30 Kidney-Nourishing and Essence-Boosting Recipes (Suitable for Those with Kidney Essence Deficiency)

existTraditional Chinese MedicineIn theory, "kidney"RefinedKidney essence is the most fundamental and subtle material basis for the human body and the maintenance of life activities. It originates from the innate, is inherited from parents, and depends on the continuous nourishment from the essence of food and water acquired later in life. Kidney essence governs the processes of human growth, development, reproduction, and aging, and can be said to be the "driving force" of life.

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What is meant by kidney essence deficiency?

When one's innate endowment is insufficient, or one's acquired depletion is excessive (such as overwork),Sexual activityWhen excessive indulgence in certain practices or prolonged illness leads to a deficiency of kidney essence, rendering it unable to fully perform its physiological functions, this is known as "kidney essence insufficiency." This is a more fundamental and profound form of deficiency than kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency.

Common symptoms include:

• Developmental delayChildren may exhibit symptoms such as short stature, intellectual disability, and weak bones (e.g., delayed closure of the fontanelle, delayed teething, and delayed walking).
• Premature agingPremature graying of hair, hair loss, loose teeth, osteoporosis, sharp decline in memory, slow reaction, deafness and tinnitus, and weakness in the lower back and knees are common symptoms in adults.
• Decreased reproductive functionMale infertility due to low sperm countErectile dysfunctionWomen with scanty menstruation, amenorrhea, or infertility.
• Declining physical functionThe patient is thin, dull-witted, slow-moving, and has fragile bones.
• Tongue appearance and pulse appearanceThe tongue is pale with little coating; the pulse is deep, thready, and weak.

Important Reminder:

1. Differentiation of syndromes and treatmentThis article's dietary therapy recipes are primarily for those with "kidney essence deficiency." Kidney essence deficiency is the foundation of kidney weakness and may occur alone or in conjunction with kidney yin deficiency or kidney yang deficiency. If you are unsure of your constitution, please consult a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
2. The key to successful essence replenishment lies in its long-term effects.Replenishing kidney essence is a process of "replenishing," and its effects are relatively slow and require long-term persistence; it cannot be achieved overnight.
3. Tonify both spleen and kidneyKidney essence needs to be nourished by the essence of food and water transformed by the spleen and stomach. Therefore, while replenishing kidney essence, it is essential to take care of the spleen and stomach function.
4. Cost reduction as the priorityWhile "increasing income" (nutritional supplements) is important, it is even more important to "reduce expenditure," that is, to avoid excessive depletion. This includes moderating sexual activity, avoiding staying up late, and preventing excessive mental and physical exertion.

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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, what is kidney tonification?

"Kidney tonification" is a very core and important concept, but its meaning is far broader and deeper than the modern medical concept of simply "strengthening the kidney organ".

Simply put,Kidney tonification refers to nourishing and strengthening the body's "kidney" system through various methods to maintain or restore its normal function, thereby achieving the goals of strengthening the body, delaying aging, and preventing and treating diseases.

Common signs of kidney deficiency:

• Soreness or pain in the lower back and knees (the lower back is the residence of the kidneys)
• Premature graying and hair loss
• Memory loss, poor concentration
• Loose teeth
• Hearing loss, tinnitus
• Decreased sexual function, infertility
• Feeling cold and having cold limbs (kidney yang deficiency) or hot palms and soles, night sweats (kidney yin deficiency)
• Frequent urination at night
• Feeling listless and easily fatigued

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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, what is meant by "benefiting essence"?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, "benefiting essence" is a core concept for health preservation and treatment, with a far broader and deeper meaning than the modern medical concept of "sperm." It refers to...Various methods are used to replenish, nourish, and enrich the body's fundamental substance – "essence"..

To understand "benefiting essence", one must first understand what "essence" is in traditional Chinese medicine.

What is "essence"?

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "essence" is essential for the formation of the human body and the maintenance of life activities.Most basic matterIt is the source of life. It has the following characteristics:

1. Innate essenceOriginating from parents and inherited from birth, it is the primordial substance that constitutes the embryo and determines a person's basic physical constitution, development, and reproductive capacity. It is stored in...kidneymiddle.
2. Acquired essenceNutritional essence originates from food and water, is digested and absorbed by the spleen and stomach, and is the general term for nutrients necessary to maintain life activities. It is distributed throughout the body, nourishing the five internal organs and six bowels, and partially replenishing the innate essence.
3. The function of essence:
   • ReproductionKidney essence is the foundation of reproductive ability and governs human growth, development, reproduction, and aging.
   • Nourish the bodyEssence can transform into blood, bone marrow, and brain marrow, nourishing all the tissues and organs of the body.
   • Transforming Qi into SpiritEssence can be transformed into "Qi," providing the driving force of life; it can also be transformed into "Shen," which is the material basis for mental and cognitive activities.

