Most cases of white hair are caused by kidney deficiency, so the key to treating it is to tonify the kidney. So, what foods can help with kidney tonification and blackening hair? Let's take a look together.
Yam and Pork Rib Soup with Goji Berries
1. Goji Berries
Goji berries are considered a great food for kidney tonification. They can be used as medicine or in cooking. Goji berries are sweet in taste and neutral in nature, and they have effects such as nourishing yin and blood, benefiting essence and improving eyesight, and enhancing people's immunity. Of course, black goji berries are better, as the black color corresponds to the kidney in traditional Chinese medicine. Black goji berries are rich in black fruit pigment—natural proanthocyanidins, which are not found in red goji berries. The most common ways to consume goji berries are in congee, wine infusions, or simply steeped in water. For office workers, steeping them in water is the most convenient method. Chewing them directly is even better, but it should be done in moderation daily, as excessive consumption can easily lead to "internal heat" (a concept in TCM). The specific amount should be determined based on your own constitution.
2. Fo-ti (He Shou Wu)
There is raw Fo-ti and processed Fo-ti. Only processed Fo-ti can benefit essence and blood, darken the hair, strengthen the bones and sinews, and tonify the liver and kidneys. The simplest method is to buy processed Fo-ti tea from a pharmacy. Drinking a few cups daily will gradually darken your hair.
3. Black Soybeans
Black soybeans are also known as black beans. They are a high-protein food. Consuming them daily not only nourishes the body but also helps to darken and add shine to the hair.
4. Black Sesame
In terms of its nature and flavor, it is sweet and neutral. It corresponds to the liver, kidney, and large intestine meridians. It tonifies the liver and kidneys, benefits essence and blood, and moistens the intestines. Black sesame must be roasted before consumption; otherwise, it can easily cause an upset stomach. Black sesame can be added to congee to be cooked or blended into black soybean milk. As for steeping it in water to drink, I personally haven't tried it, but you can give it a try.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts are sweet in taste and warm in nature, and they correspond to the kidney, lung, and large intestine meridians. They can tonify the kidney, secure essence and strengthen the waist, warm the lungs to stop wheezing, and moisten the intestines to relieve constipation. They also nourish the body, strengthen deficiency, and provide nutrition. Walnuts can tonify the kidneys and benefit the brain. The key is that they are delicious. I think eating them directly is the best way. When eating, it's best to keep the thin brown skin on the surface. Consumption should not be excessive each time, as overeating can affect digestion.
Thunderfield soup