Herbs for the Heart - A Jiao （阿胶粥）

A Jiao is sweet and neutral in nature. It tonifies the blood, stops bleeding and nourishes Yin. It cures spitting and blood in urine. It can also be used to treat anxiety due to Yin-asthenia, insomnia and cough.

A Jiao promotes red blood cell and haemoglobin regeneration. It enables the absorption and retention of calcium, increases blood pressure and eases dizziness.

A Jiao Congee(阿胶粥）

Ingredients:
8g of A Jiao
3g of glutinous rice
3 cups of water
Rock sugar as seasoning

Instructions:
1. Sitr fry A Jiao in a wok without oil until light brown and crush.
2. Wash glutinous rice. Add water and cook to make congee. Add A Jiao and rock sugar. Cook until rock sugar totally dissolves. Serve.

Benefits:
It tonifies the blood and nourishes Yin. It cures dizziness due to blood-asthenia, insomnia, palpitation, cough due to Yin-asthenia and dryness.

Other Cooking Practices:.
1. For people with insufficient body fluid and blood due to heatiness; insomnia caused by restlessness: add Huang Lian （黄连） and Bai Shao (白芍）.

2. For people with dry cough in lungs, dry cough with little phlegm; hemoptysis: add almonds （杏仁）, Mai Dong （麦冬） and Wu Wei Zi (五味子）.

3. For people with Anemia: melt 5g of A Jiao in hot water each time and drink 3 times a day.

Warning:
A Jiao is oily and is not easily digested. People, with indigestion, nausea, diarrhoea and high blood pressure, should not drink this soup.