30 recipes to nourish the kidneys and strengthen muscles and bones (suitable for those with weak muscles and bones, and weak lower back and knees)

Understanding the relationship between the kidneys and tendons and bones

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, "the kidneys govern the bones and produce marrow," and "the liver governs the tendons and stores blood." The abundance or deficiency of kidney essence directly affects the strength, growth, and repair of bones; while the nourishment of liver blood affects the flexibility and range of motion of tendons and ligaments. The liver and kidneys share a common origin, and essence and blood mutually generate each other. Therefore, problems with tendons and bones often stem from deficiencies in the liver and kidneys.

What is meant by liver and kidney deficiency and malnourishment of tendons and bones?
When the liver and kidneys are deficient in essence and blood, and cannot adequately nourish the muscles and bones, a series of degenerative diseases and functional decline will occur.

Common symptoms include:

• waistSymptoms include: soreness and weakness in the lower back, or a persistent, dull pain that worsens with exertion and is relieved by rest.
• lapSymptoms include: weak and sore knees, difficulty climbing stairs, and sensitivity to cold and wind.
• skeletonOsteoporosis, fragile bones, and loose teeth.
• MeridiansSymptoms include numbness in the limbs, difficulty in flexing and extending joints, cramps, and unsteady gait.
• Overall performanceDizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, excessive dreaming, premature graying of hair.
• Tongue appearance and pulse appearanceThe tongue is pale red or reddish with little coating; the pulse is deep, thready, and weak.

Important Reminder:

1. Differentiation of syndromes and treatmentThe dietary therapy methods described in this article are mainly for musculoskeletal problems caused by "liver and kidney deficiency". For those caused by rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, or other conditions, a separate diagnosis is required.
2. Treating both symptoms and root causesThe treatment focuses on "tonifying the liver and kidneys" as the fundamental approach and "strengthening muscles and bones" as the symptomatic treatment.
3. The key is persistenceThe aging and wear and tear of muscles and bones is a long-term process, and its repair is not something that can be done overnight. It requires long-term adherence to a combination of diet therapy and exercise.
4. Combination of movement and stillnessModerate functional exercises (such as...)Tai Chi,BaduanjinIt can promote blood circulation, prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, and complement dietary supplements.

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The following will be divided into four categories: "Soups", "Porridges", "Medicinal Dishes", and "Wine and Tea Drinks".

I. Soup Recipes

Soup can deeply extract the essence of ingredients and medicinal herbs, and is especially suitable for using animal bones and tendons to "replenish like with like".

1. Eucommia ulmoides, Achyranthes bidentata, and pork kidney soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • EucommiaIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is especially effective for kidney deficiency and lower back pain, and can promote the repair of bones and soft tissues.
  • Achyranthes bidentataIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens muscles and bones, invigorates blood circulation, promotes menstruation, and relieves urinary tract infections. Its downward-moving nature makes it particularly effective in treating weakness and soreness in the muscles and bones below the waist and knees.
  • Pork kidneyIt is said that using the principle of "like cures like" can replenish kidney qi and benefit essence.
  • Red dates, gingerIt harmonizes the properties of other medicines and strengthens the spleen and stomach.
• practice:
  1. Cut the pork kidneys in half, remove the white membrane inside, score them, and marinate them with cooking wine and ginger slices to remove any unpleasant smell.
  2. Wash the Eucommia ulmoides and Achyranthes bidentata.
  3. First, put Eucommia ulmoides, Achyranthes bidentata, ginger, and red dates into a pot and boil for 40 minutes, then extract the medicinal juice.
  4. Reboil the medicinal broth, add the pork kidney slices, cook until done, season, and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and strengthens the lower back, fortifying muscles and bones. It is specifically used to treat kidney deficiency, lower back pain, and weakness in the knees and legs.