Simply put, "essence" is like the human body's...Energy reserves, genetic code, and fuel for lifeIts profits and losses are directly related to a person's health, vitality, and lifespan.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "essence" cannot be generated quickly and is easily depleted. Therefore, "nourishing essence" is not only about "replenishing" but, more importantly, about "conserving" and "preserving" it.

• Cost-saving (preventing waste):
  • Moderation in sexual activityAvoid excessive depletion of kidney essence.
  • Avoid overworkThis includes excessive physical labor (which depletes energy and damages essence) and excessive mental labor (which secretly depletes essence and blood).
  • Regular scheduleStaying up late will severely deplete your Yin essence.
  • Managing emotionsExcessive fear and anxiety can directly damage the kidneys.
• Open source (facilitates generation):
  • Balanced dietEat more foods that nourish kidney essence and strengthen the spleen, such as black foods (black beans, black sesame seeds, black rice), yams, walnuts, and goji berries.
  • Appropriate exerciseGentle exercises such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin can help improve blood circulation and promote the generation of essence.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine and AcupunctureThrough syndrome differentiation and treatment, the body's own sperm production ability can be stimulated by using kidney-tonifying and essence-replenishing formulas (such as Liuwei Dihuang Wan, Zuogui Wan, etc.) or acupuncture at specific acupoints (such as Guanyuan, Qihai, Shenshu, Taixi, etc.).

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, "benefiting essence" is...A comprehensive and systematic approach to health preservation and disease treatmentIts goal is:

1. Supplementing the material basisIt replenishes the body with the most basic nutrients and energy reserves.
2. Enhance physiological functionsEspecially reproductive, developmental, and anti-aging abilities.
3. Improve quality of lifeIt can make people energetic, clear-headed, physically strong, and slow down aging.

It is not merely a means of treating certain diseases, but also one of the highest guiding principles for pursuing the ideal state of health characterized by "abundant essence, sufficient qi, and vigorous spirit." If you have any related health concerns, be sure to seek diagnosis and guidance from a professional Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner for individualized treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Do not self-medicate with tonics.

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I. Soup Recipes

Soup can deeply extract the essence of ingredients, and is especially suitable for using animal ingredients to replenish kidney essence.

1. Turtle and Deer Two Immortals Gluten Soup (Simplified Dietary Therapy Version)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Tortoise shellIt nourishes Yin and subdues Yang, benefits the kidneys and strengthens bones. It replenishes the Yin essence of the kidneys.
  • Deer antler glueIt warms and nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence and nourishes blood. It replenishes the yang essence of the kidneys. These two herbs, one yin and one yang, together serve as the principal herbs and are the core ingredients for replenishing essence.
  • GinsengIt greatly replenishes vital energy, strengthens the spleen and benefits the lungs. It nourishes qi to generate essence.
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, benefits essence and improves eyesight. It assists the principal herb in tonifying the kidneys.
  • This is the primary formula for replenishing essence; it is recommended to use prepared medicines under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Dietary therapy ideas are provided here.
• practice:
  1. Take tortoise shell (which needs to be boiled for a long time first), ginseng, wolfberry, and black-boned chicken or pork bones and simmer together.
  2. Before the soup is finished cooking, pour the pre-melted deer antler gelatin (melted by steaming with rice wine or warm water) into the soup and stir well. Do not overcook.
• effectIt greatly replenishes vital energy, nourishes essence and marrow. It is suitable for severe aging, infertility, and other conditions caused by extreme deficiency of kidney essence.

