Yin deficiency is a term in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that contrasts with Yang deficiency. It refers to the pathological phenomenon of deficiency in essence, blood, or body fluids. Since essence, blood, and body fluids are all considered Yin, this condition is termed Yin deficiency. It is commonly seen in patients who have suffered from prolonged illness or after febrile diseases, leading to the consumption of Yin fluids. Due to Yin deficiency, there is an inability to control fire; excessive fire can further damage Yin fluids, creating a reciprocal influence between the two. The main symptoms of Yin deficiency include heat in the five hearts (palms and soles), afternoon fever, night sweats, flushed cheeks, weight loss, and a red tongue with little coating.
1. Basic Overview
What are the specific manifestations of Yin deficiency?
Yin deficiency often arises from blood deficiency. “Yin deficiency generates internal heat,” manifesting as heat in the five hearts, dry mouth and throat, irritability, yellow urine, and dry stools; physical weakness, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, poor mental state; menstrual irregularities, pale complexion, pigmentation, chloasma, and butterfly rash; menopausal issues; premature menopause; it is generally more common in women and in various hyperactive diseases such as tuberculosis and prolonged low-grade fever.
Individuals with Yin deficiency should consume more foods that nourish the kidney Yin to nourish Yin and subdue Yang. Commonly chosen foods include glutinous rice, mung beans, lotus root, malan head, Chinese cabbage, black fungus, white fungus, tofu, sugarcane, pears, watermelons, cucumbers, lilies, yam, and squid. These foods are generally sweet and cold in nature, all having the effect of nourishing the body’s Yin energy. They can be appropriately combined with Yin-replenishing medicinal dishes for targeted nourishment.
For those with Yin deficiency and excessive fire, it is advisable to avoid spicy foods, limit hot pot, and reduce the intake of chicken, fried, roasted, or grilled foods. Fruits like longan and lychee should be avoided if possible. Yin deficiency is the only condition where cold drinks are not restricted; cold drinks can have a regulating effect on Yin deficiency, but moderation is encouraged.
2. Causes and Mechanisms of Disease
Yin deficiency often results from the aftermath of febrile diseases or chronic illnesses that deplete Yin fluids, or from excessive emotional stress, irregular sexual activity, or overconsumption of warming and drying substances, leading to a depletion of Yin fluids. This results in a loss of nourishment and moisture in the body, and since Yin cannot control Yang, Yang heat becomes relatively excessive, generating internal heat, thus manifesting as a series of symptoms of false heat, dryness, and restlessness.
Yin deficiency can coexist with symptoms of Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yang deficiency, Yang hyperactivity, essence deficiency, and dryness, presenting as chronic conditions such as Qi and Yin deficiency, Yin and blood deficiency, both Yin and Yang deficiency, Yin deficiency with Yang hyperactivity, essence deficiency, Yin fluid deficiency, and internal dryness due to Yin deficiency, which can further develop into Yang deficiency. The loss of Yin can lead to pathological changes such as wind movement, Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and water retention.
In TCM, kidney deficiency is categorized into Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency. Kidney tonification should be targeted according to the specific conditions of kidney Yin and Yang. Common symptoms of kidney Yin deficiency include lung heat, dry throat, weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and a red tongue with little coating. Nourishing foods such as sea cucumber, goji berries, soft-shelled turtle, and white fungus can be used for supplementation. In the diet, it is advisable to consume cooling foods such as yam, coix seed, honeysuckle, mung beans, cassia seeds, and fish soup. Kidney Yang deficiency is often characterized by cold intolerance, fatigue, weakness in the lower back, and a pale tongue with a swollen body. Foods such as lamb, deer antler, cistanche, cinnamon, and cardamom should be chosen for supplementation.
Famous scholar Nie Wentao summarized four sentences for public understanding: “Yin deficiency causes heat; Yang deficiency fears cold; blood deficiency causes dryness; Qi deficiency leads to weakness.” Although these four sentences cannot cover all diagnostic patterns, they help many people understand different deficiency syndromes. Yin deficiency can be seen in various organ systems, commonly including lung Yin deficiency, heart Yin deficiency, stomach Yin deficiency, spleen Yin deficiency, liver Yin deficiency, and kidney Yin deficiency, with the diagnosis based on the symptoms of each organ.
