Black Chicken Postpartum Soup

Black Chicken is traditionally given to woman in China Postpartum to help build the blood along with other herbs. You can purchase black chicken at Ranch 99 or any Asian market. The herbs can be purchased at a local herb shop.  You combine all of the ingredients in a pot with 4 quarts of water, and cook for 3 to 5 hours. Discard the herbs, but keep the meat and broth to eat. Dang Shen, 15-30g Huang Qi, 15-30g Lu Rong, 6-10g (this is costly, so feel free to omit) Shu Di Huang, 30-45g Gou Qi Zi, 15-30g Shan Yao, 12-30g Yu Zhu, 12-30g Da Zao, 15-30g 1 lb. silkie (black chicken) Fresh ginger root, 30g

Other foods which help build blood: *animal protein: chicken/beef liver, lamb,beef, chicken, turkey, gelatin, mussels, oysters, sardines, eggs *grains: rice, oats, wheat, bran flakes, millet *legumes: lentils, beans (black, kidney, navy, pinto), garbanzo beans, mung beans, *vegetables: green leafy veggies (swiss chard, spinach, kale), beets, seaweed, sprouts, artichokes, mushrooms, cabbage, celery, watercress *fruits: cherries, all berries (blackberry, raspberry…), grapes, dried apricots, dried figs, prunes *nuts and seeds: almond, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, cashew*Black Strap molasses, 1 Tbs in a glass of water daily