Search
Adventures of Life in Beijing

Chinese Medicine

December 15, 2020Beijing, China, Chinese medicine, Culture, Health, Tea

When my brother and I were little, we spent summers with our grandparents in Denmark. My grandmother didn’t have a drier, so she hung all of the clothes on the line. They smelled like sunshine, but were so stiff and sharp that we pretended to sword fight with pointy wash cloths.

My body feels like one of my grandmother’s line-dried wrinkled wash cloths. We are less than two months into Beijing’s winter but the extreme dryness and cold temperatures have wrung every once of moisture out of my hair, my skin and my lungs. The level of static electricity means I look a bit like Einstein when I return from shopping and take my hat off.

If it were possible to bottle some warmth and humidity from Florida, I’d ask you to send it to me. Add a pinch of salty ocean air too please.

I’m in a Chinese Medicine chat group and I saw a post recently for “Moistening Yam Tea.”  The recipe promised to “benefit my Qi, nourish my Yin and promote fluid production.” I have no idea what that means, but since slathering my skin with gallons of lotion only goes so far, I’m willing to try anything that promises moisture. Maybe it will work like a Bounce dryer sheet, softening my skin, reducing stiffness and eliminating my static cling.

Out of the five ingredients listed, I recognize two: Chinese yams and licorice root. I like licorice (my roots are Danish after all), so how bad can it be? (Chinese medicine concoctions in general aren’t designed to taste good).

 

I took a tour of a market recently about 30 minutes away, and I know they have a Chinese medicine shop. (It’s called a wet market, really, but I don’t want to scare you into thinking they sell snakes and bats. The most exotic things I saw on my visit were  eels, frogs and turtles.

 

I think he’s trying to escape.

 

 

Do they kill them for me or do I have to do it myself?

 

Turtle soup anyone?

 

So I hopped on the Subway to Xinmin market and found the Chinese Medicine shop. I had a photo of the recipe with Chinese characters, which I’m hoping the doctor understands because I can’t tell astralagus root from licorice root.

 

The red board contains combinations of ingredients for a variety of ailments.

 

There are a variety of dried teas, flowers and herbs for sale.

 

“How much is this going cost?” I asked the doctor. I’m not sure what maidong is, but if it’s as pricey as ground dragon bones, I’ll just rub my hair with a Bounce sheet instead.

She takes a little note pad and adds some figures, and shows me: 150 kuai, a little over $20 bucks. I give her a thumbs up, and she measures the ingredients.

 

 

I wanted to take a picture with her, but felt a little embarrassed to ask. Just as I’m practicing the words in my head, she hands me my purchase with a smile and comes out from behind the counter and starts taking a video of the two of us. I’m guessing I’m the first foreign customer she’s had, and she wants to brag about it on social media. I wonder how many followers I have on TikTok now?

A lifetime supply of moistening tea.

 

She was quite excited to capture me on video. I’ve been filmed in restaurants, hiking, in the elevator, shopping…..I always wonder what they do with the videos. No one ever asks permission.

 

“How much of this stuff should I be drinking?” I asked in the Chinese Medicine chat group.

“It depends on your constitution,” came the reply. “Just brew a big pot and drink it as you need it.” How will I know when my constitution has had enough ?

I measure out the ingredients and brew a pot.

 

Getting the potion ready for brewing.

 

The doctor was kind enough to number the ingredients according to the recipe so I know which ingredient is which.

 

It’s not bad. It’s earthy, with hints of licorice, spice and leather. Oh, wait, that was my wine from last night. Wrong glass.

I add a few more pieces of licorice root (at least I think I did), close my eyes, and think of chocolate as I take another swig. It doesn’t taste like chocolate, but I can pretend.

Honestly, it’s not bad and I manage to down a pot a day. It’s only been a few days so I don’t have any data to report. I’m hoping in a few weeks I’ll feel less like a wrung out wash cloth and more like a rehydrated sponge. But you can go ahead and mail that package with the tropical, Florida humidity. Throw in a few Bounce sheets while you’re at it; they cost almost as much here as ground dragon bones.

 

Comments (2,105):

  1. Paula Kasniz

    December 15, 2020 at 6:15 am

    Another wonderful experience! Keep it up.

  2. Alison Madrid

    December 15, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    Oh I can’t wait to hear if this tea works! Maybe if you drink it 3x/day for a year! Haha 😉

  3. Patti Aspinwall

    December 15, 2020 at 2:29 pm

    Spokane winters are equally dry.
    Perhaps I’ll take your recipe to our local Asian Market and brew some tea myself.

    Looking at the frogs reminded me of physiology class in college….

    Had to laugh about your wine/tea description.

    Great to hear from you!

  4. Janet Arkills

    December 15, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    Such great adventures

  5. Tina

    December 15, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    I love this!! Your wittiness and funnies are always amusing. I hope this concoction works for you…if so send some my way. It is so dry here now that my skin almost aches…ugh. Miss y’all!