3. Yin Deficiency Asthma
Yin deficiency asthma is a disease name. It is caused by the upward floating of Yang due to Yin deficiency. Refer to “Introduction to Medicine: Phlegm Types.” Also known as Yin deficiency counterflow. According to “Danxi’s Heart Method: Asthma”: “Yin deficiency causes fire to rise from the lower abdomen, leading to asthma; it is advisable to descend heart fire and nourish Yin.” This may be due to insufficient Yin blood, with the fire of the five emotions rising; or due to insufficient kidney essence, causing the fire to rise (as per “Syndrome Causes and Pulse Treatment: Discussion on Asthma”). Symptoms include Qi rising from the lower abdomen, heavy and turbid breathing, abdominal distension, intermittent episodes, or accompanied by tidal fever and night sweats. Treatment should focus on nourishing Yin and blood or tonifying kidney essence. For those with insufficient Yin blood, use modified Si Wu Decoction; for those with insufficient Yin essence, use family secret Tian Di Decoction or family secret liver and kidney pills.
4. Lung Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Lung Yin deficiency syndrome is characterized by insufficient lung Yin and the internal generation of false heat. It is often caused by prolonged coughing, lung tuberculosis, or damage to Yin fluids in the later stages of febrile diseases.
Clinical Manifestations
Cough without phlegm, or with little sticky phlegm, dry mouth and throat, weight loss, afternoon tidal fever, heat in the five hearts, night sweats, flushed cheeks, and in severe cases, blood-streaked phlegm, hoarseness, red tongue with little moisture, and thin rapid pulse.
Syndrome Analysis
Lung Yin deficiency syndrome is diagnosed based on common lung symptoms and the presence of internal heat due to Yin deficiency. The lungs govern the clearing and descending of Qi, preferring moistening; insufficient lung Yin leads to internal heat, causing the lungs to become overheated, resulting in cough. The heat burns the fluids, producing little sticky phlegm. Insufficient lung Yin fails to moisten the throat, leading to dryness; it also fails to nourish the muscles, resulting in weight loss. Internal heat leads to afternoon tidal fever and heat in the five hearts; heat disturbs the Yin, causing night sweats; internal heat leads to flushed cheeks; lung vessels are burned, causing blood-streaked phlegm; the throat loses Yin fluids and is steamed by false heat, leading to hoarseness. A red tongue with little moisture and a thin rapid pulse are signs of internal heat due to Yin deficiency.
Treatment
What are the commonly used TCM formulas for lung Yin deficiency cough?
(1) For cough due to lung Qi rising. Use Laiyang pear as the chief herb, which is sweet and cold, generates fluids and moistens the lungs, clearing lung Qi, and is effective for lung heat cough; Zhebei mother-of-pearl as the deputy herb, clears lung heat and stops cough; Banxia, Ju Hong, and Chen Pi as assistants, regulate Qi and transform phlegm, ensuring smooth Qi without harming the lungs; white sugar as a messenger, sweetens, nourishes, moistens, and harmonizes the herbs. Together, they nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, and stop cough while transforming phlegm. Mulberry leaves and mint decoction, spicy and cool, combined with Laiyang pear syrup, can resolve the exterior and clear the interior, preventing future issues.
(2) For wind-heat cold, combine the wind-heat cold granules with the nourishing Yin and clearing lung syrup, as the wind-heat cold granules have the effect of releasing the exterior and clearing heat and detoxifying.
(3) Use snow pear, codonopsis, and lily to nourish Yin and moisten the lungs as the chief herbs; Platycodon, Polygala, and apricot kernels to stop cough and resolve phlegm as deputy herbs; mint for its spicy and cool properties to release the exterior; and ephedra to open the orifices and disperse lung Qi. Although ephedra is a warming and drying herb, it has a strong effect in dispersing lung Qi, and when added to a formula with multiple nourishing and moistening herbs, it can disperse without drying and is beneficial for expelling exterior pathogens and releasing internal heat. This formula is suitable for lung Yin deficiency with phlegm heat that has been affected by wind-heat.
(4) Use Xuan Shen, Mai Dong, Zhi Mu, and Tian Hua Fen to nourish Yin and clear heat; apricot kernels, perilla seeds, Platycodon, mulberry root, Chuan Bei Mu, Trichosanthes fruit, and bamboo shavings to clear the lungs, stop cough, and transform phlegm; and use areca nut to guide stagnation and regulate Qi; perilla leaves to release the exterior; and licorice to harmonize the herbs. Together, they nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, transform phlegm, stop cough, and regulate the stomach while also having the effect of releasing the exterior. This is suitable for children with a constitution of Yin deficiency with phlegm, spleen and stomach stagnation, and who have been affected by wind-heat.
