The so-called Yin deficiency constitution refers to the insufficient nourishment of yin essence, blood, and body fluids in the human body. It is mostly caused by congenital deficiency, improper postnatal care, and chronic illness. The principle of dietary regulation is to nourish yin and subdue yang. It is advisable to consume foods such as sesame, glutinous rice, honey, dairy products, sugarcane, and tofu that have a certain nourishing yin effect. It is also recommended to consume medicinal porridge such as sand ginseng porridge, lily porridge, goji berry porridge, mulberry porridge, and Chinese yam porridge. Below, we will introduce some commonly used medicated diets suitable for Yin deficiency constitution.
Medicated Diet 1: Stewed Duck with Polygonatum
Ingredients:
50g Polygonatum, 50g sand ginseng, 1 old duck, several spring onions, 6g ginger, appropriate amount of MSG, 6g salt.
Preparation:
After slaughtering the old duck and removing the feathers and internal organs, wash it thoroughly and place it in a clay pot or porcelain bowl. Add the sand ginseng, Polygonatum, and an appropriate amount of water. Place the pot on the stove, bring it to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for more than 1 hour until the duck meat is tender. When serving, remove the medicinal residue, add seasonings, and consume the meat and soup.
Benefits:
This medicated diet nourishes stomach yin and effectively alleviates dry mouth, dry tongue, and dry intestines caused by insufficient stomach yin.
Medicated Diet 2: Lily Porridge
Ingredients:
30g lily, 60g glutinous rice, appropriate amount of sugar.
Preparation:
Wash the rice, add an appropriate amount of water, and add the lily. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat until the lily is cooked. Stir well before serving.
Benefits:
This medicated diet moistens the lungs, nourishes the heart, relieves cough, and calms the mind. It is effective for dry cough without phlegm and restlessness caused by insufficient lung yin.
Medicated Diet 3: Dongpo Pork
Ingredients:
2000g Jinhua ham, 3000g pork ribs, 1000ml white wine, 200g soy sauce, 100g sugar, 10g fennel, 20 peppercorns.
Preparation:
Roast the Jinhua ham on an open flame until slightly charred on one side, then soak in warm water to remove grease and char marks. Cook in a pot until tender, then cut into small squares with the skin still on. Boil the pork ribs for a while, then add them to the pot with the Jinhua ham. Add white wine, soy sauce, fennel, peppercorns, and sugar. Simmer over low heat until the meat is tender.
Benefits:
This medicated diet nourishes the kidneys, generates body fluids, and replenishes essence. It is effective for symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, sore lower back, red tongue, and rapid pulse caused by insufficient essence.
Reminder:
For Yin deficiency constitution, it is recommended to consume less spicy and dry foods such as onions, ginger, garlic, leeks, Chinese chives, and peppers. If conditions permit, you can consume Bird's nest, white fungus, sea cucumber, clams, turtle meat, crab meat, Cordyceps, and old male ducks.
