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1. Let’s talk about what Yin Deficiency is
Yin Deficiency refers to the pathological phenomenon of deficiency of substances such as essence, blood, or body fluids. Since essence, blood, and body fluids are all considered Yin, it is termed Yin Deficiency, commonly seen in patients after prolonged illness or heat diseases that lead to the internal consumption of Yin fluids.
In modern society, due to excessive mental strain, many office workers suffer from Yin Deficiency. For instance, many night owls belong to this group, and I have encountered numerous office workers who sleep after midnight, resulting in a high proportion of those with Yin Deficiency.
On one occasion, I visited a foreign enterprise and found a very high proportion of employees with Yin Deficiency, likely related to their excessive mental strain.
Additionally, diet can lead to Yin Deficiency. I have seen many women who enjoy spicy hot pot or barbecued food suffer severely from Yin Deficiency. This may not be a problem in Sichuan, but consuming such spicy food in dry Beijing could harm Yin.
2. How do we determine if one has Yin Deficiency?
Traditional Chinese Medicine primarily judges based on symptoms. There is a saying, “Yin Deficiency leads to internal heat,” because when body fluids are insufficient, Yin cannot control Yang, leading to symptoms such as Five Hearts Heat, afternoon tidal fever, night sweats, flushed cheeks, weight loss, dry mouth and throat, a desire for cold water, yellow urine, dry stools, red tongue with little coating, etc.
Among these, Five Hearts Heat refers to the sensation of heat in the palms and soles, even to the extent that one needs to stick their hands out of the covers while sleeping. Some people always want to press their palms against a cool wall to feel comfortable. The palms and soles together make four hearts, plus the heart itself, leading to the term Five Hearts Heat.
Afternoon tidal fever means the fever comes rhythmically like a tide; generally, those with Yin Deficiency do not feel hot in the morning but start to feel hot in the afternoon, which is characteristic of Yin Deficiency heat.
Night sweats are well-known, referring to sweating during sleep, and in severe cases, it can soak the pillow and sheets. Daytime sweating is called spontaneous sweating.
In fact, among these symptoms, I believe the most significant indicator is a red tongue with little coating, or even no coating at all, where the red tongue color is the primary indicator.
Additionally, the pulse is thin and rapid; while many may not recognize this, it is important to know that such individuals have a pulse that beats slightly faster than usual.
3. Various Organs with Yin Deficiency
If we break it down, Yin Deficiency can occur in various organs.
[Lung Yin Deficiency] refers to insufficient Lung Yin, leading to the internal generation of false heat. This is often caused by prolonged coughing damaging Yin or by the late stage of heat diseases damaging Yin fluids. The specific manifestations include dry cough without phlegm, or phlegm that is scant and sticky, dry mouth and throat, weight loss, afternoon tidal fever, Five Hearts Heat, night sweats, flushed cheeks, and in severe cases, blood-streaked phlegm, hoarseness, red tongue with little moisture, and thin rapid pulse.
[Heart Yin Deficiency] specifically manifests as insomnia, vivid dreams, palpitations, forgetfulness, irritability, night sweats, Five Hearts Heat, dry mouth and throat, red tip of the tongue, little coating, and thin rapid pulse. There may also be flushed cheeks, irritability, dizziness, and other symptoms of false fire. These conditions are often seen in individuals with insufficient Liver and Kidney, true Yin deficiency, or those who have not recovered from the late stage of heat diseases. In modern society, due to high work pressure, excessive thinking can deplete Heart blood, leading to Heart Yin deficiency. Insufficient Yin blood means that blood cannot nourish the heart and calm the spirit, resulting in palpitations, insomnia, vivid dreams, forgetfulness, etc. Internal heat from Yin deficiency can lead to night sweats, irritability, heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, red tip of the tongue, little coating, and thin rapid pulse. Flushed cheeks, dizziness, and other symptoms are signs of false fire.
[Stomach Yin Deficiency] refers to insufficient Stomach Yin. This is often caused by prolonged stomach diseases, or the late stage of heat diseases where Yin fluids have not recovered, or from excessive consumption of spicy foods, or emotional distress leading to Qi stagnation and fire transformation that injures Stomach Yin. The main manifestations include dull pain in the stomach area, lack of appetite, dry mouth and throat, dry stools, or discomfort in the stomach area, or nausea, red tongue with little moisture, and thin rapid pulse.
