According to traditional nutrition, pig trotters are sweet and salty, with a neutral nature; they are known for their blood-nourishing properties, promoting lactation, and are commonly used to treat conditions such as postpartum anemia, insufficient or lost milk supply, abscesses, and boils.
The book Food Therapy in the Tang Dynasty suggests that pig trotters can enhance kidney essence, thereby strengthening the back and legs, nourishing the body fluids, brightening the skin, and reinforcing muscle strength, thus treating hemorrhoids and aiding blood circulation to increase milk production, proving to be more nourishing than meat.
Modern nutritional science recognizes that pig trotters are quite rich in nutrients; besides proteins and fats, they contain significant amounts of calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamins B and A. Additionally, pig trotters contain cysteine, myoglobin, and are an excellent source of collagen. Numerous studies have shown that older adults and those who are weak can improve their cellular hydration function by regularly consuming pig trotters, promoting hemoglobin and red blood cell production.
To maximize the nutritional benefits and medicinal properties of this food, ancient practices often included pig trotters in various dishes and remedies:
For postpartum anemia and insufficient milk supply: Use 2 pig trotters (about 600 g), 30 g of angelica, and 1,000 ml of clean water. Clean the pig trotters, cut them into pieces, blanch in boiling water, then simmer with angelica until tender, seasoning to taste, and serve hot.
Use 2 pig trotters, 100 g of soybeans, 1,500 ml of clean water, 50 g of onion, 10 g of fresh ginger, and seasonings to taste. Clean the pig trotters, cut them into pieces, blanch in boiling water; wash the soybeans. Combine both in a pot and simmer until tender, adding seasonings to taste, and divide into several servings throughout the day.
Use 2 pig trotters, 200 g of peanuts, 10 g of ginger, 50 g of onion, 5 g of salt, 2 tablespoons of white wine, and 1,500 ml of clean water. Clean the pig trotters, cut them into pieces, and simmer with peanuts until very tender, adding seasonings to taste, and divide into several meals throughout the day.
Use 2 pig trotters, 18 g of astragalus, 10 g of angelica, 8 g of Chinese yam, and 6 g of poria. Simmer the astragalus, angelica, Chinese yam, and poria to extract the liquid, discarding the residue, then add the pig trotters and simmer until very tender, seasoning to taste, and serve hot. This is suitable for women after childbirth suffering from insufficient milk, thin milk, anemia, dry skin, loss of appetite, and loose stools.
For wrinkle prevention: Use 2 pig trotters, 100 g of peanuts, 10 dates, and 1,000 ml of clean water. Soak the dates and peanuts in water for about half an hour, then drain; clean the pig trotters and cut them into pieces. Combine all in a pot and simmer until very tender, seasoning to taste, and divide into several servings throughout the day. Benefits: Nourishes qi, benefits blood, promotes circulation, and helps prevent wrinkles on the face.
For calming nerves and treating epilepsy: Use 2 pig trotters, 1 pig heart, and 30 g of fresh rehmannia. Clean the pig trotters, cut them into pieces, and blanch them in boiling water; clean the pig heart and slice it. Simmer all together on low heat until very tender, seasoning to taste, and serve hot. Benefits: Nourishes qi, enriches blood, calms the nerves, often used to treat epilepsy.
For treating ulcers: Take a set of pig trotters, add fresh onions, and cook thoroughly, skimming off any foam. Add a little salt and use this liquid to wash infected wounds, ulcers, and swelling.
Dr. Hoang Khanh Toan
