforces energy, nourishes the lungs, benefits the spleen and improves the complexion, according to “Supplements to Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu).” It travels through the lung, stomach and kidney meridians. It is used to treat various coughs, chronic bronchitis, vomiting, stomachache and malnutrition. It helps relieve night sweats and frequent urination due to energy deficiency. “Ben Cao Gang Mu” (“Compendium of Materia Medica”) says bird’s nest nourishes yin energy in the lungs, resolves phlegm and relieves coughing.TCM holds that “the lungs govern skin and hair,” and so bird’s nest tonic can improve skin quality and reduce signs of aging.Modern research has found swiftlet saliva contains antioxidants and elements that promote cell regeneration. Rich protein and micro-elements can boost immunity.
Bird’s nest is recommended for everyone. In addition to benefits already noted, it is said to be a male tonic. It can also help pregnant women and nourish the fetus and help the elderly by increasing energy and treating respiratory and digestion problems.As with all herbal therapy, it must be eaten regularly and it takes three to five months to have an effect. For complexion benefits, the best time to eat bird’s nest is before you go to sleep; the “golden” sleep period is from 11pm-2am when cell division takes place around eight times faster than at other hours. The first nest that a swiftlet builds before laying its eggs is considered the best quality.
Prescriptions & Usage:
Common bird’s nest soup
Soak whole dried nest in water for an hour until it softens, remove impurities.
Filter and soak again in purified water for 4 to 8 hours. Remove impurities but retain nutrient-rich water.
Cook in a small double-boiler. About 30-45 minutes is enough for guanyan (white nest), while xueyan (bloody nest) requires 3-3.5 hours.
When almost done, add rock sugar and simmer for 5 minutes.
Eat once daily every two days. Take for at least three months.
Benefits: helps nourish lungs, relieve coughing and reinforce energy.
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