2. Mistletoe, Egg, and Red Date Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • MulberryIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens muscles and bones, dispels wind and dampness, and stabilizes the fetus. It is especially good at dispelling wind and dampness without causing dryness, and nourishing blood and essence while relaxing muscles and promoting blood circulation.
  • eggIt nourishes Yin and moistens dryness, and nourishes blood.
  • red datesIt replenishes the middle energizer and invigorates qi, nourishes blood and calms the mind.
• practice:
  1. Wash the mulberry mistletoe and wrap it in a gauze bag. Remove the pits from the red dates.
  2. Put the medicine packet, red dates, and eggs in their shells into a pot, add water, and boil.
  3. After the eggs are cooked, remove them from the water, peel them, poke a few small holes in them with a toothpick to help them absorb the flavor, and then put them back into the soup to continue cooking for 30-40 minutes.
  4. Drink the soup and eat the eggs; you can add brown sugar for flavor.
• effectIt nourishes blood and dispels wind, tonifies the liver and kidneys, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is suitable for those suffering from rheumatic pain, weakness of muscles and bones, and blood deficiency.

3. Chicken Feet Soup with Deer Tendon and Peanuts

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Deer tendonIt tonifies kidney yang and strengthens muscles and bones. It is a precious tonic for strengthening muscles and bones, and is beneficial for strain and rheumatism.
  • peanutIt strengthens the spleen and stomach, moistens the lungs and resolves phlegm. It is rich in nutrients.
  • Chicken feetRich in collagen, it can strengthen muscles and bones and moisturize joints.
  • Dried tangerine peelIt regulates Qi and strengthens the spleen, dries dampness and resolves phlegm, and prevents greasiness.
• practice:
  1. Soak the deer tendons in advance, wash them, and cut them into sections. Wash the chicken feet, trim the toenails, and blanch them.
  2. Place all ingredients (deer tendon, chicken feet, peanuts, dried tangerine peel, red dates, ginger slices) into a soup pot.
  3. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 3-4 hours until the deer tendons are tender and soft. Season with salt.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, as well as muscles and bones. It is suitable for those with weak muscles and bones, rheumatic joint pain, and strain.

4. Morinda officinalis and Eucommia ulmoides pork bone soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Morinda officinalisIt tonifies kidney yang, strengthens tendons and bones, and dispels wind and dampness. It is mild in nature, neither drying nor greasy.
  • EucommiaIt nourishes the liver and kidneys and strengthens muscles and bones.
  • pig tailbone or pig spineIt uses the principle of "like cures like," replenishes essence and marrow, and strengthens bones.
• practice:
  1. Chop the pork bones into pieces, blanch them, and then wash them clean.
  2. Wash the Morinda officinalis and Eucommia ulmoides.
  3. Place all ingredients in a pot, add water, ginger, and cooking wine, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 2.5-3 hours.
  4. Season with salt.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, fortifying muscles and bones. Suitable for those with kidney yang deficiency, lower back and knee pain, and rheumatic pain.

5. Stewed Pig Trotters with Acanthopanax senticosus

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Acanthopanax senticosusIt dispels wind and dampness, nourishes the liver and kidneys, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is an essential medicine for treating rheumatic pain and weakness of muscles and bones.
  • Pig's trottersRich in collagen, it can replenish blood, promote lactation, strengthen the waist and legs, and moisturize the joints.
• practice:
  1. Clean the pig's trotters, chop them into pieces, and blanch them.
  2. Wash the Acanthopanax bark and wrap it in a gauze bag.
  3. Place the pig's trotters, herbal packet, and ginger slices into a stewing pot, and add water.
  4. Double-boil for 2.5 to 3 hours until the pig's trotters are tender. Remove the herb packet and season with salt.
• effectIt dispels wind and dampness, strengthens muscles and bones, and nourishes the liver and kidneys. It is suitable for those suffering from chronic rheumatism and weakness of muscles and bones.

6. Seahorse and pork bone soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • HaimaIt warms the kidneys and strengthens yang, disperses nodules and reduces swelling. It has the effects of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, and relaxing muscles and tendons.
  • Pork spine (backbone): Strong bones.
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
• practice:
  1. Wash a pair of seahorses. Chop the keel into pieces and blanch it.
  2. Place the seahorse, pork bones, goji berries, and ginger slices into a stewing pot.
  3. Add water, steam for 3 hours, then add salt to taste.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, as well as muscles and bones. It is suitable for those with kidney yang deficiency, lower back and knee weakness, impotence, and seminal emission.

