What are the foods that nourish yin and reduce fire?

Aug 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I've been experiencing some internal heat. My TCM practitioner mentioned that I need to nourish yin and reduce fire. Could you please tell me what foods can help nourish yin and clear heat?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

"Nourishing yin and reducing fire" primarily targets the condition of "yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire" within the body, aiming to balance yin and yang and clear heat and toxins through dietary regulation. Common foods that nourish yin and reduce fire include:

1. Vegetables: Spinach, winter melon, bean sprouts, Chinese yam, cucumber, green beans, radish, kelp, eggplant, etc. These foods are rich in iodine and other trace elements and can clear heat and toxins.

2. Meats: Duck meat, turtle meat. These meats have a relatively cool nature and can nourish yin and reduce fire, effectively alleviating symptoms of yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire.

3. Legumes: Coix seed, black soybeans, mung beans, etc. Legumes are rich in protein and various vitamins, capable of supplying essential nutrients to the body, clearing heat and toxins, and promoting diuresis to reduce swelling.

4. Dried fruits: Lotus seeds, black sesame seeds, chestnuts, etc. These dried fruits have functions of nourishing yin to moisten dryness, nourishing blood and calming the mind, and are effective in improving symptoms such as insomnia and frequent dreams caused by yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire.

5. Fruits: Apples, grapes, bananas, pineapples, lychees, watermelons, persimmons, pears, etc. These fruits are rich in water and vitamins, capable of clearing heat, promoting body fluid production, moistening the lungs, and relieving coughs. They are excellent choices for nourishing yin and reducing fire and are effective in alleviating symptoms of yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire.

Dietary regulation should be appropriately adjusted according to individual constitution and seasonal changes. It is recommended to proceed under the guidance of a physician.