The legend of the Gardenia
The legend of the Gardenia
According to legend, Gardenia was once a celestial maiden who desired to visit the mortal realm and experience it firsthand. However, her intentions were inadvertently discovered by her celestial superiors. While the higher celestial beings didn't wish to cause undue hardship for Gardenia, they were bound by the necessity to impose a punishment for her violation of heavenly rules. Consequently, the moment she descended to the mortal world, she was transformed into a cluster of pure white flower blossoms in a remote countryside area. These Gardenia flowers retained their pristine white appearance, having endured the baptism of wind and rain. Coincidentally, a kind-hearted farmer from a nearby village took pity on the flower and often shielded it from the elements and pruned its branches. Before long, Gardenia returned to the heavenly realm. To express her gratitude for the farmer's care, she left behind these incarnated white blossoms, which emitted a fragrant aroma that could be detected for miles around.
In the following times, more and more people came to appreciate the rich fragrance of these blossoms, leading to their transplantation and cultivation. Eventually, it was discovered that the fruit produced by Gardenia could be used for medicinal purposes, such as clearing internal heat and cooling the blood. This knowledge was passed down through the generations.
Recipe:
Gardenia and Lotus Seed Soup:
Ingredients: 30g lotus seeds, 30g gardenia flowers, a suitable amount of rock sugar, water for decoction. Eat the lotus seeds and drink the soup.
Effect: Nourishes the heart, calms the spirit, clears heat, and relieves agitation.
Gardenia and Buddha's Hand Citron Tea:
Ingredients: 30g gardenia flowers, 50g Buddha's Hand citron.
Wash the Buddha's Hand citron and slice it, wash the gardenia flowers. Place them in a pot, add 500ml of water, bring to a boil over high heat for 3 minutes, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Strain to remove residues and drink in portions.
Effect: Soothes the liver, relieves depression, clears heat, and promotes diuresis.