7. Astragalus and Angelica Sea Bass Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Huang QiIt replenishes Qi and raises Yang, strengthens the defensive Qi and consolidates the exterior. Sufficient Qi can promote blood circulation and nourish the muscles and bones.
  • Angelica sinensisIt nourishes and invigorates the blood, regulates menstruation, and relieves pain. Sufficient blood nourishes the tendons and veins.
  • sea bassIt benefits the spleen and stomach, nourishes the liver and kidneys, and helps stabilize pregnancy. It is rich in high-quality protein and easily absorbed.
• practice:
  1. Clean the sea bass and pan-fry it until lightly browned on both sides.
  2. Wash the astragalus and angelica.
  3. Add enough boiling water, astragalus root, angelica root, and ginger slices to the pot.
  4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the pan-fried sea bass and simmer for another 15 minutes. Season with salt.
• effectIt invigorates qi and blood, and nourishes the liver and kidneys. It is suitable for those with qi and blood deficiency, liver and kidney insufficiency, resulting in weakness of muscles and bones and slow wound healing.

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II. Congee Section

Porridge is mild and easy to digest, and it can continuously nourish muscles and bones, making it suitable for long-term consumption by the elderly and those with weak constitutions.

8. Eucommia and Walnut Porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • EucommiaIt nourishes the liver and kidneys and strengthens muscles and bones.
  • WalnutsIt nourishes the kidneys and warms the lungs, strengthens muscles and bones, and has brain-boosting effects.
• practice:
  1. Boil Eucommia ulmoides in water, remove the dregs and keep the juice.
  2. Cook this medicinal juice with japonica rice and crushed walnut kernels into porridge.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and strengthens the lower back, fortifying muscles and bones. Suitable for those with kidney deficiency, lower back pain, and weakness in the legs and feet.

9. Yam and Goji Berry Porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • yamIt nourishes the spleen, lungs, and kidneys, and strengthens the kidneys and replenishes essence. Strengthening the spleen aids absorption, while strengthening the kidneys fortifies muscles and bones.
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and benefits the essence and improves eyesight.
• practice:
  1. Peel and cut the yam into chunks (or use dried yam slices).
  2. Wash the rice and cook it with the yam into porridge.
  3. Add goji berries 5 minutes before the porridge is cooked.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and replenishes yin and blood. It gently nourishes the liver and kidneys, making it suitable for daily health maintenance.

10. Chestnut porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • chestnutIt nourishes the stomach and spleen, and strengthens the kidneys and muscles. Known as the "fruit of the kidneys," it is especially effective for those with weak lower back and legs.
• practice:
  1. Peel and shell the chestnuts, and wash the rice.
  2. Put chestnuts and rice into a pot together, add water and cook into porridge.
  3. You can add an appropriate amount of brown sugar or white sugar for flavoring.
• effectThis porridge nourishes the kidneys and strengthens the lower back, as well as invigorate the spleen and stomach. It's the simplest way to strengthen muscles and bones.

11. Black Bean and Job's Tears Porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Black beansIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes yin, strengthens the spleen and promotes diuresis, and dispels wind and detoxifies. Black is associated with the kidneys.
  • Job's tearsIt strengthens the spleen and eliminates dampness, relieves numbness and stops diarrhea, clears heat and drains pus. It can remove dampness from the joints and promote the movement of muscles and bones.
• practice:
  1. Soak black beans and Job's tears in advance.
  2. Cook black beans, Job's tears, and japonica rice together into porridge.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys, removes dampness, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is suitable for those with kidney deficiency accompanied by dampness, resulting in heavy muscles and bones and stiff joints.

12. Achyranthes bidentata and Loranthus parasiticus porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Achyranthes bidentataIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens muscles and bones, and has a downward-moving nature.
  • MulberryIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens muscles and bones, and dispels wind and dampness.
• practice:
  1. Boil Achyranthes bidentata and Taxillus chinensis in water, remove the dregs and keep the juice.
  2. Cook this medicinal juice with rice to make porridge.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, dispels wind and dampness, and strengthens the lower back and knees. It is specifically used to treat rheumatic pain, lower back and knee weakness.

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III. Medicinal Cuisine

Incorporating ingredients that strengthen bones and muscles into everyday dishes allows you to enjoy both deliciousness and health benefits.

13. Steamed sea bass with goji berries

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
  • sea bassIt benefits the spleen and stomach, and nourishes the liver and kidneys.
• practice:
  1. Clean the sea bass thoroughly, make a few cuts on both sides of the fish, and marinate it with salt and cooking wine.
  2. Place shredded ginger and scallion segments on the fish plate, put the sea bass on top, and sprinkle with goji berries.
  3. Place in a steamer and steam over high heat for 8-10 minutes until cooked.
  4. Remove from the heat, drizzle with steamed fish soy sauce, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and then drizzle with hot oil.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and strengthens muscles and bones. It has a delicious taste and is easy to digest.