[For modern society, more importantly, is Spleen Yin Deficiency] which refers to insufficient Spleen Yin fluids, leading to inadequate nourishment and weak transformation. This is often due to external warm diseases, Yin fluids being consumed, or inherent Yin deficiency, or emotional distress leading to Liver Qi stagnation that injures Yin fluids, or excessive consumption of spicy foods, or mistakenly taking warm and dry herbs. Based on my observations, it seems that the excessive use of hormones in raising meat-eating animals leads to many meat-loving individuals, especially children, often having Spleen Yin deficiency, possibly related to the fact that hormones are heat-inducing substances that can harm Yin.
The manifestations of Spleen Yin Deficiency include reduced appetite, preference for meat, bland taste in food, bloating after eating, weight loss and fatigue, little saliva and dry lips, bright red lips, Five Hearts Heat, dry stools, short and red urine, red tongue with dry thin coating or no coating, and thin rapid pulse. Such children are often particularly active, some cannot stop moving, and may even have a volatile temper, easily getting angry.
[Liver Yin Deficiency] refers to the loss of Yin fluids, leading to the Liver being unable to moisten and restrain Yang, resulting in internal heat disturbance, primarily manifested as dizziness, dry eyes, pain in the hypochondrium, and irritability.
The specific manifestations of Liver Yin Deficiency include dizziness, dry eyes, reduced vision, or dull pain in the hypochondrium, facial heat or flushed cheeks, or twitching of the hands and feet, dry mouth and throat, Five Hearts Heat, tidal fever and night sweats, red tongue with little coating, thin rapid pulse, irritable temperament, and easy to get angry.
[Kidney Yin Deficiency] refers to insufficient Kidney Yin fluids, leading to weakened nourishing and moistening functions. This is often due to inherent Yin deficiency, prolonged illness damaging the Kidneys, excessive sexual activity, heat diseases injuring Yin, or excessive consumption of warm and dry substances. Clinical manifestations include dizziness, tinnitus, weakness in the lower back and knees, hair loss, loose teeth, insomnia with vivid dreams, tidal fever and night sweats, Five Hearts Heat, dry throat and flushed cheeks, red tongue with little moisture, thin rapid pulse, with men possibly experiencing nocturnal emissions and women having scanty or absent menstruation.
When it comes to nourishing Yin, many people become eloquent, able to talk for three days and nights without running out of words. The numerous methods for nourishing Yin can confuse people; in fact, there are techniques for nourishing Yin, and these Yin-nourishing herbs should be remembered!
4. Commonly Used Yin Nourishing Herbs
Bei Sha Shen (North American Ginseng Root)
Derived from the dried root of the perennial herb Codonopsis pilosula of the family Campanulaceae. Mainly produced in Shandong, Liaoning, Hebei, Jiangsu, etc. Harvested in summer and autumn, cleaned, blanched in boiling water, peeled, and dried. Alternatively, cleaned and dried directly. The best quality has slender root strips, uniform white color, and firm texture.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cold. Nourishes Yin, clears the lungs, benefits the stomach, and generates fluids. Decoction, 4.5-9g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Lung and Stomach meridians. Its main functions are to clear lung heat, nourish lung Yin, benefit stomach Yin, and generate stomach fluids. It is suitable for Lung Yin Deficiency and Stomach Yin Deficiency.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For thirst and cough, indigestion: Bei Sha Shen 16g. Decoction.
2. For Yin Deficiency with upward fire, bitter mouth and thirst: Bei Sha Shen, Mai Men Dong, Zhi Mu, Chuan Bei Mu, Huai Shu Di, Bie Jia, Di Gu Pi each 200g. Prepare into a paste, take 20g every morning with water.
[Precautions] Contraindicated for cough due to wind-cold and those with Lung and Stomach deficiency-cold; use with caution for phlegm-heat cough.
Nan Sha Shen (South American Ginseng Root)
Derived from the dried root of the perennial herb Glehnia littoralis of the family Campanulaceae. Mainly produced in Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guizhou, etc. Harvested in spring and autumn, removing the fibrous roots, washing, scraping off the rough skin while fresh, and drying. The best quality has thick, plump roots, no outer skin, and yellowish-white color. Cut into thick slices or short sections for use.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, slightly cold. Nourishes Yin, clears the lungs, transforms phlegm, and benefits Qi. Decoction, 9-15g.
