Eat Up...

Eat Up
Originally uploaded by nathanisms.

...or drink up actually (got your attention), but first sit back and be patient, for traditional Chinese herbal remedies take awhile to prepare. Boil a clay pot brimming full of water and then add in mica powder for 5 minutes, for some of the minerals leech into the water and can be good for curing what ails you. Now toss in several handfuls of the plant parts you see in my hand and cover while continuing to boil for 15-20 minutes. Then drop in a few pieces of a woody plant and replace the cover for another 5 minutes. Finally, lower the temp to a simmer for 5 additional minutes. Whew, that's over with. Wait, not yet. Okay so there are a number of steps before its finished. Roll up your sleeves once the concoction has cooled a bit and pour the concentrated liquid into a mug, then meditate with your head over the clay pot breathing in the steam, next fill the pot with water to bathe your hands in, next drain and toss plant parts (a lady who rummages through the trash for recyclable items will likely compost it) and clean the pot if you're not lazy, and finally drink up. All that prep work was worth it though, for my qi, my body's equilibrium is restored and that sore throat, cough, upset stomach, and peeling skin thing is over with. Best part...no side effects!