Introduction: Qi and blood deficiency is a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both qi and blood are carriers of life, jointly nourishing the body and enabling it to function normally and in harmony. The spring climate is variable, and the human body is prone to blood deficiency, which can disrupt the body's balance and lead to poor circulation of qi and blood. This often results in discomforts such as insomnia and dreams. To address these issues, it is necessary to regularly nourish the blood and calm the mind. So, what foods can help us achieve this? Below are ten recommended foods for nourishing the blood and calming the mind. Let's take a look.
1. Longan
Longans are rich in glucose, sucrose, protein, and have a relatively high iron content. They can increase energy, replenish nutrition, and promote the regeneration of hemoglobin, thereby achieving a blood-nourishing effect. Whether eaten fresh or steeped in wine, they can have the effect of nourishing the blood and calming the mind, and are especially effective in treating neurasthenia. Research has found that in addition to its overall tonic effects on the body, longan is particularly beneficial to brain cells, enhancing memory and eliminating fatigue. However, it should be noted that longan is a "damp-heat" food, and excessive consumption can easily lead to qi stagnation. It should not be consumed when there are symptoms of "heatiness" and inflammation. It is contraindicated for those with internal phlegm-fire, yin-deficiency with blazing fire, or dampness retention.
Longan and Shrimp Balls
2. Jujube (Red Date)
Jujube is sweet in taste and warm in nature, capable of tonifying the middle jiao, replenishing qi, nourishing blood, and promoting the production of body fluids. It is used to treat conditions such as "spleen deficiency, poor appetite, loose stools, and qi and blood deficiency." Regular consumption of jujubes can treat physical weakness, neurasthenia, disharmony between the spleen and stomach, indigestion, fatigue-related cough, anemia, and emaciation. Its function in nourishing the liver and preventing cancer is particularly prominent, hence the saying "eating three jujubes a day keeps you from looking old even at a hundred." Modern pharmacology has discovered that jujubes are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, organic acids, vitamins A and C, various trace elements, calcium, and amino acids. Moreover, jujubes contain substances that combat fatigue, enhancing human endurance. Drinking jujube water regularly can be beneficial for women who suffer from anemia caused by excessive menstrual flow, improving symptoms like a pale complexion and cold hands and feet.
Jujube and Brown Sugar Osmanthus Cake
3. Grape
Grapes are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, grapes are most often regarded as a food for nourishing and activating blood. An ancient text says: "Greatly replenishes qi and blood, relaxes muscles and invigorates collaterals; effective when taken as wine." Grapes contain melatonin, a substance that aids sleep. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and is closely related to sleep. It helps regulate the sleep cycle, improving abnormal sleep patterns. Modern medicine indicates that grapes contain minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron, as well as various B vitamins (B1, B2, B6), vitamin C, vitamin P, and many amino acids essential to the human body. Regular consumption of grapes is greatly beneficial for neurasthenia and excessive fatigue.
Avocado and Raisin Cake
4. Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui)
Angelica Sinensis is sweet and heavy in nature, making it a specialist for blood nourishment and the foremost medicine for this purpose. It is indicated for symptoms caused by heart and liver blood deficiency, such as a pale or sallow complexion, listlessness and fatigue, pale and colorless lips and nails, dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, and insomnia. When combined with prepared Rehmannia root, white peony root, and Ligusticum wallichii, it forms the "Si Wu Tang" (Four-Substance Decoction), a representative formula for regulating menstruation and nourishing blood, and is especially suitable for treating postpartum blood deficiency. Furthermore, Angelica Sinensis has a certain protective effect on the kidneys. It can improve the glomerular filtration function and renal tubular reabsorption function in rabbits after renal ischemia, reduce kidney damage, and promote the recovery of renal tubular lesions.
Angelica Sinensis, Yam, and Lamb Soup
5. Goji Berry (Wolfberry)
Goji berries are rich in essential nutrients for healthy eyes, such as carotene, vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. They are therefore excellent for improving vision, hence the common name "bright-eye fruit." It is a traditional, precious medicinal herb and nutritional tonic. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that goji berries have the effects of nourishing the kidneys and essence, nourishing the liver and improving vision, nourishing blood and calming the mind, promoting the production of body fluids to quench thirst, and moistening the lungs to stop cough. Many studies have proven that goji berry pigments can enhance human immune function, prevent and inhibit tumors, and prevent atherosclerosis. Carotene is the main active component of goji berry pigment, possessing important physiological functions such as antioxidant activity and serving as a precursor for vitamin A synthesis.
Goji Berry Black Rice