  6. Jackie

    December 22, 2020 at 3:10 am

    Let me know if it works

  7. Kara

    December 28, 2020 at 5:55 am

    Love hearing this story, and the photos are great, Kirsten!

  8. Holly

    January 10, 2021 at 11:41 am

    How is the tea working for you?? I need an update!! 🙌🏻

  15. נערות ליווי

    March 17, 2022 at 5:31 am

    This is the right website for anyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want toÖHaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for many years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful! This is the right website for anyone who wants to understand this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really would want toÖHaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for many years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful! נערות ליווי בחולון

  16. israelxclub.co.il

    April 6, 2022 at 8:19 am

    Im excited to discover this web site. I need to to thank you for ones time for this wonderful read!! I definitely savored every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new information in your web site.

  18. Register here and get a bonus

    April 12, 2022 at 12:56 am

    Use artificial intelligence to cut turnaround time, extend your budget, and create more high-quality content that Google and readers will love. How It Works? WordAi is extremely fast and intuitive. Just enter your content, click rewrite, and in a matter of seconds, WordAi will rewrite an entire piece of content for you. WordAi comes up with different ways to express the same ideas by rewriting every sentence from scratch. This not only removes duplicate content, it also makes the rewritten content read completely naturally. Scale Your Business Make your entire content production process 10x more efficient. Use AI to create more high-quality, unique content that impresses clients and engages readers, all without having to put in more hours Register here and get a bonus.

  19. נערות ליווי בחיפה

    April 12, 2022 at 9:51 am

    I was pretty pleased to discover this great site. I need to to thank you for your time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every part of it and I have you book marked to see new stuff on your blog

  20. נערות ליווי

    April 15, 2022 at 3:37 am

    I was extremely pleased to discover this page. I want to to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every part of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new information on your web site.

  28. instagram takipci satın al türk

    June 14, 2022 at 4:50 pm

    Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could
    add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.

    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  29. E Sigara

    June 14, 2022 at 9:45 pm

    We stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I should check things out.
    I like what I see so now i am following
    you. Look forward to looking over your web page again.

  30. Türk Takipçi Satın Al

    June 15, 2022 at 12:08 pm

    Everything is very open with a precise clarification of the issues.
    It was truly informative. Your site is very helpful.
    Thank you for sharing!

  31. Türk takipçi al

    June 16, 2022 at 12:01 am

    Very good article. I will be experiencing a few of these issues as
    well..

  32. Elektronik sigara orjinal

    June 17, 2022 at 4:23 pm

    whoah this weblog is magnificent i love studying your posts.
    Stay up the great work! You realize, lots of people are searching around for
    this info, you can help them greatly.

  33. instagram takipçi satın al

    June 18, 2022 at 1:29 am

    I have read so many articles on the topic of the blogger lovers except
    this paragraph is genuinely a fastidious article,
    keep it up.

  35. instagraM takipçi satın al

    June 18, 2022 at 4:39 am

    Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my web site thus
    i came to return the favor?.I am attempting to in finding things to improve my site!I guess its good enough to use a few
    of your concepts!!

  36. Aspire E Sigara

    June 18, 2022 at 9:07 am

    Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your
    site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
    The account helped me a applicable deal. I were
    tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast provided shiny transparent concept

  37. elektronik sigara satın AL

    June 18, 2022 at 9:17 am

    Hello i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this article i thought i could also make comment
    due to this sensible article.

  38. Elektronik Sigara

    June 18, 2022 at 7:58 pm

    When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is
    added I get three emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that
    service? Thank you!

  40. E Sigara

    June 21, 2022 at 3:13 am

    Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after going through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me.

    Regardless, I’m certainly pleased I found it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back often!

  41. Elektronik sigara

    June 22, 2022 at 4:50 pm

    Very shortly this web site will be famous among all blogging and site-building viewers,
    due to it’s good posts

  43. E Sigara

    June 26, 2022 at 5:19 am

    Hey! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.

    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe
    guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My site
    addresses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you’re interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Terrific blog by the way!

  44. zoritoler imol

    June 26, 2022 at 8:57 pm

    I’m still learning from you, but I’m trying to achieve my goals. I absolutely liked reading everything that is written on your site.Keep the stories coming. I enjoyed it!

  45. Halo Likit Çeşitleri

    June 27, 2022 at 6:32 am

    Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as
    you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a
    weblog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
    I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered vivid clear concept

  46. E SIGARA - ELEKTRONIK SIGARA

    June 27, 2022 at 12:06 pm

    It’s very simple to find out any matter on web as compared to books,
    as I found this paragraph at this website.

