What to Eat for Irritability and Restlessness
May 30, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
When feeling anxious or irritable, we can consume calming and spirit-soothing foods, such as longan aril (dried longan flesh). Longan aril nourishes the blood, calms the mind, and enhances cognitive function, making it a nourishing brain tonic. It is especially suitable for individuals suffering from neurasthenia, forgetfulness, insomnia, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue—conditions often caused by excessive mental strain and inadequate nourishment of the heart and spirit. Longan aril is rich in glucose, sucrose, tartaric acid, and other beneficial compounds.
During the hot summer months, many people experience symptoms such as irritability and restlessness. Some believe that dietary adjustments can help alleviate these symptoms. So, what foods are recommended for irritability and restlessness?
What to Eat for Irritability and Restlessness
For everyday irritability, consider incorporating buckwheat-millet porridge or coix seed (Job’s tears) porridge into your diet. Both barley and bitter buckwheat help clear excess internal heat, thereby suppressing irritability and outbursts of anger. Additionally, drinking tea brewed from cassia seeds (Cassia obtusifolia) may help reduce “excess heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept), since irritability is often attributed to internal heat accumulation. However, if symptoms are severe, it is advisable to consult a qualified TCM practitioner for appropriate herbal treatment.
The tendency toward irritability stems primarily from three underlying factors—each with a physiological basis. When the body is in a state of heightened metabolic activity (“grasping the arrow,” metaphorically referring to a tense, hyperaroused physiological state), it becomes especially prone to internal heat accumulation—a phenomenon commonly observed in clinical practice. For instance, many women experience increased irritability before menstruation, when Qi and blood are relatively abundant. As stated in the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine): “When Liver Qi and Blood are excessive, anger arises; excess blood also leads to anger.” In clinical practice, herbs that soothe and regulate Liver Qi are frequently used to resolve this surplus Qi and blood. Moreover, psychological, environmental, and lifestyle factors significantly contribute to emotional volatility.
Irritability and restlessness may also result from excessive mental stress, an inability to release negative emotions, or emotional instability leading to psychological imbalance. Consulting a psychologist for guidance and emotional support can help process and relieve adverse feelings. Identifying the root cause of distress—and actively adjusting one’s mindset under professional medical advice—can effectively restore emotional equilibrium and calm the mind. We hope this information proves helpful to you!
