For women, qi and blood are fundamental—the inner foundation of beauty and health. Sufficient qi and blood bring a rosy complexion, robust health, and naturally smooth, radiant skin. Deficiency in these can impair physical well-being and even lead to illness. Therefore, daily nourishment of qi and blood is essential. To regulate them, start with dietary therapy by incorporating the following foods:
What foods can women eat to nourish qi and blood?
1. Red Dates
As the saying goes: "Eat three dates daily, and longevity will keep you looking young."Red dates have the effect of replenishing qi and nourishing blood. Women can eat them raw or simmer them into soup to achieve this purpose. Especially for women who are physically weak after childbirth, cooking red dates into porridge is both easy to digest and effective for replenishing qi and blood.Iron promotes red blood cell production, while vitamin C boosts immunity and fights oxidation. Thus, spinach both nourishes blood and supplements vitamins to enhance resistance.
4. Black-boned Chicken
Black-boned chicken nourishes qi and blood. When cooked with angelica root, it addresses blood deficiency symptoms like sallow complexion, palpitations, insomnia, and irregular menstruation.
5. Raisins
Grapes replenish blood, strengthen bones and tendons, nourish the kidneys, and benefit the liver.When grapes are dried into raisins, they become rich in iron. Consuming a small handful daily can alleviate anemia, cold hands and feet, and lower back discomfort. 6. Animal Liver Animal offal is an excellent blood-nourishing food, exceptionally high in iron. However, due to its high cholesterol content, women with elevated blood lipids or cardiovascular diseases should avoid it.
7. Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds are exceptionally rich in calcium, iron, and other nutrients. Regular consumption nourishes the liver and kidneys, moistens dryness, and replenishes qi and blood. For women experiencing hair loss due to poor blood circulation, black sesame seeds can promote hair growth and improve thinning hair.
8. Mulberries
The Compendium of Materia Medica records mulberries as sweet and cold in nature, with benefits including nourishing the liver and kidneys, darkening hair, improving vision, promoting fluid production, and moisturizing dryness. Their blood-nourishing effects rival those of donkey-hide gelatin. Suitable year-round, they rarely cause internal heat. Steeping mulberries in wine fully releases their nutrients for more effective blood nourishment.
9. Angelica Root (Danggui)
Angelica serves both as a medicinal herb and culinary ingredient, promoting blood circulation while nourishing blood. When cooked with black-bone chicken or qi-tonifying foods, it provides dual nourishment for both qi and blood.
Friendly Reminder
Women can incorporate these qi and blood-nourishing foods into their regular diet. Pay special attention if you experience symptoms like dizziness, hair loss, poor sleep quality, or irregular menstruation—these may indicate qi and blood deficiency. Timely adjustment helps restore bodily balance and brings a natural glow to your complexion.