Longan, Ginkgo and Snow Fungus Tong Sui

Due to the hazy and hot weather nowadays, it will be good to cook something that will helps to soothe our lungs and improve our general well being. This tong sui (糖水) consists of longan, snow fungus, ginkgo nuts and red dates. This few ingredients are widely used by Chinese for soups, desserts and even cooking.

Longan was known to invigorate the heart and spleen, nourish the blood and have a calming effect on the nervous system. It was also used as a remedy for stomachache, insomnia, amnesia, and dropsy. While white fungus said to be effective in nourishing the lungs, healing dry cough and clearing heat in the lungs. Those who have weak lungs catch cold easily. Eating stewed white fungus with rock sugar and red dates helps strengthen the respiratory system and thus, helps prevent cold.

Whereas, ginkgo was said to be one of the most effective medicinal herbs that are used in the treatment of memory loss. One of the most important benefits of ginkgo is the fact that it enhances the blood flow to the brain. As a matter of fact, it improves the circulation of the blood throughout the entire body. Other benefits of ginkgo biloba include neutralizing the free radicals which are substances that contributes in the development of heart diseases and cancer.

The other ingredients in this tong sui, red dates was also believed to have medicinal benefits. Red dates is sweet and warming, often used in enhancing and harmonizing the effects of herbs. Dates is used by Chinese to invigorate the spleen and stomach and is indicated for those with poor appetite, fatigue and loose stools. Chinese date also nourishes the blood and calms the mind.

So with so many good benefits mentioned above, this tong sui is definitely worth to try and with just simple preparations, we can actually have it in the comfort of our own home.

*SLURP SLURP*

Ingredients

100g dried longan, washed

100g ginkgo, cracked, skin peeled, removed the inner stuffs

50g snow fungus, washed and soaked till soft

18 dried red dates

rock sugar to taste

1750ml water

Methods

1. Bring water to boil.
2. Add the dried longan, red dates, ginkgo nuts, and snow fungus.
3. Boil in low heat for 30-45 minutes in slow cooker.
4. Cook until the water turns brown in color.
5. Add rock sugar to taste.
6. Serve warm or cold with ice.