When it comes to eggs, many people are concerned about cholesterol. However, a Harvard Medical School report found that about 80 percent of the human body’s cholesterol is produced by the liver and intestines, and only about 20 percent comes from food.

A 2022 study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that for people with the three-hypers (hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia) or other metabolic disorders, the number of eggs eaten was not associated with lipid levels, while among people with normal metabolism, those who ate more eggs had better lipid indexes and lower levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol. The study shows that eating eggs is safe for patients with hyperlipidemia, and healthy people, eating eggs can help improve fat metabolism and reduce cholesterol production by providing protein and good fats.

Medicinal Properties of Egg Yolks

Egg yolk is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper, as well as vitamins A, D, and B-complex. Egg yolk also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are conducive to the health of the eyes. The most important nutritional components of egg yolk are oleic acid and lecithin, which can lower blood lipids, strengthen the brain, improve memory, and promote development.

Lecithin is a basic component of cell membranes. Neural cells in the brain and other nerve cells all need lecithin to function properly. When brain cells are activated, they help with memory and prevent aging. Studies have found that egg lecithin can increase brain function and learning ability in elderly mice.

According to TCM, egg yolk has a calming effect on the mind. Ancient Chinese medical records show that lily and egg yolk soup can remedy overthinking and restlessness.

Lily and Egg Yolk Soup

Ingredients

• Dried lilies: 45 grams
• Egg yolks: 3
• Water: 400 milliliters

Directions

• Soak dried lilies in water for one night.
• Pour off the soak water then boil the lilies in 400 milliliters (ml) of fresh water.
• When the water has reduced to about 200 ml, remove the lilies and add the egg yolks to the water.
• Stir well and bring to a boil. It is then ready to drink.

When the yolks of boiled eggs are stir-fried in a pan, a small amount of egg yolk oil will flow out—this has excellent medicinal effects. According to medical books, using egg yolk oil for ear drops can improve middle-ear infections. It can also treat skin diseases, such as bedsores, skin ulcers, burns, eczema, neurodermatitis, ulcers, ringworms, and chapped hands and feet.

How to Extract Oil from Egg Yolks

• Place boiled egg yolks in a frying pan and gently stir them.
• As the egg yolks warm, oil will begin to separate from the yolks.
• Continue to heat the yolks until all the oil has separated.
• Once the oil has separated, remove the pan from heat and allow the oil to cool.
• Strain the cooled oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solid egg particles.

Medicinal Properties of Egg Whites

Egg whites are rich in high-quality protein. In addition to eating them, they can also be used externally:

1. Reduce Swelling and Relieve Pain

For symptoms such as bruises and swelling (as long as there is no open wound) ginger egg white paste can be used to reduce swelling and pain.

Ginger Egg White Paste

Ingredients

• 40 ml ginger juice
• 1 Tbsp egg white
• 1 Tbsp flour
• 1 Tbsp rice wine

Directions

Grind ginger and squeeze out the juice. Mix the ginger juice with egg white. Add an appropriate amount of flour and rice wine to make a paste. Place on cotton paper or cotton cloth and apply to the wound.

2. Protect Mucous Membranes

Hot black tea with egg white can improve voice hoarseness caused by overuse of the vocal cords and is suitable for speakers and school teachers to maintain their larynx.

Black Tea With Egg Whites

Directions

Put raw 1 egg white in a cup. Pour boiled black tea into the cup with egg whites. Wait until it cools to warm. Scoop with a spoon and swallow it slowly.

3. Apply Externally for Skin Lightening

Egg White Sweet Wine Mask

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp egg white
• 1 Tbsp sweet wine

Directions

Add egg white to sweet wine. Mix well. After washing your face at night, dab some of the liquid on your dark spots with a cotton swab. Wait till it dries before going to bed, and rinse it off the next morning. Doing this for several weeks can make dark spots and freckles fade away. Remember to apply a small amount first to test whether your skin is allergic to sweet wine.

Medicinal Properties of the Eggshell and Membrane

TCM calls the inner membrane of the eggshell the “phoenix coat.” Its main component, keratin, can be used for minor skin burns. It can temporarily seal off the injury, reduce moisture evaporation and infection, and help to avoid scarring.