2. Sea cucumber and dried scallop stewed black chicken soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • sea cucumberIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, nourishes blood and moisturizes dryness. It is considered a "rich source of arginine," which is crucial for reproductive function and is a precious supplement for replenishing kidney essence.
  • Silkie chickenIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes qi and blood. Its nourishing properties are stronger than those of regular chicken.
  • ScallopsIt nourishes Yin and tonifies the kidneys, and regulates the middle and lower Qi.
  • WalnutsIt nourishes the kidneys and warms the lungs; its shape resembles the brain and is beneficial for intelligence.
• practice:
  1. Soak and clean the sea cucumber in advance, then cut it into pieces. Chop the black-boned chicken into pieces and blanch it. Soak the dried scallops until soft.
  2. Place all ingredients (black-boned chicken, sea cucumber, dried scallops, walnuts, red dates, and ginger slices) into a stewing pot.
  3. Add enough water and steam for 3 hours.
  4. Finally, add salt to taste.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, nourishes blood and strengthens the brain. It is suitable for those with deficiency of essence and blood, decreased memory, and physical weakness.

3. Stewed pigeon with Solomon's seal and goji berries

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • PolygonatumIt replenishes Qi and Yin, strengthens the spleen, moistens the lungs, and benefits the kidneys. It gently replenishes Qi, Yin, and essence, and long-term use will not harm the body.
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and benefits the essence and improves eyesight.
  • squabIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes qi and blood, and clears heat and detoxifies. It is easily digested and absorbed, and has strong nourishing properties.
• practice:
  1. Clean the pigeon and blanch it.
  2. Wash and slice the Solomon's Seal, and put it into a stewing pot along with wolfberries, pigeon, and ginger slices.
  3. Add water, simmer over low heat for 2 hours, then add salt to taste.
• effectThis formula tonifies the kidneys and replenishes essence, invigorates qi and nourishes yin. It is suitable for those with insufficient kidney essence who have not yet reached a significant imbalance of yin and yang, and can be used as a basic formula for gentle tonification.

4. Eucommia, Walnut, and Pork Kidney Soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • EucommiaIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and strengthens muscles and bones. It is especially effective for lower back pain and weakness.
  • WalnutsIt nourishes the kidneys and warms the lungs; its shape resembles the brain and kidneys, and it is believed to nourish the kidneys and improve intelligence.
  • Pork kidneyIt is said that using the principle of "like cures like" can replenish kidney qi and benefit essence.
• practice:
  1. Cut the pork kidneys in half, remove the white membrane inside (key to removing the fishy smell), score them, and marinate them with cooking wine and ginger slices.
  2. Wash the Eucommia ulmoides and walnut kernels.
  3. First, put Eucommia ulmoides, walnut kernels and ginger 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 replenishes essence, strengthening the lower back and knees. It is especially suitable for lower back pain and weak legs caused by insufficient kidney essence.

5. Cordyceps flower and dried scallop stewed oxtail soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Ox tailIt nourishes qi and blood, strengthens muscles and bones, and replenishes essence. Rich in collagen and nutrients, it is a powerful tonic.
  • Cordyceps flowerIt nourishes the lungs and kidneys, benefits deficiencies, and has a mild nature.
  • Dried scallopsIt nourishes Yin and tonifies the kidneys.
  • Chinese yamIt tonifies the spleen, lungs, and kidneys, and strengthens the kidneys and replenishes essence.
• practice:
  1. Chop the oxtail into sections, blanch it, and then rinse it. Peel and cut the yam into chunks.
  2. Place the oxtail, cordyceps flower, dried scallops, yam, and ginger slices into a soup pot.
  3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 hours until the oxtail is tender. Season with salt.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, strengthening bones. Suitable for those with deficiency of essence and weak bones, and weakness in the lower back and knees.

6. Chicken soup with Polygonum multiflorum and black beans

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • systemHe Shou WuIt nourishes the essence and blood, strengthens the kidneys, and darkens the hair. It is an essential medicine for blackening hair and strengthening bones.
  • Black beansIt invigorates blood circulation, promotes diuresis, dispels wind and detoxifies, and nourishes the kidneys and yin. Black is associated with the kidneys, making it an excellent tonic for the kidneys.
  • Black-boned chickenIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
• practice:
  1. Chop the black-boned chicken into pieces and blanch it. Soak the black beans in advance.
  2. Place the black-boned chicken, prepared Polygonum multiflorum, black beans, red dates, and ginger slices into a soup pot.
  3. Add water and simmer for 2-3 hours, then season to taste.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, darkens hair and strengthens bones. It is specifically used to treat premature graying of hair and hair loss.