(5) Sangju cold tablets are a light formula for releasing the exterior. Using autumn pear as the chief herb, sweet and cold, generates fluids and stops cough; Zhebei and Mai Dong as deputy herbs, clear heat and moisten dryness to stop cough; fresh lotus root as an assistant, generates fluids and stops thirst, and can also stop bleeding; green radish as a messenger, regulates Qi and resolves phlegm. The combination of these herbs nourishes Yin, moistens the lungs, and stops cough while transforming phlegm. Additionally, Sangju cold tablets have the effect of dispersing wind and clearing heat, making them suitable for mild cases of lung Yin deficiency during colds.
5. Heart Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Main symptoms include insomnia, vivid dreams, palpitations, forgetfulness, irritability, night sweats, heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, red tongue tip, little coating, and thin rapid pulse. There may also be flushed cheeks, irritability, dizziness, and other symptoms of internal heat.
Diagnosis
This is often seen in individuals with insufficient liver and kidney, true Yin depletion, or in the later stages of febrile diseases where Yin has not yet recovered. Insufficient Yin blood fails to nourish the heart and calm the spirit, leading to palpitations, insomnia, vivid dreams, and forgetfulness. Internal heat due to Yin deficiency manifests as night sweats, irritability, heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, red tongue tip, little coating, and thin rapid pulse. Flushed cheeks and dizziness are symptoms of internal heat.
Treatment Method
Nourish heart Yin and calm the spirit.
Formulas
Common herbs include Angelica, Ejiao, Polygonatum, Rehmannia, Mai Dong, Jujube seeds, Biota seeds, dragon bone, oyster shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, stone calamus, Coptis, bamboo leaves, forsythia, stone lotus seeds, and lamp wick.
6. Stomach Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Main symptoms include stomach Yin deficiency, which manifests as insufficient stomach Yin. This is often caused by prolonged stomach diseases, or in the later stages of febrile diseases where Yin fluids have not yet recovered, or from excessive consumption of spicy foods, or emotional distress leading to Qi stagnation and fire transformation, damaging stomach Yin.
Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms include dull pain in the stomach, lack of appetite, dry mouth and throat, dry stools, or discomfort in the stomach, or dry retching, red tongue with little moisture, and thin rapid pulse.
Syndrome Analysis
This syndrome is diagnosed based on common symptoms of stomach disease and Yin deficiency. Insufficient stomach Yin leads to excessive stomach Yang, generating internal heat, causing stagnation in the stomach, resulting in dull pain and lack of appetite. Insufficient stomach Yin fails to moisten the throat, leading to dryness; it also fails to moisten the large intestine, resulting in dry stools. The loss of Yin fluids leads to disharmony in stomach Qi, causing discomfort and dry retching. A red tongue with little moisture and a thin rapid pulse are signs of internal heat due to Yin deficiency.
7. Spleen Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Spleen Yin deficiency syndrome is characterized by insufficient spleen Yin, leading to poor nourishment and weak transformation. This is often caused by external heat illnesses, depleting Yin fluids, or a constitution of Yin deficiency, or emotional distress leading to liver Qi stagnation, burning Yin fluids, or excessive consumption of spicy foods, or the use of warming and drying substances.
Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms include reduced appetite, bland taste in the mouth, abdominal distension after eating, weight loss, fatigue, dry lips, heat in the five hearts, dry stools, short and yellow urine, red tongue with dry coating or peeled, and thin rapid or thin rough pulse.
Syndrome Analysis
Spleen Yin deficiency syndrome is diagnosed based on the combination of weak spleen function and symptoms of internal heat. Insufficient spleen Yin leads to impaired transformation, resulting in reduced appetite and abdominal distension; insufficient Qi and blood lead to fatigue; insufficient Yin fluids lead to weight loss; insufficient fluids lead to dry lips; insufficient fluids lead to constipation and yellow urine; internal heat leads to heat in the five hearts. A red tongue with dry coating or peeled, and a thin rapid or thin rough pulse are signs of insufficient Yin fluids.
If the main symptoms are constipation and a thin rough pulse, it is referred to as spleen deficiency syndrome.
8. Liver Yin Deficiency Syndrome
This refers to the depletion of Yin fluids, leading to insufficient nourishment of the liver, inability to control Yang, and internal heat disturbance, primarily manifesting as dizziness, dry eyes, rib pain, and heat symptoms. Also known as liver deficiency heat syndrome.
Clinical Manifestations
Symptoms include dizziness, dry eyes, reduced vision, or dull pain in the ribs, facial heat or flushed cheeks, or twitching of the hands and feet, dry mouth and throat, heat in the five hearts, tidal fever, night sweats, red tongue with little coating, and thin rapid pulse.