[Selected Formulas] For palpitations: Tai Zi Shen, Nan Sha Shen, Dan Shen, Ku Shen each 9g, decoction.
[Precautions] Contraindicated with Rheum palmatum.
Bai He (Lily Bulb)
Derived from the dried fleshy scales of the perennial herb Lilium brownii or Lilium lancifolium. Produced throughout the country, especially in Hunan and Zhejiang. Harvested in autumn, cleaned, peeled, briefly blanched in boiling water, and dried. The best quality has uniform, thick scales, yellowish-white color, firm texture, and few fibers. Can be used raw or honey-fried.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, slightly cold. Nourishes Yin, moistens the lungs, clears the heart, and calms the spirit. Decoction, 6-12g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Lung and Heart meridians. Its main functions are to nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, stop cough, clear the heart, and calm the spirit.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For lung disease with hemoptysis: Fresh Bai He juice, mixed with water to drink, or can be cooked.
2. For neurasthenia, irritability, and insomnia: Bai He 16g, Suan Zao Ren 16g, Yuan Zhi 9g. Decoction.
3. For chest pain, ineffective with other medications: Bai He 50g, Wu Yao 9g. Decoction.
[Precautions] Contraindicated for cough due to wind-cold and those with middle-cold diarrhea.
Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber)
Derived from the dried tuber of the perennial herb Ophiopogon japonicus. Mainly produced in Sichuan, Hubei, Zhejiang, etc. Harvested in summer, repeatedly sun-dried until 70-80% dry, removing fibrous roots, and drying. The best quality has a light yellowish-white surface, semi-transparent, plump body, soft texture, fragrant aroma, and sweet taste, and is sticky when chewed. Can be used raw.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cold. Nourishes Yin, moistens the lungs, benefits the stomach, and clears the heart. Decoction, 6-12g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Heart, Lung, and Stomach meridians. It nourishes the Yin of the lungs and stomach, moistens dryness, generates fluids, and clears the heart, calming the spirit. Used for lung, heart, and stomach Yin deficiency with heat symptoms.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For otitis media: Fresh Mai Dong, mashed to extract juice, and dripped into the ear.
2. For painful urination: Fresh Mai Dong 90g. Decoction, taken 2-3 times daily.
3. For burns: Mai Dong 240g, boiled in 2 bowls of water, applied frequently to the affected area.
[Precautions] Contraindicated for those with deficiency-cold diarrhea, damp obstruction, wind-cold, or cold-phlegm cough and wheezing.
Tian Dong (Asparagus Tuber)
Derived from the dried tuber of the perennial climbing herb Asparagus cochinchinensis. Mainly produced in Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, etc. Harvested in autumn and winter, cleaned, removing the stem base and fibrous roots, boiled or steamed until thoroughly cooked, peeled while hot, cleaned, and dried. The best quality is plump, yellowish-white, and semi-transparent. Cut into thin slices for use.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, bitter, cold. Nourishes Yin, moistens dryness, clears heat, and generates fluids. Decoction, 6-12g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Lung and Kidney meridians. It nourishes Yin, moistens dryness, clears heat, and generates fluids, suitable for treating lung and kidney Yin deficiency with heat symptoms.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For breast cancer: Fresh Tian Dong 60g. Mash, add appropriate amount of yellow wine, and take before meals.
2. For lobular hyperplasia of the breast: Fresh Tian Dong 62.5g. Steam with yellow wine and take.
[Precautions] Contraindicated for those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold, little appetite, and diarrhea, as well as those with wind-cold cough.
Shi Hu (Dendrobium Stem)
Derived from the fresh or dried stems of the perennial herb Dendrobium nobile, Dendrobium candidum, or Dendrobium officinale. Mainly produced in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Anhui, Guangdong, Guangxi, etc. Can be harvested year-round, with autumn harvest being the best. Dried or sun-dried. Fresh ones can be planted in sandy soil for use at any time. Fresh ones should be green, plump, and leafy, while dried ones should be golden yellow, shiny, and flexible. Cut into sections for use.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, slightly cold. Benefits the stomach, generates fluids, nourishes Yin, and clears heat. Decoction, 6-12g; fresh use 15-30g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Stomach and Kidney meridians. It nourishes stomach Yin, generates fluids, nourishes kidney Yin, and clears false heat. It is used to nourish the kidneys, liver, improve vision, and strengthen bones.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For stomach fire, palpitations, and fatigue: Shi Hu 50g, Xuan Shen 6g. Decoction.