7. Morinda officinalis, Cistanche deserticola, and lamb bone soup

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Morinda officinalisIt tonifies kidney yang and strengthens muscles and bones.
  • Cistanche deserticolaIt tonifies kidney yang, nourishes essence and blood, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation. It is mild and moistening without being drying, and its main function is to nourish essence.
  • Lamb bonesIt warms and nourishes kidney qi, and strengthens muscles and bones.
• practice:
  1. Chop the lamb bones (such as lamb spine and lamb tailbone) into pieces, blanch them, and then wash them clean.
  2. Wash the Morinda officinalis and Cistanche deserticola.
  3. Put all the ingredients into a pot, add water, ginger, and cooking wine, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 3 hours.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, strengthens muscles and bones. It is suitable for those with insufficient kidney essence, leaning towards yang deficiency, accompanied by aversion to cold and constipation.

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II. Congee Section

Porridge is mild and nourishing, suitable for long-term conditioning, and especially suitable for pairing with seed-based medicines.

8. Black sesame and walnut porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Black sesameIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence and blood, and moistens dryness in the intestines. Black foods are associated with the kidneys and are a fundamental ingredient for replenishing essence and darkening hair.
  • WalnutsIt nourishes the kidneys and warms the lungs, moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movements, and has brain-boosting effects.
  • Japonica riceIt strengthens the spleen and stomach.
• practice:
  1. Toast black sesame seeds until fragrant, then grind them into powder. Crush walnut kernels.
  2. Wash the rice and cook it into porridge.
  3. Add black sesame powder and chopped walnuts to the porridge, stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes. You can add rock sugar or brown sugar to taste.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, promotes hair growth and brain health, and lubricates the intestines to relieve constipation. It is the top choice for daily health maintenance for those with insufficient kidney essence.

9. Cuscuta porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • dodderIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens essence and reduces urination, improves eyesight and stops diarrhea. It balances yin and yang, but leans towards yang. Its nature is mild and it can benefit essence and nourish marrow.
• practice:
  1. Wash the dodder seeds, crush them, add water, and boil to extract the juice.
  2. Cook this medicinal juice with rice to make porridge.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, nourishes the liver and improves eyesight. It is suitable for nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, and blurred vision caused by insufficient kidney essence.

10. Yam and Gorgon Fruit Porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • yamIt nourishes the spleen, lungs, and kidneys, strengthens the kidneys, and replenishes essence. Strengthening the spleen helps nourish the innate constitution.
  • Euryale feroxIt benefits the kidneys and strengthens essence, invigorates the spleen and stops diarrhea. Known as "water ginseng," it can astringe and prevent the loss of essential substances.
• practice:
  1. Crush dried yam and fox nuts into powder (or cut fresh yam into chunks).
  2. Wash the rice and cook it with the medicinal powder (or yam chunks) into porridge.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens essence, invigorates the spleen and replenishes qi. It is especially suitable for those with weak kidney essence, accompanied by seminal emission, bedwetting, and diarrhea.

11. Goji Berry and Mulberry Porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and benefits the essence and improves eyesight.
  • Dried mulberriesIt nourishes yin and blood, generates fluids and moistens dryness. Black enters the kidneys, nourishing the yin and blood of the liver and kidneys.
• practice:
  1. Wash the rice and cook it into porridge.
  2. When the porridge is almost cooked, add dried mulberries and goji berries.
  3. Cook for another 5-10 minutes.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence and blood. It is suitable for tinnitus, blurred vision, and premature graying of hair caused by kidney essence deficiency.

12. Five-Seed Progeny Congee

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Goji berries, dodder seedsIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence.
  • raspberryIt benefits the kidneys, strengthens essence, and reduces urination.
  • Schisandra chinensisIt has astringent and consolidating properties, and also benefits qi and generates fluids.
  • PlantainIt promotes urination and relieves strangury, eliminates dampness and clears heat, and makes nourishing without being greasy.
  • This is a classic prescription for treating infertility, focusing on tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence.
• practice:
  1. Wrap the five ingredients (equal amounts or according to a doctor's prescription) in a gauze bag, add water and decoct to obtain a concentrated juice.
  2. Cook this medicinal juice with rice to make porridge.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, and promotes the flow of kidney qi. It is specifically designed for reproductive function decline caused by insufficient kidney essence.

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III. Medicinal Cuisine

Incorporating nourishing ingredients into everyday dishes allows you to enjoy both delicious flavors and health benefits.

