What are the symptoms of Blood Deficiency?
Pale complexion
Pale lips, tongue, and nails
Frequent dizziness and lightheadedness
Hair loss
Irregular menstruation
Palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness
Cold hands and feet, prone to numbness
Thin physique
—— If you experience four or more of these symptoms, it is advisable to pay attention to improving Blood Deficiency.
Recommended Supplements
1. Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin): Nourishes Yin and supplements blood
2. Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort): Activates blood circulation and resolves stasis
3. Sang Shen (Mulberries): Nourishes Yin and supplements blood
4. Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Activates and supplements blood
5. Hei Mu Er (Black Fungus): Moistens dryness and activates blood
6. Gui Yuan Rou (Longan Flesh): Tonifies Qi and supplements blood
Choosing the Right Blood Supplement
Ejiao has the strongest blood-supplementing effect
1
Ejiao has been known since ancient times, named after its production in Dong’e County. The Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic states: “Ejiao is sweet and neutral. It is used for internal bleeding, exhaustion, and symptoms resembling malaria, as well as for pain in the waist and abdomen, limb soreness, and to stabilize pregnancy in women. Long-term use benefits vitality and Qi.” Among supplements, ginseng, deer antler, and Ejiao are considered the three treasures of nourishment. Regardless of age, anyone with symptoms of Blood Deficiency can consider taking Ejiao.
Many people now believe that Ejiao is a supplement for women and that men should not take it. This is not true; men can also take Ejiao. As men age, liver and kidney functions may decline, necessitating a focus on nourishing the essence and blood of the liver and kidneys.
People with digestive issues should avoid Ejiao
Although Ejiao is an excellent blood supplement, it is not suitable for everyone. Ejiao is made from donkey skin and is particularly rich and greasy. For those with digestive issues, consuming Ejiao may further obstruct the stomach Qi. Additionally, those with symptoms such as thick and greasy tongue coating, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or loose stools are also advised against taking Ejiao.
For those with spleen and stomach deficiency, red dates are a good blood supplement
2
When we have spleen and stomach deficiency and need to supplement blood, what should we do? In this case, we can consider using red dates. Red dates have the effects of strengthening the spleen, nourishing blood, and tonifying Qi. The saying goes, “Eat three dates a day, and you won’t age,” indicating the great benefits of red dates for the body.
Do not overeat
Eating too many can still burden the stomach, especially the skin of the dates, which is the hardest to digest, so moderation is key when consuming red dates.
For those with spots, Dang Gui can be used to supplement blood
3
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that having Blood Deficiency while also having spots is a manifestation of blood stasis. When the Qi and blood in the body are not flowing smoothly, waste cannot be metabolized, leading to spots on the face. Dang Gui both supplements and activates blood, making it suitable for patients with Blood Deficiency and facial spots.
Dang Gui can be used in soups, made into pastes, or prepared as medicinal dishes. The Shang Han Lun from the Han Dynasty includes the recipe for “Dang Gui, Ginger, and Lamb Soup,” which can treat cold damage and alleviate menstrual pain in women, and is also effective for men with liver and kidney deficiency, impotence, and poor sexual function.
Dang Gui can also be cooked in porridge; select 8 grams of Dang Gui, 50 grams of Huang Qi (Astragalus), and 100 grams of glutinous rice, then simmer the Dang Gui and Huang Qi in water for 30 minutes, and finally use the decoction to cook the porridge. Consuming this porridge can tonify Qi and supplement blood, providing excellent blood-supplementing effects for women with insufficient Qi and early menstruation.
People with hot palms should avoid using Dang Gui for nourishment
This is because those with Yin deficiency and heat should not use Dang Gui, which has a warming property. Such individuals should choose cold-natured herbs to nourish Yin, such as Di Huang (Rehmannia), Lian Zi (Lotus Seed), and Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries).
Conversely, those who feel cold in the lower abdomen and have cold hands and feet are suitable for taking Dang Gui, as it has the effects of activating and supplementing blood, promoting blood circulation.
For both Qi and blood deficiency, use Sang Shen
4
The main function of Sang Shen is to nourish Yin and blood, making it a food-medicine that supplements both Qi and blood. The Su Yi Ju Yin Shi Pu states, “Sang Shen nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriches blood, strengthens movement, calms wind, and clears heat.” The Ben Cao Jing Shu describes it as a medicine that cools blood, supplements blood, and nourishes Yin. Therefore, it is commonly referred to as the “blood-supplementing fruit.”
It is cool in nature, sweet and sour in taste; the black ones enter the kidneys, while the red ones enter the heart, having functions such as tonifying the kidneys, solidifying essence, darkening hair, nourishing blood, moistening dryness, generating fluids, and calming the mind.
Fresh Sang Shen is seasonal, available only for a few days in midsummer; otherwise, we can choose dried Sang Shen to brew in water.
Do not overeat
It is best not to exceed two handfuls a day. Sang Shen contains a high amount of tannins, and excessive consumption may affect the absorption of other minerals.
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