Due to physiological factors, many women are prone to anemia. Only when our blood supply is sufficient and circulation unimpeded can women achieve optimal complexion and physical condition.
What are the risks of anemia? Hazards and Symptoms of Anemia
1.Common Manifestations: Fatigue and easy exhaustion are the most frequent symptoms. Severe cases may also present with low-grade fever. 2. Cardiovascular System: Palpitations and shortness of breath after exertion are most common. Severe anemia may lead to angina pectoris or heart failure. Examination may reveal a faint murmur, lower limb edema, and ECG abnormalities.
3. Nervous System: Headaches, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, or fainting. Severe anemia may cause confusion or dementia. Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia often involves limb numbness and sensory disturbances.
4. Digestive System: Common symptoms include decreased appetite, abdominal distension, and nausea. Patients with hemolytic anemia may exhibit jaundice and splenomegaly.
5. Genitourinary System: Impaired renal concentrating ability often leads to polyuria and decreased urine specific gravity. Female patients frequently experience irregular menstruation, excessive or reduced flow.
6. Other: Dry skin, brittle hair, and loss of luster.
So, how to replenish blood? Follow these four cycles:
1. Follicular Phase: Days 1-9 of the menstrual cycle
Herbal Remedy: Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) are sweet and neutral in nature, serving as a yin-tonifying herb that nourishes the liver and kidneys, improves vision, and moistens the lungs. They are often used as a tonic for nourishment and anti-aging. Want to quickly restore your complexion while nurturing yourself?It's simple—just whip up a bowl of goji berry and white fungus soup! Soak a small piece of white fungus until soft, remove the root, then simmer in a pot over high heat for 10 minutes. Use just enough water to cover the fungus. Add 10-15 goji berries, reduce to low heat, and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until the fungus turns translucent.For a thicker consistency, simmer until desired texture is reached. Finally, sweeten with rock sugar to taste—and you're done!
TIPS: Goji berries have potent warming properties. Avoid consumption if you have a cold, fever, inflammation, or diarrhea. Generally, healthy adults should limit intake to about 20 grams daily—never overconsume.
2. Ovulation Period: Days 10-12 of the menstrual cycle
Herbal Remedy: One herb rivals the renowned Four Substances Decoction in blood-nourishing effects—Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen). Beyond nourishing blood, it promotes blood circulation, regulates menstruation, calms the mind, relieves anxiety, and eases pain. Soak 500g jellyfish skin in saltwater beforehand.Wash and slice 15 grams of Salvia root. Add ginger slices and scallion segments to a stew pot. Bring water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 20 minutes. By this time, the jellyfish skin should be sufficiently softened. Drain, cut into sections, and add to the pot. Season with salt, MSG, and sesame oil to taste. Adding a splash of cooking wine enhances the flavor!
TIPS: Salvia root is sensitive to alkaline water—never add lye during simmering. High doses may cause allergic reactions like itching, rashes, hives, chest tightness, shortness of breath, chills, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or restlessness. Use 9-15 grams as a general guideline.
3. Luteal Phase: Days 13-21 of the menstrual cycle
Herbal Support: Prepared Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang) is sweet, warm, and moisturizing. It enters the Liver and Kidney meridians, nourishing blood and yin while replenishing essence and marrow.
TIPS: Adding a moderate amount of Prepared Rehmannia root to porridge effectively nourishes blood and yin, preserving health and beauty.Wrap 30 grams of prepared rehmannia root in cheesecloth and place it in a clay pot. Add 300 milliliters of water, soak for 30 minutes, then bring to a boil over high heat. After boiling several times, when the decoction turns brownish-yellow with a fragrant aroma, add japonica rice and simmer over low heat until the rice is fully cooked. Remove the rehmannia root before serving.Note: Shu Di's active ingredients are difficult to extract with boiling water alone. The optimal method is simmering it with rice into porridge, removing the root after thorough cooking. 4. Menstrual Period: Days 22-28 of the cycle Herbal Solution: Cinnamon is a warming tonic that warms the middle burner, supplements yang, dispels cold, alleviates pain, promotes blood circulation, and regulates menstruation. With cinnamon, why worry about irregular periods?Absolutely not! A nutritious and delicious cinnamon beef dish not only satisfies cravings but also banishes menstrual cramps! Ingredients are simple: 4g cinnamon, 250g beef, and common seasonings like ginger, salt, cooking wine, MSG, and scallions.Rinse the cinnamon, cut into 2cm-long, 1cm-wide strips. Dice the beef, place in a pot with sufficient water, and simmer like stewed vegetables. Add seasonings and cook until tender! For brighter color, add a few carrots and goji berries.
TIPS: Cinnamon bark is warming and best consumed in cooler seasons; avoid during summer.Due to its warming and blood-activating properties, cinnamon may harm fetal vitality and should be consumed with caution by pregnant women. Those with yin deficiency and fire excess symptoms—such as palms/soles feeling hot, dry mouth, or sore throat—should avoid it. Women with blood-heat patterns (e.g., heavy menstrual flow or frequent nosebleeds) should also refrain. Patients with pelvic inflammation, sore throat, or other heat-related illnesses should abstain. Individuals experiencing blood loss should avoid it.
Blood-Nourishing Dietary Remedies
1. Longan and Lotus Seed Soup: Simmer 20 longan fruits and 50 lotus seeds in water until lotus seeds soften.
2. Pork Liver Soup: Thinly slice pork liver. Add ginger shreds and liver slices to boiling water. Simmer briefly, then add scallion segments and cooking wine. Season with salt before serving.
3. Ginseng-Jujube Soup: 5 red dates, 10g ginseng slices, 1 small piece rock sugar.
4. Blood-Nourishing Carp Soup: 4 ounces black beans, 2 slices ginger, 10 red dates, 1 carp, a small piece of dried tangerine peel, and pepper to taste.