Perfect Protein Filled, Gluten Free Pancakes

In Chinese Medicine 5 element food medicine, Buckwheat is bitter in flavour therefore it has benefits for the heart.

In Western medicine, buckwheat slowly lowers blood sugars and is beneficial to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels. It contains rutin, a mineral that helps lower blood pressure.

Bitter foods work with the Heart energy and help the most for those suffering with menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety, palpitations and insomnia. Foods with this flavour such as lettuce, chicory, kale, green tea, watercress and turnips operate as an internal air conditioner, because bitter foods, disperse heat.

When combined with Oats energy circulates whilst the nervous system and Shen (Spirit) remains calm. With a broad span of minerals, both ingredients support the kidney/bladder and build energy.

Oats with their slightly salty flavour bring warmth to the digestive system, helping to clear toxins, including cholesterol from the large intestine.

Gluten free pancakes can be difficult to make as it is the gluten in flour that gives pancakes their elasticity but the buckwheat is super stretchy without causing inflammation of the gut and blood vessels.

Oatmilk Pancakes

(page 97 of Good Food: Better Sex)

• – 100g oats
• – 100g buckwheat flour
• – 350ml milk (almond and brown rice milk also works well)
• – 1 egg
• – Pinch of salt

Method

Liquidize the oats, buckwheat flour, eggs, salt and milk so that it becomes a silky mixture. In a large non-stick pan melt a nob of butter and coat the pan with it. Pour a ladleful (approx. 50ml) of the prepared pancake mixture onto the pan tilting it so that it covers the base with a thin coating. These are a crepe style pancake rather than thick American pancake.  When bubbles begin to form on the top of the batter in the pan, flip and cook for another couple of minutes. These are delicious with maple syrup and lemon juice but excel with a savoury filling. Try chopping a tomato, a couple of slices of hard cheese, grate a small clove of garlic and lots of flat-leaf parsley.

After you flip the pancake place the ingredients on one half of the crepe as it cooks so when it’s done simply fold over the pancake to form a half moon, slide it out of the pan and onto the plate.

This batter is easier to use when it is made the night before and left in the fridge to settle, simply whisk it to wake any sediment that is sitting at the bottom and add more water or milk if it has become too thick to pour.

Your journey to health and balance is unique, and embracing the wisdom of TCM can help you achieve lasting freedom from cravings. Be kind to yourself, listen to your body, and enjoy the process of nurturing your health.

Until next time, stay balanced and be well.

Self-administered acupressure or Chinese Medicine is not a substitute for visits to qualified healthcare practitioners.

Knowing how to treat yourself and your loved ones with complimentary therapies like acupressure can be greatly beneficial and convenient. However, for serious and chronic conditions, you’ll want to visit an Shiatsu therapist / Acupuncturist or other qualified healthcare practitioner who can develop a treatment plan based on your unique medical history and combination of symptoms.  

The information provided should not be considered medical advice.