Syndrome Analysis
This syndrome is often caused by emotional distress leading to Qi stagnation and fire transformation, depleting liver Yin; or in the later stages of febrile diseases, burning Yin fluids; or from kidney Yin deficiency, leading to insufficient nourishment of liver Yin. This results in the liver losing its nourishing function, leading to dryness in the head and tendons, inability to control Yang, and internal heat disturbance.
Insufficient liver Yin leads to dryness in the head and eyes, causing dizziness and dry eyes; insufficient nourishment of the liver vessels leads to internal heat, causing dull pain in the ribs; insufficient nourishment of the tendons leads to twitching of the hands and feet; insufficient Yin cannot control Yang, leading to internal heat disturbance, causing heat in the five hearts and afternoon tidal fever; internal heat leads to night sweats; internal heat leads to facial flushing; insufficient Yin fluids lead to dry mouth and throat; a red tongue with little moisture and a thin rapid pulse are signs of liver Yin deficiency and internal heat.
This syndrome is primarily diagnosed based on the presence of dizziness, dry eyes, and rib pain along with symptoms of internal heat.
9. Kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome
This syndrome is characterized by insufficient kidney Yin, leading to weakened nourishing and moistening functions. It is often caused by a Yin-deficient constitution, prolonged illness damaging the kidneys, excessive sexual activity, febrile diseases damaging Yin, or overconsumption of warming and drying substances. Clinical manifestations include dizziness, tinnitus, weakness in the lower back and knees, insomnia with vivid dreams, tidal fever, night sweats, heat in the five hearts, dry throat, flushed cheeks, red tongue with little moisture, and thin rapid pulse. In men, it may also include nocturnal emissions, while in women, it may present as reduced menstrual flow or amenorrhea.
Kidney Yin deficiency is characterized by a combination of essence deficiency and symptoms of internal heat. The kidneys store essence and govern the bones; the bones govern the marrow, and the lower back is the residence of the kidneys. Insufficient kidney Yin leads to a lack of nourishment in the bones, resulting in weakness in the lower back and knees; insufficient kidney Yin leads to a lack of nourishment in the marrow, resulting in dizziness and tinnitus; Yin deficiency generates internal heat, leading to tidal fever, night sweats, heat in the five hearts, dry throat, flushed cheeks, and a thin rapid pulse; insufficient Yin leads to blood deficiency, resulting in reduced menstrual flow or amenorrhea. Treatment should focus on nourishing kidney Yin.
What TCM formulas are good for men with kidney Yin deficiency?
Kidney Yin deficiency and kidney Yang deficiency are terms in TCM that refer to the functional aspects of the kidneys. When we talk about kidney deficiency, it actually includes both kidney Yin and kidney Yang deficiency, as well as both Yin and Yang deficiency. However, the promotion of these terms is not very detailed, leading to some confusion.
To briefly explain, this involves TCM foundational theory, which is extensive.
For example, symptoms such as weakness in the lower back and knees, fatigue in the limbs, dizziness, hair loss, loose teeth, memory decline, and premature aging, as well as clinical symptoms of reduced libido, nocturnal emissions, and premature ejaculation, are all classified as symptoms of kidney Yin deficiency. Kidney Yin deficiency is also prone to internal heat; TCM has a theory that “Yin deficiency generates internal heat, while Yang deficiency generates external cold,” so it is common to experience heat in the five hearts, which refers to the sensation of heat in the palms, soles, and chest, and night sweats, which occur when one wakes up with sweat.
The characteristics of kidney Yin deficiency often occur in middle-aged and young individuals, as they have a higher level of activity, whether in study or exercise, leading to greater consumption of energy and materials. In terms of sexual function, libido is not particularly low, but ejaculation may occur quickly, leading to nocturnal emissions.
On the other hand, kidney Yang deficiency often presents with functional deficiencies, similar to kidney Yin deficiency, such as weakness in the lower back and knees, fatigue in the limbs, and reduced libido. However, because it is Yang deficiency, symptoms of cold intolerance may also appear. TCM states that “Yang deficiency generates external cold,” so these individuals often have a pale complexion, fear of cold, cold hands and feet, clear and long urine, and thin stools. Such individuals may have lower libido, which aligns with modern medicine’s understanding of low testosterone levels.
Thus, Yang deficiency manifests externally, and it is often due to a weaker constitution. Kidney Yang deficiency is more common in older individuals, while kidney Yin deficiency is more prevalent in younger individuals.