  508. TrudiepaEn

    August 7, 2022 at 9:05 am

    free online casino bonus
    slotos
    best no deposit bonus

  614. Game-Max.Info

    August 10, 2022 at 1:27 pm

    You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find
    this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get
    the hang of it!

  617. article creator

    August 11, 2022 at 10:10 am

    This site was… how do you say it? Relevant!!

    Finally I’ve found something which helped me. Thanks a lot!

  618. http://Www.Visualchemy.gallery/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1036692

    August 11, 2022 at 10:25 am

    Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also am a blogger, and
    I was wanting to know your situation; we have developed some nice practices and we are looking to trade solutions with others,
    why not shoot me an email if interested.

  619. auto article generator

    August 11, 2022 at 11:57 am

    Marvelous, what a blog it is! This website gives valuable data to us, keep it up.

  620. automatic article writer

    August 11, 2022 at 1:13 pm

    I’m not sure exactly why but this web site is loading extremely slow for me.
    Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
    I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.

  621. Best Article Generator Software

    August 11, 2022 at 3:23 pm

    I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as
    you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

  624. ビットコイン カジノ

    August 11, 2022 at 7:38 pm

    Hello there, I believe your website could possibly
    be having internet browser compatibility problems.
    When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE,
    it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with a quick heads
    up! Other than that, great blog!

  625. ビットコインカジノ

    August 11, 2022 at 9:36 pm

    Hello to every one, since I am in fact eager of reading this weblog’s post to be updated on a regular basis.
    It consists of pleasant stuff.

  629. オンライン カジノ 仮想通貨

    August 12, 2022 at 3:33 pm

    I pay a visit day-to-day a few blogs and sites to read articles or reviews, however this webpage provides feature based
    articles.

  638. gamind.xyz

    August 14, 2022 at 7:31 pm

    I truly love your website.. Very nice colors & theme.
    Did you make this website yourself? Please reply back as
    I’m trying to create my very own website and would like to learn where you got this
    from or just what the theme is called. Thank you!

  640. lægemiddelloven viagra

    August 15, 2022 at 3:12 am

    It’s the best time tto make a few plans for the longer term and it’stime to be happy.
    I’ve learn this publish and iff I could I wish to counsel you some fascinating
    things or suggestions. Perhaps yoou can write subsequent articles relating to this article.

    I want to learn mire isses approximately it!

    Here is my site: lægemiddelloven viagra

  643. Mobgame.xyz

    August 16, 2022 at 2:27 am

    We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a
    new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with helpful info to work on. You have done an impressive task and our whole group can be thankful to you.

  645. cryptosportbetting.xyz

    August 16, 2022 at 3:08 pm

    If some one wishes to be updated with most up-to-date technologies then he
    must be go to see this website and be up to date daily.

  646. razzbets

    August 16, 2022 at 6:53 pm

    Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to know a lot about this,
    like you wrote the guide in it or something. I
    believe that you just can do with some percent to pressure the message
    house a little bit, however instead of that, this is wonderful blog.
    An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

  647. Sportsmine

    August 16, 2022 at 8:37 pm

    I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing problems with your site.
    It appears as if some of the written text within your content are
    running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is
    happening to them as well? This may be a issue with my web browser because
    I’ve had this happen previously. Many thanks

  648. betfocus.xyz

    August 16, 2022 at 10:53 pm

    It’s going to be ending of mine day, however before end I
    am reading this wonderful piece of writing to
    increase my know-how.

  649. 비트코인 카지노

    August 18, 2022 at 1:20 am

    Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if
    that would be ok. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look
    forward to new updates.

  650. 加密賭場

    August 18, 2022 at 9:24 am

    This is a great tip particularly to those fresh
    to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Thank you for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

  652. fajne gry przeglądarkowe

    August 18, 2022 at 11:11 am

    Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your blog.
    You have some really good posts and I feel I would be a good asset.
    If you ever want to take some of the load off,
    I’d love to write some material for your blog
    in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested.
    Many thanks!

  654. Www.rccsonline.com

    August 19, 2022 at 6:55 pm

    This article will help the internet viewers for creating
    new website or even a weblog from start to end.

  655. skriptomir.gq

    August 19, 2022 at 7:04 pm

    I always used to study paragraph in news papers
    but now as I am a user of internet therefore from now I am using net for articles or reviews, thanks to
    web.

  656. www.Faiz.Ma

    August 19, 2022 at 7:28 pm

    You need to be a part of a contest for one of
    the finest blogs online. I will recommend this blog!

  657. 비트코인 카지노

    August 19, 2022 at 8:39 pm

    Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  659. Article Maker

    August 20, 2022 at 12:11 am

    I pay a visit daily some web pages and sites to read articles or reviews, except this webpage offers quality based
    content.

  660. www.theunwoke.com

    August 20, 2022 at 12:27 am

    I pay a quick visit everyday some blogs and websites
    to read articles or reviews, however this webpage provides feature
    based posts.