14. Stir-fried walnuts and chives

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • WalnutsIt can nourish the kidneys and strengthen the lower back.
  • Chinese chivesIt warms the middle burner, promotes qi circulation, tonifies the kidneys, and strengthens yang. It is known as the "yang-raising herb".
• practice:
  1. Fry (or roast) the walnuts in warm oil over low heat until fragrant, then remove and drain.
  2. Wash and cut the chives into sections.
  3. Leave some oil in the pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add chives and stir-fry quickly over high heat.
  4. When the mixture is almost cooked, add the walnuts, stir-fry quickly, and season with salt.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, and improves the lower back and knees. It is suitable for those with kidney yang deficiency and cold pain in the lower back and knees.

15. Braised Beef Brisket with Astragalus

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Huang Qi: To replenish Qi and raise Yang.
  • SirloinIt nourishes the spleen and stomach, replenishes qi and blood, and strengthens muscles and bones. Beef itself has the effect of replenishing qi and strengthening muscles and bones.
• practice:
  1. Cut the beef brisket into chunks and blanch it.
  2. Heat oil in a wok, sauté ginger slices, scallion segments, and star anise until fragrant, then add beef brisket and stir-fry, adding cooking wine.
  3. Add soy sauce, sugar, enough water, and astragalus root (wrapped in a gauze bag).
  4. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the beef brisket is tender. Remove the herb packet, reduce the sauce, and season.
• effectIt invigorates qi and blood, strengthens muscles and bones. Suitable for those with weak qi and blood, and sore and weak muscles and bones.

16. Stir-fried pork kidney with Eucommia ulmoides (Review, a representative dish for strengthening the waist)

• effectThis formula tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the lower back. To reiterate, this is a classic medicinal diet for treating kidney deficiency and lower back pain.

17. Steamed Egg with Dried Shrimp

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Dried shrimpIt nourishes the kidneys and strengthens virility, and is a good source of calcium. Rich in calcium, it is beneficial for bones.
  • eggIt nourishes Yin and moistens dryness, and nourishes blood.
• practice:
  1. Beat the eggs, add 1.5 times the amount of warm water and a small amount of salt, and stir well.
  2. Add the washed dried shrimp and stir well.
  3. Strain the egg mixture into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and poke a few holes with a toothpick.
  4. Place in a steamer, and steam over medium heat for 10-12 minutes after the water boils until set. Drizzle with sesame oil and light soy sauce before serving.
• effectThis recipe is for kidney tonification and aphrodisiac purposes, and also helps replenish calcium. It's simple to make and suitable for daily calcium supplementation and bone strengthening.

18. Stewed Pig Tail with Dipsacus Root

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • IntermittentIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens tendons and bones, and helps heal fractures. As the name suggests, it can help heal broken bones and tendons, and is beneficial during the recovery period of fractures and tendon injuries.
  • pig tailUse the shape to supplement the shape, and strengthen the waist and spine.
• practice:
  1. Wash the pig tails, cut them into sections, and blanch them.
  2. Wash the Dipsacus asper thoroughly.
  3. Place the pig tail, teasel root, and ginger slices into a stewing pot, and add water.
  4. Double-boil for 2.5 hours, then add salt to taste.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens muscles and tendons, and promotes bone healing. It is suitable for those recovering from fractures and those with chronic lower back pain.

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IV. Wine and Tea Drinks

Medicated wines can enhance the efficacy of medicines through the power of alcohol, while teas are convenient for daily conditioning.

19. Eucommia and Achyranthes Wine

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Eucommia,Achyranthes bidentataIt nourishes the liver and kidneys and strengthens muscles and bones.
  • LiquorIt promotes blood circulation and unblocks the meridians, thus aiding in the efficacy of the medicine.
• practice:
  1. Wash the Eucommia ulmoides (stir-fry until slightly charred) and Achyranthes bidentata, and put them into a glass jar.
  2. Pour in high-proof liquor (about 50 degrees or higher), enough to completely cover the medicinal herbs.
  3. Seal and store in a cool, dark place. It can be consumed after soaking for at least one month.
  4. One small cup (about 10-20 ml) daily.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens muscles and bones, and dispels wind and dampness. It is suitable for rheumatic pain and soreness of muscles and bones.(Not suitable for people with alcohol allergies, high blood pressure, or liver disease.)