In summary, the key points to remember are:
1. Age characteristics: kidney Yin deficiency is more common in middle-aged and young individuals, while kidney Yang deficiency is more common in older individuals.
2. Symptoms of internal heat are more common in kidney Yin deficiency, while symptoms of cold intolerance are more common in kidney Yang deficiency.
3. In terms of sexual function, kidney Yin deficiency is more prone to premature ejaculation and nocturnal emissions, while kidney Yang deficiency is more prone to impotence.
Of course, there are common symptoms, such as weakness in the lower back and fatigue in the limbs.
Prostatitis is a modern medical term that intersects with kidney Yin and Yang deficiency. In clinical practice, some individuals may experience symptoms of prostatitis due to excessive internal heat, leading to symptoms in the lower abdomen, especially after consuming spicy foods, resulting in damp-heat symptoms. Damp-heat and internal heat can intertwine, leading to symptoms of prostatitis, such as frequent urination, yellow urine, and even a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
In the treatment of chronic prostatitis, if there are symptoms of kidney deficiency, we should consider this, as this is a characteristic of TCM treatment. The approach to treating prostatitis in TCM differs from modern medicine, which primarily focuses on pathogenic bacteria, whether bacterial or non-bacterial, or due to mycoplasma or gonococcus. This is indeed correct, as identifying the cause and taking appropriate antibiotics is essential.
However, TCM has its unique characteristics in treating prostatitis. We also consider the presence of damp-heat, using herbs that clear heat and drain dampness, which act as TCM’s antibiotics. For example, we commonly use herbs like wild chrysanthemum, dandelion, and Houttuynia cordata, which, when analyzed pharmacologically, also act as broad-spectrum antibiotics with minimal side effects. They are effective in eliminating pathogens, especially when Western medicine has led to antibiotic resistance; switching to TCM can yield excellent results, as seen in clinical practice.
Thus, TCM can not only treat the disease but also improve the body’s constitution and address functional issues caused by prostatitis. It can also support the body’s vital energy. Therefore, we cannot simply view the relationship between kidney deficiency and prostatitis; rather, we should consider the overall picture. If prostatitis presents with symptoms of kidney deficiency, we can use kidney tonifying herbs, whether for kidney Yang or kidney Yin deficiency. However, we cannot assume that all cases of prostatitis will necessarily exhibit symptoms of kidney deficiency. For example, if the condition has been present for a short time, without symptoms of kidney deficiency, there may be no need for kidney tonification. Thus, the relationship between prostatitis and kidney deficiency is interrelated, and during treatment, physicians will naturally consider these factors.
10. Symptoms
In TCM, the balance of Yin and Yang is emphasized, and Yin deficiency represents a state of imbalance, indicating that there is a problem in the body. Yin refers to the body’s fluids, including blood, saliva, tears, semen, endocrine secretions, and oil secretions; Yang refers to the body’s functions.
Individuals with Yin deficiency present with insufficient Yin fluids, leading to a state of dehydration, resulting in dry eyes, dry nose, dry mouth, rough skin, and dry hair. Typical symptoms include irritability, insomnia with vivid dreams, dizziness, weakness in the lower back and knees, increased libido, nocturnal emissions, menstrual irregularities in women, weight loss, dry throat, tidal fever, heat in the five hearts, night sweats, flushed cheeks, a red tongue with little coating or no coating, and a thin rapid pulse.
In severe cases of Yin deficiency in women, it can lead to the loss of Yin symptoms, characterized by sticky heat, shortness of breath, heat intolerance, warm hands and feet, restlessness, thirst for cold drinks, or flushed complexion, red tongue, and thin rapid pulse. This represents a critical condition due to significant depletion of body fluids, requiring timely Yin nourishment and fluid replenishment.
Nourishing Yin can alleviate symptoms of Yin deficiency in women. Due to the malnourishment caused by Yin deficiency, it can severely impact health and life activities, especially in urban working women, who are prone to symptoms such as heat in the palms and soles, night sweats, dry throat, and dry mouth. Timely Yin nourishment can not only prevent the onset of Yin deficiency symptoms but also regulate existing adverse symptoms, achieving therapeutic effects.
11. Dietary Regulation
Principles of Dietary Dos and Don’ts:
Individuals with Yin deficiency should consume more nourishing foods that are sweet, cool, moistening, and generate fluids. They should eat fresh vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber and vitamins, as well as foods rich in high-quality protein. They should avoid spicy and stimulating foods, warming and drying foods, fried or roasted items, foods that are hot and heat-inducing, and foods high in fat and carbohydrates.