Eggshells are mainly composed of calcium carbonate, which can neutralize stomach acid and improve peptic ulcers. Simply dry egg shells and grind them into powder. Take 2–3 gm with warm boiled water before meals on an empty stomach, 2–3 times a day. Eggshells can also be used as a calcium supplement for people with bone fractures, cartilage disease, and bone dysplasia, as well as for growing children and adolescents.

Vinegar Eggs

Dr. Jhang shared his ancestral way of eating vinegar eggs. A patient of Dr. Jhang’s grandfather had long been plagued by cervical spine spurs, resulting in stiffness and pain in the neck, which later evolved into numbness or electric shock in the fingers and arms. In addition to prescribing medication, his grandfather also taught the patient to make vinegar eggs. The patients’ bone spurs later disappeared, and sleep also improved due to calcium supplementation.

He explained that bone spurs are not caused by excessive calcium, but rather may be caused by calcium deficiency, just as the principle of osteoporosis. Therefore, taking vinegar eggs to supplement calcium may alleviate the problem.

Vinegar Egg Liquid

Directions

Note: For people with chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers, taking vinegar may cause heartburn, so vinegar egg liquid is not suggested.

3 Egg Remedies for Building Muscle

Eggs are also good for building muscle mass for those with sarcopenia—an age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. Dr. Jhang recommends the following dishes:

1. Four Spirits Egg Soup

Four Spirits Soup can strengthen the spleen and stomach. In TCM, the spleen not only refers to the anatomical spleen, but an energy system centered around the spleen, which, in addition to its immune function, is also inextricably linked to the digestive tract. TCM believes that “the spleen is the master of the muscles,” which means that a well-functioning spleen and stomach are essential for the normal functioning of the muscles.

Ingredients

• 20 gm poria
• 20 gm Chinese yam:
• 40g lotus seed:
• 20 gmGordon Euryale seed

Directions

• Combine poria, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and Gordon Euryale seeds in a pot.
• Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer until the ingredients are fully softened.
• Strain the soup to remove any solid remnants of the herbs.
• Crack an egg into the clear soup and let it cook until the egg is set.
• Enjoy this nutritious Four Spirits Egg Soup, which is known to nourish and support the spleen and stomach while providing a protein boost.

2. Diced Pumpkin and Egg

Pumpkin, a vegetable rich in nutrients, is also known for its benefits in replenishing the spleen.

Directions

1. Start with approximately 300 gm of pumpkin. Cut the pumpkin into even pieces.
2. Place the pumpkin pieces in boiling water and cook until they are halfway done.
3. Cut one hard-cooked egg and one salted egg yolk into small cubes.
4. Heat a pan over high heat and scramble the eggs with minced garlic until fully cooked.
5. Add the semi-cooked pumpkin to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking gently until the pumpkin absorbs the egg mixture.
6. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped scallions before serving.

This recipe combines the sweet, rich flavor of pumpkin with the savory depth of eggs, making it a hearty and healthy dish suitable for replenishing the body.

3. Chinese Tea Eggs

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 braised tea bag (used for flavoring; contains a mix of spices and tea leaves)
• 2 black tea bags
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp rock sugar
• 1 tsp salt

Directions

• Wash the eggs thoroughly. Boil for 8 minutes. After boiling, carefully drain the water and lightly tap the eggs to create small cracks in their shells. This helps the flavor infuse into the eggs.
• Place the eggs in the inner pot of an electric cooker. Add the braised tea bag, black tea bags, soy sauce, rock sugar, and salt. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the eggs completely.
• Add 2 cups of water to the external compartment of the electric cooker and turn it on.
• Once the cooker automatically shuts off, do not open the lid right away. Allow the eggs to sit in the hot mixture for an extended period to enhance their flavor. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they will become.

Note: Some of the herbs mentioned above may sound unfamiliar, but many of them can be found in health food and Asian grocery shops. Please consult a doctor for specific treatment options based on each individual’s physical condition.