Shaoxing wine and mashed walnuts:

Ingredients: walnuts (50g), Shaoxing wine (50g) and sugar (50g)

Method: 1. Mash the walnuts.

2. Mix the mashed walnuts and sugar in a saucepan, and then add Shaoxing wine.

3. Cook it with a gentle heat for about 10 minutes.

Function: Reinforce kidney, strengthen lower back, sooth nerves and benefit the brain. It is recommended to relieve headache, bad memory, sleeplessness and constipation.

Danggui (angelica), huangqi (milk vetel), jujube and Shaoxing wine (for women)

Ingredients: angelica (50g), milk vetel (50g), jujubes (35g) and Shaoxing wine (500g)

Method: 1. Soak all the ingredients in Shaoxing wine for two hours.

2. Cook with gentle heat for 20 minutes.

3. Seal it when it cools to room temperature and keep it for another 24 hours.

4. Filter the wine and drink 15-25 ml one to three times a day before the menstrual period.

Function: Reinforce energy and blood, relieve painful menstrual cramps due to deficient energy and blood.

Shaoxing wine and egg

Ingredients: an egg, Shaoxing wine and brown sugar for taste

Method: 1. Boil the Shaoxing wine and then add the egg; stir a bit.

2. Cook with gentle heat for another few minutes.

Function: Reinforce energy, strengthen tendon and bones.

(Shanghai Daily January 13, 2009)