2. For thirst after illness: Fresh Shi Hu, Mai Dong, and Wu Wei Zi each 9g. Decoction as tea.
[Precautions] Contraindicated for those with deficiency without heat.
Yu Zhu (Polygonatum Rhizome)
Derived from the dried rhizome of the perennial herb Polygonatum odoratum. Mainly produced in Hebei, Jiangsu, etc. Harvested in autumn, cleaned, dried until soft, repeatedly kneaded until no hard core remains, and dried; or steamed until translucent, kneaded until semi-transparent, and dried. The best quality has long strips, fleshy, yellowish-white color, and soft luster. Cut into thick slices or sections for use.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, slightly cold. Nourishes Yin, moistens the lungs, and generates fluids. Decoction, 6-12g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Lung and Stomach meridians. Its main function is to nourish the Yin of the lungs and stomach; since it nourishes Yin without restraining evil, it can also be used for Yin deficiency with external pathogens.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For fever and dry mouth, painful urination: Yu Zhu 250g. Boil and drink.
2. For injuries: Yu Zhu 15g. Soak in wine and take.
3. For limb weakness and spontaneous sweating: Yu Zhu 16g, Dan Shen 5g. Decoction.
[Precautions] Contraindicated for those with phlegm-damp stagnation, and use with caution for those with Spleen deficiency and diarrhea.
Huang Jing (Rhizome)
Derived from the dried rhizome of the perennial herb Polygonatum sibiricum or Polygonatum multiflorum. The former is mainly produced in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi, while the latter is produced in Inner Mongolia, Hebei, and Shaanxi. Harvested in spring and autumn, cleaned, blanched in boiling water, or steamed until thoroughly cooked, and dried. The best quality is large, plump, yellow, and transparent at the cut surface. Cut into thick slices for raw use or wine-fried.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, neutral. Nourishes Yin, moistens the lungs, tonifies the spleen, and benefits Qi. Decoction, 9-15g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney meridians. It nourishes Spleen Yin, tonifies Spleen Qi, moistens lung dryness, and benefits kidney essence.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For lower limb weakness in children: Huang Jing 50g, winter honey 50g. Stew with boiling water.
2. For pinworm disease: Huang Jing 25g, add 100g of rock candy, stew.
3. For pulmonary tuberculosis with hemoptysis, red and white discharge: Fresh Huang Jing 100g, rock candy 50g, stew with boiling water.
[Precautions] Contraindicated for those with middle-cold diarrhea, phlegm-damp fullness, and Qi stagnation.
Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries)
Derived from the dried mature fruit of the deciduous shrub Lycium barbarum. Mainly produced in Ningxia, Gansu, etc. Harvested in summer and autumn when the fruit is orange-red, dried until the skin wrinkles, and then sun-dried until the outer skin is hard and the flesh is soft. The best quality has large berries, thick flesh, few seeds, red color, soft texture, and sweet taste. Can be used raw.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, neutral. Nourishes the liver, tonifies the kidneys, and moistens the lungs. Decoction, 6-12g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Liver and Kidney meridians. It is commonly used to treat kidney deficiency with nocturnal emissions, liver and kidney Yin deficiency, vision decline, and thirst.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For deficiency: Gou Qi Zi 1000g. Crush, soak in wine for 7 days, and drink appropriately.
2. For red eyes with opacity: Gou Qi Zi juice, apply to the affected area 3-5 times daily.
[Precautions] Use with caution for those with Spleen deficiency and diarrhea.
Mo Han Lian (Eclipta)
Derived from the dried aerial parts of the annual herb Eclipta prostrata. Mainly produced in Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Guangdong, etc. Harvested when the flowers bloom and dried. The best quality is green and free of impurities. Cut into sections for use.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, sour, cold. Nourishes the liver and kidneys, cools the blood, and stops bleeding. Internal use, 6-12g. External use as needed.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Liver and Kidney meridians, nourishes the liver and kidneys, cools the blood, and stops bleeding. In addition to treating liver and kidney Yin deficiency, it can also treat bleeding due to Yin deficiency and blood heat.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For dysentery: Mo Han Lian 50g. Decoction.
