Today, let’s continue discussing the characteristics of the Yin Deficiency constitution and what herbs and foods can be reasonably used for supplementation.
Overall Characteristics
The Yin Deficiency constitution is characterized by a deficiency of Yin fluids, leading to a reduction in the nourishing, moistening, and calming functions of Yin fluids. On the other hand, due to the inability of Yin to restrain Yang, Yang energy becomes relatively excessive, resulting in a state of internal heat and Yang hyperactivity. The overall symptoms include dry mouth and throat, and heat in the palms and soles.
Common Manifestations
Individuals may present with a thin physique, dry throat, dizziness, tinnitus, diminished vision, forgetfulness, insomnia, soreness in the lower back and knees, heat in the hands and feet, night sweats, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin, rapid pulse. Men may experience nocturnal emissions, while women may have scanty menstruation, amenorrhea, or abnormal uterine bleeding.
Yin-Supplementing Herbs
Sha Shen (Glehnia root), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Tian Dong (Asparagus), Bai He (Lily bulb), Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra).
Commonly Used Yin-Supplementing Formulas
1. Da Bu Yin Wan (Great Yin Tonifying Pill) – This formula nourishes Yin and reduces fire. It is used for symptoms of Yin deficiency with excess heat, such as night sweats, cough, and tinnitus with nocturnal emissions.
2. Zuo Gui Wan (Left Restore Pill) – This formula nourishes the kidneys and supplements Yin. It is used for true Yin deficiency symptoms, such as soreness in the lower back and knees, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, fatigue, dry mouth, insomnia, and dizziness.
3. Shi Hu Ye Guang Wan (Dendrobium Night Bright Pill) – This formula nourishes Yin, supplements the kidneys, and clears the liver to brighten the eyes. It is used for symptoms of both liver and kidney deficiency, such as excess heat from Yin deficiency, dark vision, and blurred eyesight.
4. Er Zhi Wan (Two Ultimate Pill) – This formula benefits the liver and kidneys, nourishes Yin, and stops bleeding. It is used for liver and kidney Yin deficiency symptoms, such as dizziness, tinnitus, dry throat, and lower back pain with heavy menstrual flow.
5. Liang Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill) – This formula nourishes Yin and supplements the kidneys, used for kidney Yin deficiency symptoms, such as dizziness, soreness in the lower back and knees, tidal fever, night sweats, nocturnal emissions, and thirst. It is a classic foundational formula for treating kidney Yin deficiency.
Yin-Supplementing Foods
Glutinous rice, lotus root, black fungus, white fungus, sugarcane, pears, soft-shelled turtle, turtle meat, sea cucumber, and donkey-hide gelatin.
Next, I will recommend two commonly used medicinal dishes for Yin supplementation:
Huai Shan Yu Zhu Sha Shen Bai Eel Soup
Ingredients: 30g Huai Shan (Chinese yam), 30g Yu Zhu (Polygonatum), 30g Bei Sha Shen (Glehnia root), 500g white eel.
Method: Clean the Huai Shan, Yu Zhu, and Bei Sha Shen; clean the white eel, remove the intestines, and cut into short pieces. Place all ingredients into a stewing pot, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, cover the pot, and simmer in a water bath for 2 hours. Season to taste and serve. Drink the soup and eat the white eel meat.
Huai Shan benefits Qi and nourishes Yin, Yu Zhu nourishes Yin and moistens the lungs, and Bei Sha Shen nourishes lung and stomach Yin. Therefore, this soup has excellent Yin-nourishing and fluid-generating effects. If you experience symptoms of weakness, tidal fever, insomnia, dry cough, and thirst, you might want to try this at home.
Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb, and White Fungus Sweet Soup
Ingredients: 40g lotus seeds, 10g lily bulbs, 10g white fungus, 20g goji berries, 4 red dates, and an appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Method: 1. Soak lotus seeds, lily bulbs, white fungus, and goji berries in warm water for 60 minutes; pit and clean the red dates. 2. In a clay pot, add water, lotus seeds, lily bulbs, white fungus, and goji berries, bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 45-60 minutes. 3. Add rock sugar to taste, and turn off the heat once the sugar has dissolved.
Lotus seeds, lily bulbs, and white fungus all have excellent Yin-nourishing and fluid-generating properties, as well as benefits for the spleen and lungs. Regular consumption can enhance beauty, nourish the skin, and delay aging.
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Contributed by | Internal Medicine Party Committee
Author | Peng Wei