20. Goji Berry, Chrysanthemum, and Cassia Seed Tea

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
  • chrysanthemumIt dispels wind and clears heat, calms the liver and improves eyesight.
  • Cassia seedsIt clears the liver and improves eyesight, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation. The liver opens into the eyes; when liver blood is sufficient, the eyes are bright, and the muscles and bones are nourished.
• practice:
  1. Place goji berries, chrysanthemum, and crushed cassia seeds into a teapot.
  2. Steep in boiling water for 10 minutes before drinking.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, clears the liver and improves eyesight. It is suitable for those with liver and kidney yin deficiency, dry eyes and dizziness, and weak muscles and bones.

21. Mulberry and Goji Berry Tea

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Mulberries(Dry)It nourishes yin and blood, and promotes the production of body fluids and moistens dryness.
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
• practice:
  1. Place the dried mulberries and goji berries into the cup.
  2. Pour in boiling water and steep for 5-10 minutes.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and replenishes yin and blood. It is suitable for those with insufficient yin and blood in the liver and kidneys.

22. Bone-Drynaria Tea

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Drynaria fortuneiIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens bones, promotes blood circulation and heals injuries. It is effective for kidney deficiency, lower back pain, tinnitus, and fractures and muscle injuries.
• practice:
  1. Crush the Drynaria fortunei, add water and simmer for 15 minutes, then drink it as a tea substitute.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and strengthens bones, promotes blood circulation and relieves pain. It is suitable for kidney deficiency causing lower back pain, heel pain, and sprains.

23. Millennium Health Wine

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Millennium HealthIt dispels wind and dampness, strengthens muscles and bones, and relieves pain and swelling. It is especially effective in treating lower limb contractures, numbness, and weakness of muscles and bones.
• practice:
  1. Wash the *Hypericum perforatum* clean, put it in a glass jar, and pour in white wine to soak it.
  2. Seal and drink after one month, one small cup daily.
• effectIt dispels wind and dampness, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is specifically used to treat rheumatic pain and weakness of muscles and bones.(Same as above, please note the contraindications to alcohol.)

24. Astragalus and Acanthopanax bark tea

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Huang Qi: To replenish Qi and raise Yang.
  • Acanthopanax senticosusIt dispels wind and dampness, nourishes the liver and kidneys, and strengthens muscles and bones.
• practice:
  1. Slice the astragalus root and ginseng bark, and put them into a thermos.
  2. Steep in boiling water for 15 minutes before drinking.
• effectIt invigorates qi and strengthens the spleen, tonifies the kidneys and eliminates dampness, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is suitable for those with qi deficiency and dampness obstruction, and those with weak muscles and bones.

25. Ox-dung, Smilax glabra, and pork bone soup (for removing dampness and strengthening muscles)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Niu DaliIt nourishes the lungs, strengthens muscles and tendons, and promotes blood circulation.
  • Smilax glabraIt detoxifies, removes dampness, and benefits the joints.
• practice:
  1. Blanch the pork bones. Wash and slice the *Niu Da Li* (牛大力) and *Tu Fu Ling* (土茯苓).
  2. Place all ingredients in a soup pot, add water and simmer for 2-3 hours, then add salt to taste.
• effectIt dispels dampness, benefits the joints, strengthens muscles and tendons. Suitable for damp-heat arthralgia and muscle and bone discomfort.

26. Turtle and Deer Two Immortals Gluten Soup (Simplified version of dietary therapy, replenishes essence and marrow)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Tortoise shell glue, deer antler glueIt nourishes Yin and Yang, replenishes essence and marrow, and strengthens muscles and bones.
  • Ginseng and wolfberryIt benefits qi and nourishes blood.
• practice:
  1. Take appropriate amounts of tortoise shell glue and deer antler glue, and melt them with rice wine.
  2. When simmering soup with ginseng and goji berries (such as black chicken soup), pour in the melted gelatinous liquid before the soup is ready and stir well.
• effectIt greatly replenishes vital energy, nourishes essence and marrow, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is suitable for severe deficiency of essence and blood, and weakness of muscles and bones.(It is recommended to use under the guidance of a physician.)

