Leeks: A popular aphrodisiac food; medicinal uses and dietary restrictions associated with leeks.
102. Leeks are an excellent aphrodisiac food.
Leeks have the effects of tonifying the kidneys and boosting yang, warming the middle and lowering qi. In traditional Chinese medicine, they are known as "aphrodisiac herbs" and are practically the "Viagra" of food. Regular consumption has an excellent aphrodisiac effect. Middle-aged men who want to improve their sex drive can eat more leeks.
As people age, their libido naturally declines significantly, which not only negatively impacts their own health but can also bring misfortune to their families. However, it's crucial not to rush into buying aphrodisiacs, as these always have a range of side effects. Therefore, a safe and effective approach is dietary therapy. Leeks are one such excellent food for this purpose. Let's explore the amazing benefits of this humble vegetable!
Common medicinal dishes using chives
(1) Stir-fried shrimp with chives: Stir-frying fresh shrimp and chives together has the effects of nourishing the essence and strengthening the yang, invigorating the stomach and replenishing deficiency. It is suitable for patients with impotence, enuresis, night sweats and seminal emission.
(2) Leek porridge: Add appropriate amounts of japonica rice, clam meat, and leeks to water and cook porridge using the usual method. It has the effects of warming the middle and lowering qi, tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, dispersing blood and detoxifying, and stimulating appetite and refreshing the mind. It is effective in treating lower back and knee pain, impotence and coldness in the genitals.
(3) Stir-fried eggs with chives: Eggs can supplement the protein needed by the human body; chives warm and nourish the liver and kidneys, and help strengthen yang and consolidate essence. The combination of the two has rich nutritional and therapeutic value.
(4) Stir-fried leeks with lamb liver: Leeks are cooked with ginger and lamb liver. It has the effects of nourishing the liver and improving eyesight, warming the kidneys and consolidating essence. It is effective for impotence and seminal emission. It is even more effective when combined with other medicines.
Foods that should not be eaten with leeks
Leeks and beef should not be eaten together. They are incompatible and can easily cause poisoning if consumed together.
It is not advisable to eat leeks and baijiu (Chinese liquor) together. Baijiu is pungent and hot in nature, which can dilate blood vessels and promote blood circulation; leeks are also pungent and warm in nature, and have a warming and invigorating effect. Eating them together is like adding fuel to the fire for some people who are recovering from a serious illness, so it is not advisable to eat them together.
Leeks and honey should not be eaten together. It can easily cause heartburn.
Leeks and spinach should not be eaten together. Consuming them together has a laxative effect and can easily cause diarrhea.
Chives are good, but should not be eaten in excess.
The Compendium of Materia Medica states, "Excessive consumption of leeks can cause dizziness and blurred vision, and is especially contraindicated after drinking alcohol." Leeks are considered warming in nature, and excessive consumption can easily lead to internal heat. Therefore, those with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should avoid excessive consumption. Leeks are high in fiber, making them difficult to digest and absorb; therefore, excessive consumption is not advisable, as it can easily cause diarrhea. Each meal should not exceed 200 grams. It is also best to consume them sparingly in summer, as the hot weather reduces intestinal motility, and excessive consumption can cause diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort. Furthermore, while leeks have aphrodisiac effects, excessive consumption can cause eye discharge and kidney damage. Therefore, they should not be consumed daily.
Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes "nourishing yang in spring and summer." Because spring weather is unpredictable, yang energy needs protection, so it's advisable to eat more warming foods like scallions, ginger, and leeks. Leeks, in particular, are excellent for nourishing yang, dispelling cold and yin. Springtime is also crucial for liver health; consuming more leeks during this period can strengthen the spleen and stomach, benefiting liver function. Therefore, leeks should ideally be eaten in spring.