Hen … Classic Formulas
Mu Ji · Gallus domesticus
Primary Actions
- Warms the middle and supplements qi - Mu Ji is used in medicinal-diet practice for weakness after illness, poor appetite, loose stool, and fatigue when the patient needs nourishing food rather than a harsh medicinal stimulant.
- Nourishes blood and supports convalescence - stewed hen is a classic restorative food for postpartum weakness, chronic deficiency, pale complexion, and gradual recovery from depletion.
- Supplements essence and marrow through food therapy - traditional use includes frailty, emaciation, and long-course weakness in people who tolerate soups and broths better than concentrated decoctions.
Classic Formulas
- Huang Qi stewed hen broths - common medicinal-diet strategy for qi deficiency, poor appetite, and recovery after childbirth or illness.
- Dang Gui hen soup traditions - restorative pairing for blood deficiency, menstrual depletion, and postpartum weakness.
- Ren Shen or Tai Zi Shen chicken soup - convalescent food-medicine approach when appetite, strength, and fluids all need rebuilding.
Classical Text References
- Traditional food-medicine references describe chicken meat as sweet and warm, entering the Spleen and Stomach to warm the center and tonify essence and marrow.
- Older dietetic teaching often treats mature hens as especially useful for deficiency, postpartum recovery, and people who need gentle long-course nourishment rather than a strong medicinal push.