Individuals with Yin deficiency should frequently consume the following foods:
1. Dendrobium: As the leading herb in the nourishing Yin school, Zhu Danxi pointed out: “Humans often have insufficient Yin and excess Yang; Yin deficiency is difficult to treat, while Yang deficiency is easy to supplement.” Dendrobium is regarded as the “sacred product for nourishing Yin” and has been listed as the top of the nine great herbs in the Tang Dynasty medical classic “Daozang.” It can nourish the Yin of the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, it has been a tribute to the royal family. In the 1980s, it was designated as a key protected endangered medicinal plant by the state. The only geographical indication product approved by the State Quality Supervision Administration is the Tianmu Mountain Dendrobium from Lin’an, Zhejiang.
2. Duck meat: Can nourish Yin and strengthen the stomach. “Bencao Hui” states: “Nourishes Yin and eliminates steaming.” “Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu” states: “Nourishes the Yin of the five organs, clears the heat of deficiency, and nourishes the stomach to generate fluids.” It is commonly believed that duck is the ideal food for nourishing Yin.
3. Pork skin: Pork has the effect of nourishing Yin and moistening dryness. Qing Dynasty physician Wang Mengying said: “Pork nourishes kidney fluids, replenishes stomach juices, nourishes liver Yin, and moistens the skin, stopping thirst.” “Bencao Bei Yao” states: “Pork has a rich flavor, nourishes the intestines and stomach, generates essence, and moistens the skin.” Therefore, it is particularly suitable for individuals with Yin deficiency, with pork skin being even more effective.
4. Eggs: Not only can they tonify Qi and nourish blood, but both egg whites and yolks have the effect of nourishing Yin and moistening dryness. Eggs are considered a good source of protein, containing complete proteins such as ovalbumin, ovoglobulin, and yolk phosphoprotein.
5. Salted duck eggs: Sweet and salty in nature; slightly cold; enter the heart, spleen, and lung meridians; have the effects of nourishing Yin, clearing heat, clearing lung fire, and reducing internal heat, making them particularly suitable for those with Yin deficiency and excessive fire.
6. Milk: Has the effect of nourishing Yin, generating fluids, and moistening dryness. Throughout history, physicians have praised the nourishing effects of milk, stating it can “moisten the skin, quench thirst,” “moisten the skin,” and “moisten the large intestine,” or “nourish the five organs” and “nourish and replenish fluids.” Individuals with a Yin deficiency constitution should consume it regularly for significant benefits.
7. Soft-shelled turtle: Has the effect of nourishing Yin and cooling blood, making it an excellent tonic for those with Yin deficiency. “Bencao Bei Yao” states: “Cools blood and nourishes Yin.” “Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu” considers soft-shelled turtle to “nourish the Yin of the liver and kidneys, clearing heat from deficiency.” Therefore, it is particularly suitable for those with Yin deficiency and blood heat or excessive fire.
8. Turtle meat: Neutral in nature, sweet and salty in flavor, can nourish Yin and replenish blood, making it suitable for those with Yin deficiency. “Yilin Zuan Yao” states: “Treats bone steaming and heat, and symptoms of Yin deficiency and blood heat.” Turtle shell, also known as turtle shell glue, has the same effect of nourishing Yin and replenishing blood, making it suitable for those with Yin deficiency.
9. Dried scallops: Also known as Jiang Yao Zhu or Ma Jia Zhu, is a type of seafood. Neutral in nature, sweet and salty in flavor, can nourish Yin and replenish the kidneys. “Bencao Qiuzhen” states: “Nourishes true Yin.” “Bencao Congxin” states: “Treats thirst.” Dried scallops are tender and delicious, high in protein, making them beneficial for individuals with Yin deficiency.
10. Sea cucumber: Has the effects of nourishing Yin, replenishing blood, benefiting essence, and moistening dryness. “Yao Xing Kao” states: “Reduces fire and nourishes the kidneys.” “Shiwu Yiji” states: “Sea cucumber nourishes kidney essence and benefits the marrow.” Qing Dynasty food physician Wang Mengying believed that sea cucumber can “nourish Yin, replenish blood, and moisten dryness.” Sea cucumber is a high-protein, low-fat delicacy that can greatly nourish and is suitable for those with a Yin deficiency constitution.
11. Clams: Can nourish Yin, transform phlegm, and soften hardness. Ancient physicians believed that “clams have the same function as mussels, nourishing Yin and brightening the eyes.” Ming Dynasty physician Miao Xiyong pointed out: “Clams are moistening and help generate fluids, thus nourishing the five organs, quenching thirst, and stimulating appetite.” Therefore, they are particularly suitable for individuals with Yin deficiency or diseases such as diabetes, dry syndrome, tuberculosis, and tumors.
