In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the health of the liver and kidneys is closely related to the condition of one’s hair. The liver governs blood storage, while the kidneys store essence; both collaborate to nourish the hair. Consequently, poor liver and kidney function may lead to issues like dryness, split ends, and hair loss. By adjusting liver and kidney health, not only can their functions be enhanced, but hair condition can also be improved. Here, we will discuss three recipes provided by an experienced TCM doctor on how to nourish the liver and kidneys and care for the hair.
I. Reasons for Liver and Kidney Deficiency:
Liver and kidney deficiency can stem from various causes, including irregular diet, excessive fatigue, and emotional imbalance. These factors can result in diminished liver and kidney functions, leading to symptoms such as premature graying, hair loss, blurred vision, and weakness in the lower back and knees.
II. The Significance of Regulating Liver and Kidneys:
The liver and kidneys play crucial roles as detoxification and metabolism organs, collectively maintaining normal physiological functions. Dysfunction in these organs can lead to toxin accumulation and metabolic disorders, causing various illnesses. Therefore, maintaining the health of the liver and kidneys is paramount for overall well-being.
III. Three Recipes Recommended by the TCM Doctor:
1. Dietary Recipe for Nourishing Liver and Kidneys:
Ingredients: Goji berries, chrysanthemum flowers, red dates, longan, polygonum multiflorum (he shou wu), black sesame seeds, walnut kernels, honey.
Instructions: After washing goji berries, chrysanthemum flowers, red dates, longan, polygonum multiflorum, black sesame seeds, and walnut kernels, place them in a stew pot. Add an appropriate amount of water and stew for 1 hour. Finally, add honey to taste.
Benefits: This recipe nourishes the liver and kidneys, promotes visual acuity, and benefits hair health. Goji berries and chrysanthemum flowers have detoxifying and vision-enhancing properties. Red dates and longan nourish blood and soothe the mind, while polygonum multiflorum, black sesame seeds, and walnut kernels nourish the liver and kidneys, promoting hair health.
2. Massage Technique for Liver and Kidney Care:
Liver Massage: Located in the upper right abdomen, below the ribcage. Use the base of the palm for a 2-3 minute massage, ensuring comfort.
Kidney Massage: Located on both sides of the lower back. Use the base of the palm for a 2-3 minute massage, ensuring comfort.
Taichong Acupoint Massage: Located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression before the joint of the first and second metatarsal bones. Use the thumb pad for a 2-3 minute massage, ensuring a tingling sensation.
Benefits: Through these massages, liver and kidney functions can be regulated, blood circulation can be enhanced, and immunity can be improved.
3. TCM Hair Care Recipe:
Herbal Shampoo: Select herbs such as polygonum multiflorum, mulberry fruit, goji berries, and chrysanthemum, known for their hair-nourishing properties. Boil and use the decoction for washing hair.
Hair Growth Tonic: Herbs like goji berries, chrysanthemum, dong quai, white peony, prepared rehmannia, ligusticum, codonopsis, poria, astragalus, and alisma are water decocted for daily consumption.
Dietary Hair Nourishment: Consume foods rich in protein, vitamins, and trace elements, such as fish, meat, nuts, black sesame seeds, and walnuts, to provide essential nutrients for hair.
IV. Precautions:
- Maintain a Light Diet: During the liver and kidney regulation process, opt for a light diet and avoid the intake of greasy or spicy foods. Ensure an ample intake of water to facilitate metabolism.
- Engage in Moderate Exercise: Suitable exercise promotes blood circulation and body metabolism, contributing to liver and kidney health. Suggested activities include walking, tai chi, and jogging.
- Maintain a Positive Mood: Emotional well-being significantly affects liver and kidney health. Keeping a positive mood alleviates liver stress and is beneficial for overall health. Activities like communication, reading, and listening to music can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Everyone’s body condition and needs are unique, so when using the above recipes, adjustments in dosage and usage methods should be made according to individual circumstances. If symptoms are severe or persist for an extended period, seeking professional medical help and advice is recommended. Wishing everyone a healthier and more enjoyable life!