herbs-lecture 2 dekc2

deck 2-Food Therapy for Xue (Blood) Deficiency

What is the core characteristic of a Blood (Xue) Deficiency constitution?

Blood Deficiency is usually due to loss of blood or insufficient generation of blood.

What are the general manifestations of Blood Deficiency?

• Pale complexion

• Palpitations

• Insomnia

• Numbness of the extremities

• Dizziness/vertigo

• Scanty, pale menstruation

• Pale nails

• Tongue: Pale

• Pulse: Weak

What are the manifestations of Heart Blood Deficiency?

• Palpitations

• Dizziness

• Forgetfulness

• Pale complexion

• Pale tongue

• Thin pulse

What are the manifestations of Liver Blood Deficiency?

• Pale complexion

• Dizziness

• Numbness of the extremities

• Pale nails

• Vision loss

• Scanty, pale menstruation

• Headache

• Delayed menstruation

• Insomnia

• Dream-disturbed sleep

• Wiry, thin pulse 

What are the treatment principles for Blood Deficiency?

• Eat foods rich in iron and high-quality protein

• Support Spleen function

• Tonify Qi at the same time

• Avoid cold and raw foods

Which foods are recommended to nourish Blood?

Examples include:

• Lamb liver

• Pig liver

• Ox liver

• Pig heart

• Chicken

• Black-bone chicken

• Goji berries

• Mulberries

• Chinese dates

• Dang Gui

• E Jiao

• Brown sugar

• Carrots

• Pork marrow bones 

Which foods are recommended for their high protein content in Blood Deficiency?

Examples include:

• Animal liver

• Black fungus

• Kelp

• Shrimp

• Pumpkin seeds

• Sesame paste

• Laver

• Soybeans

• Black beans

• Ox kidney

• Spinach

• Celery

• Tomatoes

• Animal blood

Which foods are recommended because they are high in iron?

• Dried sea shrimp

• Cuttlefish

• Belt fish

• Milk

• Eggs

• Ox liver

• Pig liver

• Beef

• Beans

What recipes are recommended for Blood Deficiency?

• Dang Gui & Pork Bone Soup

• Bu Xue Fan (Nourish Blood Rice)

• Nuo Mi E Jiao Zhou (Sticky Rice & E Jiao Congee)

• Mu Er Zhou (Black Fungus Congee)

Case: A woman has a pale face, dizziness, dry skin, and light menstruation. What is the diagnosis?

Blood Deficiency.

Case: A patient has insomnia, anxiety, dry eyes, and hair loss. Which deficiency is most likely?

Heart Blood Deficiency

Case: A woman has hair thinning, brittle nails, dry skin, and fatigue after her period. Which food is most appropriate?

Black beans and goji berries.