Gaofang: TCM’s Thousand-Year-Old Winter Superfood

You don’t have to be an M.D. to know that winter is when you’re more likely to get sick. For many in the West, staying healthy during winter means reacting to illness with over-the-counter medications like cough syrup or decongestants. This strategy often comes too late, leaving you miserable and missing out on work or holiday celebrations.

But in China, there’s an ancient, proactive approach to winter health: eating paste. No, not the sticky glue used for crafting. We’re talking about gaofang (膏方), a concentrated herbal paste used for over 1,000 years as a wintertime health insurance policy. This surprising solution is deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and offers a warm, nourishing way to fortify the body against seasonal challenges. 

Ready to eat some paste? 

What Is Gaofang?

Gaofang, or “paste formula,” is a semi-solid preparation made by cooking down a mixture of Chinese herbs, honey, and other nourishing ingredients into a thick, syrupy paste. From a TCM perspective, gaofang provides deep nourishment to the body, tonifying deficiencies and promoting balance.

How Does It Taste?

That’s a great TCM selling point. But how does it taste? If it tastes like wallpaper with the consistency of sandpaper, then Westerners will take a hard pass. 

But to the uninitiated, gaofang just may very well pass the taste test. It typically has a rich, sweet, and slightly herbal taste, thanks to ingredients like honey and the natural flavors of the herbs. Depending on the specific formulation, it may also carry earthy or nutty undertones from ingredients like black sesame seeds and walnuts. The sweetness and warmth from the honey balance out any bitterness from the herbs, creating a comforting and palatable experience.

In terms of mouthfeel, gaofang is thick and syrupy, with a smooth texture that melts easily in the mouth. It’s similar to dense honey or molasses. 

How Do You Eat Gaofang?

You can consume it straight out of the cooking pot or dissolve it in warm water. Or, you can spread it on toast, and add it to oatmeal … many possibilities are in play, similar to single herb extract granules. 

The Best Time for Gaofang

Winter, associated with the Kidney organ system in TCM, is the ideal season for gaofang. The Kidneys govern the body’s essence (Jing) and overall vitality, and winter is the time to conserve and replenish this energy. Gaofang’s warming properties make it easy to digest and absorb, unlike raw or cooling foods that can impair digestion by causing Spleen Qi Deficiency. It’s the perfect remedy to align with the body’s needs during the colder months.

Common Ingredients in Gaofang

Gaofang can be highly customized, like an açaí smoothie bowl in the West—you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, preferences, and health goals, creating a blend that’s uniquely yours. 

However, just as a smoothie bowl is almost always topped with granola and fresh fruit, these classic ingredients often appear in gaofang formulations:

• Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Root): Deeply nourishing for the Kidneys and Blood.
• Dang Gui (Angelica Root): Harmonizes and nourishes the Blood.
• Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries): Benefits the Liver and Kidneys while tonifying Yin.
• Honey: Enhances the paste’s warming properties and supports digestion.
• Black Sesame Seeds: Rich in nutrients, supporting Kidney and Liver health.
• Walnuts: Yang-boosting and beneficial for brain health.

How to Use Gaofang

Gaofang is versatile and easy to incorporate into your routine:

• Morning Boost: Dissolve a small spoonful in warm water for gentle energy without caffeine.
• Post-Meal Treat: Spread it on warm toast or stir into oatmeal for a nourishing dessert.
• Bedtime Ritual: Take a spoonful with warm milk or almond milk to support restful sleep.

Who Can Benefit From Gaofang?

Gaofang is particularly beneficial for those experiencing:

• Qi and Blood Deficiency: Fatigue, pale complexion, and cold extremities. Need to revive your Qi? This may also help.
  
• Yin Deficiency: Dryness, restlessness and, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.
  
• Yang Deficiency: Low energy, cold sensations, and lower back weakness. Revive your Yang energy with this.

For personalized benefits, consult a TCM practitioner to determine the best gaofang recipe for your constitution.

Where Can You Purchase Gaofang?

Check out a local Asian market. If you live in a city with a Chinatown, pop into a local Chinese medicine shop. Choose a trusted source that uses high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

If you prefer to make gaofang at home, here is a simple recipe:

Homemade Gaofang Recipe

Ingredients:

• 100g Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Root)
• 50g Dang Gui (Angelica Root)
• 30g Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries)
• 20g Black Sesame Seeds
• 50g Walnuts (crushed)
• 200ml Honey
• 1 liter water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the herbs thoroughly.
2. Add the herbs, black sesame seeds, and walnuts to a pot with 1 liter of water.
3. Simmer over low heat for 3-4 hours until the mixture reduces to a thick consistency.
4. Strain the liquid, pressing the solids to extract all the essence.
5. Mix the strained liquid with honey while it’s still warm.
6. Store the paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2 weeks.

The History of Gaofang in TCM

Historically, gaofang was reserved for the elite ruling class. These days, it’s widely used as a cornerstone of seasonal wellness in TCM. In fact, one integrated TCM/Western medicine hospital in Shanghai continues to make it the traditional way in 100 bronze vessels. 

Gaofang’s origins can be traced back to classical Chinese medical texts, including references in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic). These texts emphasize the importance of seasonal nourishment, particularly during winter, to protect and strengthen the Kidney system—the body’s source of vitality. Over centuries, gaofang has evolved into a staple remedy for addressing deficiencies in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, making it a revered tonic for cold-weather health.

This winter, don’t wait until illness strikes. Get busy in your kitchen making homemade gaofang. If you’re already used to making green drinks and smoothies at home, cooking some gaofang from scratch will be a cinch, especially since you can purchase raw bulk Chinese herbs from ActiveHerb.com.

Have you ever tried gaofang? Share your experience or favorite way to enjoy it in the comments below!