13. Steamed Oysters with Goji Berries

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • OystersIt calms the liver and subdues yang, softens and disperses hard masses, and astringes and consolidates. Rich in zinc, a key element in the synthesis of male hormones and the promotion of reproductive development, it is considered "milk of the ocean."
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
• practice:
  1. Scrub the oyster shells clean, pry them open, and rinse off any broken shell fragments.
  2. Place the goji berries evenly on the oyster meat.
  3. Place in a steamer and steam over high heat for 5-8 minutes until cooked.
  4. After cooking, drizzle with a little steamed fish soy sauce and hot oil.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and astringes semen, nourishes yin and blood. It is beneficial for improving semen quality and enhancing sexual function.

14. Stir-fried shrimp with chives

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Fresh shrimpIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens yang, promotes lactation and eliminates toxins. Rich in protein and zinc, it gently nourishes kidney qi.
  • 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. Wash the shrimp and trim off the whiskers and legs. Wash the chives and cut them into sections.
  2. Heat oil in a wok, sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant, then add fresh shrimp and stir-fry until they change color.
  3. Add the chopped chives, stir-fry quickly over high heat, and season with salt and cooking wine.
• effectIt warms the kidneys, replenishes essence, invigorates qi, and strengthens yang. It is suitable for those with insufficient kidney essence and a tendency towards yang deficiency.

15. Stir-fried Chicken with Walnuts

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • WalnutsIt nourishes the kidneys and improves intelligence.
  • chicken breastIt warms the middle jiao (spleen and stomach), replenishes qi, nourishes deficiency, and replenishes essence. It provides high-quality protein.
• practice:
  1. Dice the chicken breast and marinate it with salt, cooking wine, and cornstarch. Fry the walnuts in warm oil over low heat until fragrant.
  2. Stir-fry the chicken pieces in a hot pan until they change color, then remove from the pan.
  3. Leave some oil in the pan, sauté scallions and ginger until fragrant, then add diced green and red bell peppers, followed by diced chicken and walnuts. Stir-fry quickly and thicken with a light cornstarch slurry.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, strengthens the brain and improves intelligence. Suitable for mental workers and those with declining memory.

16. Stewed Pork with Polygonatum

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • PolygonatumIt replenishes Qi and nourishes Yin, strengthens the spleen, moistens the lungs, and benefits the kidneys. It gently replenishes Qi, Yin, and essence.
  • porkIt nourishes Yin and moistens dryness.
• practice:
  1. Wash and slice the Solomon's Seal. Cut the pork into chunks.
  2. Place the Solomon's Seal, pork, and ginger slices into a stewing pot, and add an appropriate amount of water.
  3. Double-boil for 1.5 to 2 hours, then add salt to taste.
• effectThis formula nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, simultaneously tonifying both qi and yin. It is suitable for those with insufficient kidney essence but no obvious deficiency fire, and can be used for long-term, gradual tonification.

17. Stir-fried pork kidney with Eucommia ulmoides

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • EucommiaIt nourishes the liver and kidneys and strengthens muscles and bones.
  • Pork kidneyIt is said that using the principle of "like cures like" can replenish kidney qi and benefit essence.
• practice:
  1. Boil Eucommia bark in water to obtain a concentrated juice for later use.
  2. Cut the pork kidneys in half, remove the white membrane inside, score them, and marinate them with cooking wine and ginger slices.
  3. Stir-fry the pork kidneys in a hot wok until they change color, then remove them from the wok.
  4. Sauté scallions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant. Add wood ear mushrooms, carrot slices, and other side dishes and stir-fry. Then add pork kidney and eucommia ulmoides juice, stir-fry quickly, thicken with cornstarch slurry, and season to taste.
• effectIt tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the lower back, replenishing essence and marrow. It has a good effect on kidney deficiency, lower back pain, and tinnitus.

18. Steamed Egg with Goji Berries

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
  • eggIt nourishes yin and moistens dryness, nourishes blood and calms the fetus. Egg yolk, also known as "chicken yolk," has the effects of nourishing yin and blood and replenishing essence in traditional Chinese medicine.
• practice:
  1. Beat the eggs, add 1.5 times the amount of warm water and a small amount of salt, and stir well.
  2. Strain the egg mixture into a bowl and sprinkle with goji berries.
  3. Cover 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.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence and blood. Simple, quick, and suitable for daily nourishment.

