Introduction: Struggling with Insomnia, Start by Regulating Liver Fire and Heart-Spleen
If you have trouble falling asleep at night and feel drowsy during the day, it might be your body's way of telling you that your liver fire and heart-spleen need gentle regulation. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes "the same source of food and medicine." Common ingredients in your kitchen can help clear heat, moisten dryness, and balance your spleen and stomach, allowing your sleep to return to normal. Below are some simple and safe dietary tips.
Is Liver Fire Disturbing Your Mind? Try a Cooling Choice for Clearing Liver Fire and Calming the Spirit
Applicable Symptoms
If you often feel irritable, have a dry mouth and bitter taste, or experience many dreams and easy awakening at night, it is likely due to excessive liver fire. At this time, you need foods that can "cool down" and reduce heat.
Ingredients Preparation
- Dried chrysanthemum 5 flowers
- Goji berries 10 pieces
- Fresh lily bulb 30 grams (or dried lily bulb 10 grams)
Preparation Steps
- Soak lily bulb in advance (soak dried lily bulb for 2 hours), then wash it clean.
- Put chrysanthemum, goji berries, and lily bulb into a cup, pour boiling water over them, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Drink when the temperature is suitable, and have a small cup one hour before bedtime.
Mild Regulation Principle
Chrysanthemum clears liver fire, lily bulb moistens the lungs and calms the mind, and goji berries nourish liver yin. Combined, they clear heat without harming the body's vital energy, perfectly aligning with the concept of "food and medicine from the same source."
Heart and Spleen Deficiency? Try Longan and Lotus Seed Porridge for Sweet and Restful Sleep
Applicable Symptoms
If you overthink easily, feel tired, have palpitations and memory loss, or find it hard to fall asleep or wake up easily at night, it is usually due to deficiency of heart and spleen. At this time, you need mild nourishment to replenish blood and qi.
Ingredients Preparation
- Longan flesh 15 grams
- Dried lotus seeds 20 grams (remove the core)
- Little millet 50 grams
- A little rock sugar (optional)
Preparation Steps
- Soak lotus seeds in advance for 2 hours, and rinse the millet.
- Put lotus seeds and millet into a pot, add enough water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
- Add longan flesh and rock sugar, continue cooking for 10 minutes. Enjoy warm, one small bowl every night.
Mild Regulation Principle
Longan nourishes blood and calms the spirit; lotus seed strengthens the spleen and nourishes the heart; millet supports the stomach. This porridge can harmonize the heart and spleen, allowing your body to receive adequate nourishment at night.
Small Tips from the Kitchen: Follow the Seasons, Gentle Care
- In spring, when liver fire tends to rise, drink chrysanthemum honey water regularly.
- In summer, when damp-heat disturbs the mind, have a bowl of mung bean and lily porridge.
- In autumn, when it's dry, stew pear with silver ear fungus and lotus seeds.
- In winter, when it's cold, drink ginger, jujube, and brown sugar tea to warm up and calm the spirit.
Remember: Avoid eating too much or greasy food in the evening. Try not to eat anything two hours before bedtime, allowing your spleen and stomach to rest, thus naturally improving sleep quality.
Summary
Traditional Chinese medicine for better sleep doesn't require complicated formulas. By using common ingredients like lily bulb, longan, lotus seed, and chrysanthemum found in your kitchen, you can gently regulate liver fire and heart-spleen to gradually improve your sleep. After maintaining this for a while, you will feel your body's natural tranquility. The principle of "food and medicine from the same source" lies in gradual and consistent care.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If you suffer from severe insomnia or health issues, please consult a professional doctor promptly.