  662. content generator

    August 20, 2022 at 5:43 am

    Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having problems locating
    it but, I’d like to send you an email. I’ve got some suggestions for
    your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and
    I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

  663. powernet.ins.dn.ua

    August 20, 2022 at 7:35 am

    It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
    I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips.
    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I wish to read even more things about it!

  664. 온라인 카지노 비트 코인

    August 20, 2022 at 7:36 am

    Hi there, You’ve done a great job. I’ll certainly digg it
    and personally suggest to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this web
    site.

  665. article generator

    August 20, 2022 at 11:43 am

    Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old
    daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic
    but I had to tell someone!

  667. 카지노 비트코인

    August 20, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    Excellent blog you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find quality writing like yours nowadays.
    I truly appreciate individuals like you!
    Take care!!

  668. blogforum.kasipkor.kz

    August 20, 2022 at 5:27 pm

    This article will assist the internet viewers for setting up new website
    or even a blog from start to end.

  669. https://www.trader-uk.com/

    August 20, 2022 at 8:47 pm

    At this moment I am going away to do my breakfast, afterward having my breakfast coming
    yet again to read additional news.

  670. 비트 코인 온라인 카지노

    August 20, 2022 at 10:51 pm

    Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
    Extremely helpful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
    I was looking for this particular info for a very long time.

    Thank you and best of luck.

  674. automatic Content Generator

    August 21, 2022 at 3:57 am

    I want to to thank you for this very good read!!
    I certainly loved every bit of it. I have got you book
    marked to look at new things you post…

  675. Hcceskalipa.cz

    August 21, 2022 at 4:53 am

    Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old
    daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to
    her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
    She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had
    to tell someone!

  676. unique content writing software

    August 21, 2022 at 6:15 am

    You ought to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality sites on the internet.
    I’m going to highly recommend this site!

  680. comprar kamagra online contrareembolso

    August 21, 2022 at 11:53 pm

    Hey I know this is ooff topic but I was wondering if you knw of any widgets I could add to
    my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quiite some time
    and was hopling maybe you would have some experience
    with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

    my web page … comprar kamagra online contrareembolso

  683. cassino online com bitcoin

    August 22, 2022 at 10:39 pm

    Attractive portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your site
    and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact loved
    account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your
    feeds and even I success you get right of entry to constantly fast.

  684. casinos que aceitam bitcoin

    August 22, 2022 at 10:51 pm

    When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now
    each time a comment is added I get four emails with the
    same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Thanks!

  685. tbcmu.com

    August 23, 2022 at 8:46 am

    I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was
    great. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going
    to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  690. http://appon-solution.de/

    August 23, 2022 at 10:18 am

    I will immediately take hold of your rss feed as I can’t find
    your email subscription link or e-newsletter service.
    Do you’ve any? Please let me understand so that I may subscribe.
    Thanks.

  706. Theisleslarp.org

    August 23, 2022 at 4:00 pm

    I just like the helpful information you provide to
    your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at again here regularly.

    I’m reasonably certain I will learn plenty of new stuff proper here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  751. 모바일 비트 코인 카지노

    August 24, 2022 at 7:50 am

    Piece of writing writing is also a excitement, if you be acquainted with afterward you
    can write or else it is complex to write.

  772. website content generator

    August 24, 2022 at 1:42 pm

    Hey there, You have done an incredible job.
    I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
    I am confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  775. Article creator software

    August 24, 2022 at 2:21 pm

    Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve
    really loved browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!

  776. article writer generator

    August 24, 2022 at 2:36 pm

    You are so interesting! I do not think I’ve read something like that before.

    So nice to find somebody with original thoughts on this subject.

    Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that’s
    needed on the web, someone with some originality!

  781. content generator software

    August 24, 2022 at 4:53 pm

    Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying
    to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!

  783. best article generator software

    August 24, 2022 at 5:38 pm

    hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked
    up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical issues using this site, as I experienced
    to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load properly.
    I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish
    loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and
    could damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for
    a lot more of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again soon.

  795. article maker

    August 25, 2022 at 2:04 am

    It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you just shared
    this helpful information with us. Please stay us up
    to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  796. article writing generator

    August 25, 2022 at 2:41 am

    Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely think this site needs much more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!

  802. article builder

    August 25, 2022 at 6:08 am

    Normally I do not learn post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do
    so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice article.

  816. article builder

    August 25, 2022 at 1:48 pm

    Quality articles or reviews is the crucial to
    be a focus for the viewers to pay a visit the site, that’s what this web
    page is providing.

  817. Article builder

    August 25, 2022 at 1:55 pm

    Wonderful work! This is the type of info that are supposed to be shared across the internet.
    Shame on the search engines for no longer positioning
    this publish higher! Come on over and seek advice from my website .
    Thank you =)