27. Cuscuta Seed Porridge (Nourishes the Liver and Kidneys)

Ingredient Analysis:

• dodder: The main ingredient in this formula is neutral in nature and has a pungent and sweet taste. It primarily enters the liver, kidney, and spleen meridians. Its core function is...It nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens essence and reduces urination, improves eyesight, and stops diarrhea.It is mild in nature, and can nourish both yang and yin, making it a good medicine for gently tonifying the liver and kidneys.
• Japonica rice: This refers to the rice we commonly eat. It is neutral in nature and sweet in taste. It enters the spleen, stomach, and lung meridians. Its main functions are...It replenishes the middle energizer and boosts qi, strengthens the spleen and stomach, and nourishes yin and moistens the lungs.As a base in the formula, it can nourish the acquired constitution (spleen and stomach) to aid in the absorption of the medicine, and also moderate the medicinal properties and protect the stomach qi.

practice:

1. Wash the dodder seeds and crush them (or use dodder seed powder), put them in a pot, and add an appropriate amount of water.
2. Simmer for about 30 minutes, then strain and extract the juice.
3. Put the medicinal liquid and the rinsed rice into a pot together.
4. Add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat until the porridge becomes a thick paste.
5. You can add a small amount of white sugar or brown sugar to taste.

effect:

• Core benefits: Tonify the liver and kidneysIt is suitable for symptoms such as lower back and knee pain, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, seminal emission, and frequent urination at night caused by liver and kidney deficiency.
• Secondary effects: Because dodder seed has the effect of stopping diarrhea, this porridge also has an auxiliary therapeutic effect on chronic diarrhea caused by spleen and kidney deficiency.
• Features: It has a mild medicinal property, neither warming nor drying, and is suitable for people who need long-term, slow conditioning of liver and kidney function, especially middle-aged and elderly people.

28. Angelica and Ginger Lamb Soup (Nourishes Qi and Blood)

Ingredient Analysis:

• Angelica sinensis: One of the main ingredients in this formula. It is warm in nature and sweet and pungent in taste. It enters the liver, heart, and spleen meridians. It is hailed as a "holy medicine for blood," and its core efficacy is...It nourishes blood, promotes blood circulation, regulates menstruation, relieves pain, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation..
• Ginger: It is slightly warm in nature and pungent in taste. It enters the lung, spleen, and stomach meridians. Its functions are...Relieves exterior symptoms and dispels cold; warms the middle jiao and stops vomiting; warms the lungs and stops coughing.This formula can enhance the warming and nourishing properties of mutton, remove its gamey smell, and prevent it from being too greasy and upset the stomach.
• mutton: It is warm in nature and sweet in taste. It enters the spleen and kidney meridians. It is a substance derived from blood and flesh, possessing…It invigorates qi and replenishes deficiency, warms the middle and lower body, and tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang.Its powerful effects make it a high-quality ingredient for replenishing vital energy and nourishing blood.

practice:

1. Wash the mutton, cut it into pieces, and blanch it in boiling water to remove blood and muttony smell.
2. Wash the ginger and slice or crush it.
3. Soak the angelica root briefly in water.
4. Place the prepared mutton, ginger, and angelica root into a clay pot.
5. Add enough water, bring to a boil over high heat, and skim off any foam.
6. Turn to a simmer and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the lamb is tender.
7. Add salt to taste before serving.

effect:

• Core benefits: Nourishing Qi and BloodThis formula is a famous and effective tonifying formula, especially good at...Replenishes blood, dispels cold, and relieves pain.
• Target audience:
  • Those with blood deficiency and cold: Symptoms include pale or sallow complexion, cold hands and feet, and aversion to cold.
  • Postpartum women: It is used for postpartum abdominal pain and lochia retention caused by blood deficiency and blood stasis.
  • Menstrual cramps in women: Delayed menstruation, scanty menstruation, and dysmenorrhea caused by cold uterus.
  • Weak constitution due to overwork: Those who have just recovered from a serious illness or are physically weak, cold-sensitive, or fatigued.