2. For knife wounds with bleeding: Fresh Mo Han Lian, mashed, and applied to the wound; dried ones can be ground into powder and sprinkled on the wound.
3. For diphtheria: Mo Han Lian 100-150g, mashed, add a little salt, mix with boiling water, strain, and drink. After taking, spit out the saliva.
[Precautions] Use with caution for those with Spleen and Kidney deficiency-cold.
Nv Zhen Zi (Ligustrum Fruit)
Derived from the dried mature fruit of the evergreen tree Ligustrum lucidum. Mainly produced in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hunan, Fujian, Sichuan, etc. Harvested in winter when the fruit matures, slightly steamed or blanched in boiling water, and dried. The best quality has large, plump, purple-black berries, and firm texture. Can be used raw or wine-prepared.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, bitter, cool. Nourishes the liver and kidney Yin, darkens hair, and improves vision. Decoction, 6-12g.
[Function Characteristics] This herb enters the Liver and Kidney meridians. It is often used in conjunction with Mo Han Lian.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For neurasthenia: Nv Zhen Zi, Mo Han Lian, Sang Shen Zi each 15-30g. Decoction.
2. For leukopenia: Nv Zhen Zi, Long Kui each 45g. Decoction.
3. For stomatitis: Nv Zhen Zi 9g, Jin Yin Hua 12g. Decoction.
[Precautions] Contraindicated for those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold diarrhea and Yang deficiency.
Gui Jia (Tortoise Shell)
Derived from the carapace and plastron of the turtle. Mainly produced in Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan, Anhui, Jiangsu, etc. Can be captured year-round, killed, or scalded in boiling water, the shell is removed, and residual meat is cleaned and dried. The best quality is large, intact, clean, and free of rotten meat. It is used after being sand-fried and vinegar-soaked.
[Properties and Effects] Sweet, salty, cold. Nourishes Yin, subdues Yang, benefits the kidneys, strengthens bones, and nourishes blood and heart. In decoctions, 9-24g; it is best to crush and decoct first.
[Function Characteristics] This herb can nourish the Yin of the liver and kidneys, reduce internal heat, subdue Yang, and stop bleeding, nourish blood, calm the spirit, and is a nourishing and clearing herb.
[Selected Formulas] For excessive liver fire, headache, dizziness, and red eyes: Niu Xi, Sheng Zhi Shi each 30g, Sheng Long Gu, Sheng Mu Li, Sheng Gui Jia, Sheng Hang Shao, Xuan Shen, Tian Dong each 15g, Chuan Lian Zi, Sheng Mai Ya, Yin Chen each 6g, Gan Cao 4.5g. Decoction.
Bie Jia (Soft-Shelled Turtle Shell)
Derived from the carapace of the soft-shelled turtle. Mainly produced in Hebei, Hunan, Anhui, Zhejiang, etc. Can be captured year-round, killed, and scalded in boiling water until the shell hardens and can be removed, and residual meat is cleaned. The best quality is large, thick, clean, and free of residual meat. Dried and used after being sand-fried and vinegar-soaked.
[Properties and Effects] Salty, cold. Nourishes Yin, subdues Yang, clears heat, and disperses masses. In decoctions, 9-24g; it is best to crush and decoct first.
[Function Characteristics] This herb is a key medicine for treating Yin deficiency with fever, and its salty nature can soften and disperse masses.
[Selected Formulas]
1. For liver and spleen enlargement: Ling Xiao Hua, Cheng Chong, Tao Ren each 9g, Bie Jia, Da Huang, Dang Gui each 10g, Hong Hua 6g. Decoction.
2. For leukemia: Tian Dong, Dang Shen each 30g, Bai He, Di Gu Pi, Shu Di, Sha Shen, Yu Zhu, Sheng Di, Zhi Bie Jia each 15g, Mai Dong, Feng Huang Yi, Bai Shao, Bai Ji each 9g, Chuan Bei Mu 6g. Decoction.
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