19. Stewed Egg with Polygonum multiflorum

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Processed Polygonum multiflorumIt nourishes essence and blood, strengthens the kidneys, and darkens the hair.
  • eggIt nourishes Yin and moistens dryness, and nourishes blood.
• practice:
  1. Slice the prepared Polygonum multiflorum and put it in a pot with the eggs in their shells and add water to boil.
  2. Once the eggs are cooked, remove them from the water, peel them, and put them back into the soup to cook for another 10-15 minutes.
  3. Eat the eggs and drink the soup.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, replenishes essence and blood, and darkens hair. It is specially designed for gray hair and hair loss caused by insufficient essence and blood.

20. Stewed Pigeon with Astragalus complanatus

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • ShayuanziIt warms and nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens essence, reduces urination, and improves eyesight.
  • squabIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and replenishes qi and blood.
• practice:
  1. Clean the pigeon and blanch it.
  2. Wash the seeds of Astragalus complanatus and wrap them in a gauze bag.
  3. Stew the pigeon, the packet of Astragalus complanatus root, and ginger slices together for 2 hours, then season to taste.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and strengthens essence, and also benefits the liver and improves eyesight. It is suitable for symptoms such as seminal emission, frequent urination, and blurred vision caused by kidney essence deficiency.

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IV. Herbal Pastes and Tea Drinks

Both concentrated medicinal pastes and convenient, long-lasting teas are excellent ways to nourish kidney essence.

21. Donkey-hide gelatin and walnut cake (Gu Yuan Gao)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • donkey-hide gelatinIt nourishes blood and yin, moistens dryness and stops bleeding. It is a superior product for nourishing yin and blood.
  • WalnutsIt nourishes the kidneys and improves intelligence.
  • Black sesameIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and replenishes essence and blood.
  • Shaoxing wineIt promotes blood circulation and menstruation, helps the medicine to be absorbed, and can prevent the rich and greasy feeling from affecting the stomach.
• practice:
  1. Donkey-hide gelatin is soaked in rice wine for several days until it softens.
  2. Heat the soaked donkey-hide gelatin together with rice wine in a double boiler, stirring until melted.
  3. Add roasted walnuts, black sesame seeds, red date flesh, rock sugar, etc., and mix well.
  4. Pour into a mold, press firmly, refrigerate to set, then slice and serve.
• effectIt nourishes blood and yin, and replenishes kidney essence. Suitable for those with severe deficiency of essence and blood.(Due to its rich and greasy nature, it should be used with caution by those with weak spleen and stomach.)

22. Nine-times-processed black sesame seed balls

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Black sesameIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, and replenishes essence and blood. Through the traditional process of "nine steaming and nine sun-drying," its oil content is greatly reduced, making it easier to digest and absorb, and enhancing its nourishing effects.
• practice:
  1. (Simplified version for home use) Wash the black sesame seeds repeatedly and steam and dry them several times.
  2. Stir-fry over low heat until fragrant, then grind into a fine powder.
  3. Mix refined honey (honey heated and boiled) with sesame powder and knead into pills.
  4. Chew 2-3 pills daily.
• effectIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, moistens the five internal organs, replenishes brain marrow, and darkens hair. It is a traditional Taoist health-preserving product for replenishing essence and blood.

23. Goji Berry and Ginseng Tea

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • GinsengIt greatly replenishes vital energy, strengthens the spleen and lungs, generates body fluids, and calms the mind. When vital energy is abundant, it can generate kidney essence.
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
• practice:
  1. Place ginseng slices (or ginseng rootlets) and goji berries into a thermos.
  2. Steep in boiling water, cover and steep for 15-20 minutes before drinking. It can be steeped repeatedly.
• effectIt greatly replenishes vital energy and nourishes the liver and kidneys. It is suitable for severe fatigue caused by deficiency of vital energy and insufficient kidney essence.

24. Cuscuta Tea

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • dodderIt nourishes the liver and kidneys, strengthens essence and reduces urination.
• practice:
  1. Crush the dodder seeds and put them into a tea bag along with a small amount of black or green tea.
  2. Steep in boiling water for 10 minutes before drinking.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, benefits the liver and improves eyesight. It gently nourishes the kidneys and can be consumed long-term.

25. Longevity Tea with Two Fruits (Goji Berries and Schisandra Berries)

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Goji berriesIt nourishes the liver and kidneys.
  • Schisandra chinensisIt has astringent and consolidating properties, replenishes qi and generates fluids, and nourishes the kidneys and calms the mind. It can consolidate the essence and qi of the kidneys and prevent its dissipation.
• practice:
  1. Place goji berries and schisandra berries (crushed) into a teapot in a 2:1 ratio.
  2. Simply steep in boiling water for 15 minutes.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, astringes and consolidates, calms the mind and improves intelligence. It is suitable for those with weak kidney essence, seminal emission, insomnia and palpitations.