29. Yam and Poria Cocos Buns (Strengthen the spleen and kidneys)

Ingredient Analysis:

• Yam: It is neutral in nature and sweet in taste. It enters the spleen, lung, and kidney meridians. Its functions are...It invigorates Qi and nourishes Yin, strengthens the spleen, lungs and kidneys, and consolidates essence and stops leukorrhea.It nourishes both Qi and Yin, and is neither cold nor hot, making it an excellent tonic for the three jiaos (upper, middle, and lower burners).
• Poria cocos: It is neutral in nature and sweet and bland in taste. It enters the heart, lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. Its functions are...Diuretic and dampness-removing, spleen-strengthening and heart-calmingIt strengthens the spleen by removing dampness, thus restoring normal spleen and stomach function.
• flour: It is cool in nature and sweet in taste. It enters the heart, spleen, and kidney meridians. Its main functions are...Nourishes the heart and kidneys, strengthens the spleen and intestinesAs the outer layer of a steamed bun, it provides carbohydrates and basic nutrients.
• (Speculation about the filling)These types of medicinal buns are usually filled with vegetables or a small amount of meat, and are generally mild in nature.

practice:

1. Mix the yam powder, poria powder and flour evenly.
2. Add an appropriate amount of water and yeast, knead into a smooth dough, and let it rise until it doubles in size.
3. Prepare the filling (you can choose according to your preference, such as mushrooms and greens, carrots and vermicelli, etc., but it is recommended to keep it light).
4. Deflate the risen dough, divide it into small portions, and roll each portion into a wrapper.
5. Wrap the filling inside and shape it into a bun.
6. Place the buns in a steamer and let them rise a second time for about 15 minutes.
7. Steam over high heat for 15-20 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before opening the lid.

effect:

• Core benefits: Strengthens the spleen and kidneys, replenishes qi and eliminates dampness.
• Mechanism of action:
  • yam It directly replenishes the Qi and Yin of the spleen, lungs, and kidneys.
  • Poria It is responsible for removing dampness around the spleen. Only when the dampness is removed can the spleen's digestive function be restored. This is known as "strengthening the spleen and removing dampness".
• Target audience:
  • Those with weak spleen qi experience symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, loose stools, and weakness in the limbs.
  • Those with spleen deficiency and dampness: fatigue, thick and greasy tongue coating, and edema.
  • Those with kidney deficiency may experience mild symptoms such as lower back pain and frequent urination at night.
  • Suitable as a daily health-preserving medicinal diet, it tastes delicious and is suitable for all ages.

30. Self-massage and guided exercises (not dietary therapy, but crucial)

• method:
  1. Massage the Shenshu acupointRub your hands together to warm them, then place them on your lower back (Shenshu acupoint) and rub up and down until they feel warm.
  2. Tapping the gallbladder meridianGently pat along the trouser seam (outer thigh) from top to bottom to promote blood circulation.
  3. Practice the "Hands Grasping Feet to Strengthen Kidneys and Waist" exercise from the Eight Pieces of Brocade.This movement can fully stretch the waist and spine, strengthen muscles and bones, and invigorate the kidneys and waist.
• effectIt promotes the flow of qi and blood, guides the medicinal effects, and actively strengthens the function of muscles and bones. When combined with dietary therapy, its effects are multiplied.

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Conclusion: Cultivating both inner and outer qualities, with emphasis on nourishment and movement.

Building strong muscles and bones is not something that can be achieved overnight, nor can it be accomplished by a single method. It requires:

• Nourish its essenceThrough dietary therapy, one can nourish the liver and kidneys, replenish their essence and blood, and provide sufficient material foundation for the muscles and bones.
• External channelsModerate exercise and massage can promote blood circulation, prevent meridian blockage, and allow nutrients to reach the affected area.
• Rhythmic LifeAvoid excessive lifting and fatigue to prevent excessive wear and tear on muscles and bones. Ensure sufficient sleep and adapt to the changing seasons.

Further reading:

• 30 Simple and Easy-to-Make Kidney-Nourishing Soup Recipes (Suitable for Daily Health Maintenance)
• 30 Kidney-Nourishing and Aphrodisiac Recipes (Suitable for Those with Kidney Yang Deficiency)
• 50 recipes for kidney-tonifying and aphrodisiac soups from "Compendium of Materia Medica" and "Jisheng Fang"
• Did excessive use of kidney-tonifying and aphrodisiac supplements cause internal heat and insomnia?