12. Shellfish: Rich in protein and vitamins, has the effects of nourishing Yin, clearing heat, and brightening the eyes. Qing Dynasty physician Wang Mengying also believed that clam meat can “clear heat, nourish Yin, and cool the blood.” Individuals with Yin deficiency often use clam meat in soups, which is most suitable.
13. Squid: Neutral in nature, salty in flavor, can nourish blood and is good for nourishing Yin. “Yilin Zuan Yao” states: “Greatly nourishes blood and nourishes Yin.” Qing Dynasty physician Huang Gongxiu also stated that squid meat “is Yin in nature, enters the liver to nourish blood, and enters the kidneys to nourish water.” It is most suitable for those with liver and kidney Yin deficiency.
14. Carp: Also known as Shijue Ming meat. Has the effects of nourishing Yin, clearing heat, and benefiting essence and brightening the eyes. “Yilin Zuan Yao” states: “Nourishes the heart, warms the liver, nourishes Yin, and brightens the eyes.” Qing Dynasty physician Wang Mengying also stated: “Nourishes the liver and kidneys, benefits essence, and brightens the eyes, alleviating bone steaming and heat.” Carp is a nutritious high-protein food, especially suitable for those with liver and kidney Yin deficiency, dark vision, or night blindness, as well as for tuberculosis patients with Yin deficiency and low-grade fever, tidal fever, and night sweats.
15. Pear: Has the effects of generating fluids, moistening dryness, and clearing heat, making it most suitable for lung Yin deficiency or for those with Yin damage after febrile diseases. “Bencao Tongxuan” states: “The ripe ones nourish the Yin of the five organs.” “Chongqing Tang Sui Bi” states: “For warm and dry diseases, and for Yin deficiency with excessive heat, juice from the pear can be effective immediately.”
16. Mulberries: Have the effects of nourishing Yin and replenishing blood, particularly beneficial for nourishing the Yin of the liver and kidneys. “Bencao Shu” states: “Black mulberries benefit Yin energy and blood.” “Bencao Jing Shu” states: “They are a medicine for cooling blood and replenishing blood, and also help with thirst due to internal heat, generating fluids, and benefiting the five organs.” They are especially suitable for individuals with liver and kidney Yin deficiency who experience thirst, dark vision, and tinnitus.
17. Goji berries: Have the effects of nourishing Yin and promoting longevity, especially beneficial for symptoms of kidney and liver Yin deficiency, such as weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, or for lung Yin deficiency with tuberculosis, night sweats, and cough, as well as for diabetes with Yin deficiency and thirst.
18. Bird’s nest: Neutral in nature, sweet in flavor, has the function of nourishing Qi and Yin, especially beneficial for nourishing lung Yin. It is an excellent tonic for those with Yin deficiency, particularly lung Yin deficiency, such as in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary atrophy, elderly bronchitis, and chronic bronchitis. Qing Dynasty physician Zhang Lu stated that it can “regulate and replenish deficiency, treating cough with red phlegm.” Wu Yiluo stated: “Bird’s nest greatly nourishes lung Yin, replenishing while also clearing.” “Bencao Zai Xin” also records that it “greatly nourishes original Qi, moistens the lungs, and nourishes Yin.”
19. White fungus: Has the effects of nourishing Yin, benefiting the stomach, generating fluids, and moistening dryness. White fungus is rich in gelatin, various vitamins, and 17 amino acids, as well as polysaccharides and proteins, making it a commonly used nourishing food, especially suitable for those with lung Yin deficiency and stomach Yin deficiency.
20. American ginseng: Can benefit Qi and nourish Yin, most suitable for those with both Qi and Yin deficiency. “Bencao Congxin” states: “Those with deficiency and internal heat are suitable for it.” “Yao Xing Kao” states: “American ginseng nourishes Yin and reduces heat.” “Zeng Ding Wei Yao Tiao Bian” states: “American ginseng nourishes Yin and cools heat.” Therefore, it is most suitable for those with Yin deficiency or combined Qi deficiency, lung deficiency, or Yin deficiency with excessive fire. Individuals with Yin deficiency should avoid using ginseng, as ginseng is warming and can exacerbate heat; using American ginseng instead, which is cool and nourishing, is more appropriate. As stated in “Medical Records of Chinese and Western Medicine”: “American ginseng is cool and nourishing; anyone who wants to use ginseng but cannot tolerate its warming properties can use this as a substitute.”
