Is it helpful to eat black sesame seeds for kidney deficiency?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, consuming black sesame seeds is beneficial for kidney deficiency, especially suitable for those with kidney yin deficiency, but offers limited help for those with kidney yang deficiency; consumption should be based on individual body constitution. Daily intake should be moderate to avoid excessive consumption causing bloating, and can be combined with foods such as walnuts and goji berries. Individuals with kidney yin deficiency may consume black sesame seeds in appropriate amounts over the long term, while those with kidney yang deficiency are advised to choose warming foods such as lamb and longan.

Generally speaking, consuming black sesame seeds is beneficial for kidney deficiency, especially suitable for those with kidney yin deficiency, but offers limited help for individuals with kidney yang deficiency; consumption should be based on one's own physical condition. The detailed analysis is as follows:

In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame seeds are considered neutral in nature and sweet in taste, known for their effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys and enriching essence and blood. People with kidney yin deficiency often experience symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, premature graying of hair, and soreness in the lower back and knees. Moderate consumption of black sesame seeds can nourish kidney yin and help alleviate these discomforts. Additionally, black sesame seeds are rich in nutrients and can provide energy to the body.

The core issue of kidney yang deficiency is insufficient yang qi, typically manifesting as sensitivity to cold, cold hands and feet, and other symptoms. Since black sesame seeds do not have a warming effect to tonify yang qi, their therapeutic effect is not significant for this group. Blind consumption may even increase digestive burden due to their rich and greasy nature.

In daily use, intake should be controlled to avoid excessive consumption that could lead to bloating. Black sesame seeds can be combined with other ingredients such as walnuts and goji berries. Individuals with kidney yin deficiency may consume them moderately over a long period, while those with kidney yang deficiency are advised to choose warming foods such as lamb and longan, along with maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), which is more conducive to improving their constitution.