26. Black bean and mulberry juice

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Black beansIt nourishes the kidneys and benefits yin.
  • MulberriesIt nourishes Yin and replenishes blood.
• practice:
  1. Soak black beans in advance and wash mulberries.
  2. Put black beans and mulberries into a soymilk maker, add water and blend into juice for drinking.
  3. You can add some honey for flavor.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, nourishes yin and blood. As a daily beverage, it gradually works its magic.

27. Polygonatum honey

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • PolygonatumIt replenishes Qi and nourishes Yin, strengthens the spleen, moistens the lungs, and benefits the kidneys.
  • HoneyIt nourishes the middle and moistens dryness.
• practice:
  1. Wash and chop the Polygonatum rhizome, add water and boil it. Repeat the boiling process three times and combine the decoctions.
  2. Concentrate the combined decoction over low heat until it becomes a thick paste.
  3. Add an equal amount of honey, stir well, bring to a boil, turn off the heat, cool, and bottle.
  4. Take 1-2 tablespoons each time, dissolved in warm water.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, as well as qi and yin. A gentle tonic suitable for long-term use.

28. Sea cucumber and millet porridge

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • sea cucumberIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence.
  • MilletIt strengthens the spleen and stomach, and replenishes deficiencies. Only when the spleen and stomach function well can the nutrients from sea cucumber be better absorbed.
• practice:
  1. Cut the soaked sea cucumber into small pieces.
  2. Cook millet into a porridge base.
  3. Add sea cucumber pieces and shredded ginger, and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, sesame oil, and chopped green onions.
• effectIt nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence, strengthens the spleen and stomach. It is suitable for those who are weak after illness, childbirth, or surgery.

29. Cordyceps Sinensis Stewed Old Duck

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • Cordyceps sinensisIt nourishes the lungs and kidneys, stops bleeding and resolves phlegm. It replenishes both Yin and Yang, nourishes essence and boosts Qi, and is a precious tonic.
  • Old DuckIt nourishes Yin and strengthens the stomach.
• practice:
  1. Clean the old duck thoroughly, cut it into pieces, and blanch it.
  2. Place the duck pieces, cordyceps, and ginger slices into a stewing pot.
  3. Add water and steam for 3 hours, then add salt to taste.
• effectIt nourishes the lungs and kidneys, and replenishes essence and qi. It is suitable for those with deficiency of both lungs and kidneys, insufficient essence and qi, and those who are weak after illness.(Due to its high price, it may be chosen based on your financial situation.)

30. Placenta powder

• Ingredient Analysis:
  • PlacentaIt warms the kidneys and replenishes essence, invigorates qi and nourishes blood. It is a potent tonic among "products of flesh and blood" that replenishes essence and marrow, and can greatly replenish innate qi.
• practice:
  1. The placenta (Zi He Che) of a healthy mother is washed clean, repeatedly dried, and ground into a very fine powder.
  2. Capsules can be filled into capsules or taken directly with warm water. Dosage: 1-3 grams daily.
• effectIt greatly replenishes vital energy and nourishes essence. It is suitable for deficiency and exhaustion, impotence, seminal emission, infertility, and all symptoms of insufficient essence and qi.(Must be sourced from safe sources, undergo rigorous processing, and used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Replenishing essence and marrow requires maintaining stillness and perseverance.

Nourishing kidney essence is an investment in the foundation of life. It requires more patience and wisdom than nourishing yin or yang.

• Abstinence and Preservation of EssenceThis is the first principle of replenishing kidney essence. Excessive sexual activity and lust are the fastest ways to deplete kidney essence.
• quality sleepNighttime, especially the period from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., is the golden time for the repair and replenishment of kidney essence.
• Calm your mind and spiritExcessive thinking depletes the heart's blood and energy, which in turn damages the kidney essence. Practicing meditation and sitting meditation helps to preserve one's vital energy.
• Avoid overworkThis includes excessive physical and mental labor.
• Chew slowlyThorough chewing reduces the burden on the spleen and stomach, allowing the essence of food and water to be smoothly transformed into kidney essence.

Further reading:

• 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?
• 20 Kidney-Nourishing and Aphrodisiac Stew Recipes