21. Otter meat: Commonly known as water dog meat. It can nourish weakness and also nourish Yin and eliminate internal heat, making it suitable for individuals with Yin deficiency or internal heat and bone steaming. “Yilin Zuan Yao” states: “Otter meat benefits Yin.” “Bencao Tujing” also states that it “is effective for bone steaming and heat exhaustion.” The liver of the otter can also nourish Yin and eliminate steaming, so individuals with Yin deficiency should consume it as well.
22. Ejiao: Can both nourish blood and nourish Yin. “Bencao Gangmu” states: “Ejiao primarily nourishes blood and fluids. For those with insufficient Yin, it should be supplemented with flavor; the sweetness of Ejiao nourishes Yin blood.” It is especially suitable for individuals with lung and kidney Yin deficiency.
In addition, individuals with Yin deficiency should also consume oyster meat, shark meat, mare’s milk, goat’s milk, yogurt, clam meat, mussels, frog meat, tendon, tofu, spinach, green vegetables, yellow cabbage, yam, white fungus, mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, straw mushrooms, common mushrooms, sago, glutinous rice, black fungus, tomatoes, goji tops, mung bean sprouts, sugarcane, sour plum soup, grapes, lilies, boiled peanuts, oranges, tangerines, and strawberries.
Commonly used Yin-replenishing herbs include South and North American ginseng, Rehmannia, He Shou Wu, white peony, Mai Dong, Tian Men Dong, Dendrobium, Polygonatum, Huang Jing, Shan Yao, Nu Zhen Zi, Hain Lian Cao, and Xuan Shen. These can be selected based on individual conditions.
Foods to Avoid
Individuals with Yin deficiency should avoid or limit consumption of dog meat, lamb, sparrow meat, seahorse, sea dragon, deer meat, fried peanuts, fried soybeans, fried melon seeds, popcorn, lychee, longan, bergamot, bayberry, garlic, leeks, mustard greens, chili peppers, garlic chives, pepper, sand ginger, cardamom, flower pepper, cinnamon, white cardamom, star anise, fennel, cloves, mint, white liquor, cigarettes, red ginseng, and cistanche.
12. Dietary Therapy for Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency
Stewed snow pear with Chuan Bei: 1 snow pear and 6 grams of Chuan Bei. Remove the core from the snow pear, place the Chuan Bei inside, cover the hole, tie it with white thread, and steam it in a pot of water for about 1 hour until the pear is soft. Consume the soup and pear daily for 3-5 days. This formula is used for lung and kidney Yin deficiency with symptoms of fever and cough, having the effects of nourishing Yin, moistening the lungs, clearing heat, and transforming phlegm.
Sangju mint drink: Clean mulberry leaves and chrysanthemum flowers, each 5 grams; bitter bamboo leaves and white grass roots, each 30 grams; mint 3 grams. Combine all five ingredients in a teapot, steep in boiling water for 10 minutes, and drink frequently, or allow to cool before drinking.
Loofah flower honey drink: Clean 10 grams of loofah flowers. Brew with boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, add an appropriate amount of honey, and drink warm three times a day.
Fresh lotus root ginger juice: Use 500 grams of fresh lotus root and 50 grams of ginger. Wash and chop the lotus root and ginger, then extract the juice using clean gauze. Consume within one day in several doses.
White eel and Chuan Bei soup: 250 grams of live white eel, 15 grams of Chuan Bei, 15 grams of Polygonatum, 24 grams of lily, and 10 grams of hundred parts. Clean the eel, remove the intestines, chop it, and cook it with the other herbs in an appropriate amount of water until done. Add a little salt for flavor, and consume the meat and soup daily for several days.
To completely eliminate the state of lung and kidney Yin deficiency, the primary focus should be on nourishing the kidneys. Research has found that Cordyceps sinensis is warm in nature, sweet in flavor, and has the effects of nourishing the kidneys and lungs, making it a valuable herb for balancing Yin and Yang. As stated in “Bencao Congxin”: “It protects the lungs and benefits the kidneys.” “Yao Xing Kao” also states: “Cordyceps nourishes essence and benefits Qi, specifically nourishing the life gate.” “Ganyuan Xiaoshi” states: “Soak several pieces in wine and consume to treat pain in the lower back and knees, benefiting the kidneys.” For those with kidney deficiency, using 4 grams of high amino acid content Cordyceps sinensis with meats such as pork, chicken, or duck for stewing can yield good results for most kidney deficiency patients with lower back pain after a month of continuous use.
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