Chronic Kidney Failure — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach

A traditional Chinese medicine perspective on Chronic Kidney Failure, combining dietary therapy with syndrome differentiation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns

In TCM, this condition is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:

Damp-Heat in the Bladder

Treatment principle: Clear and Drain Damp-Heat, Unblock Urination

Formula: Bazheng San (Eight-Herb Powder for Rectification) — from *Formulary of the Bureau of the People's Welfare Pharmacies*

Exuberant Lung Heat

Treatment principle: Clear and Drain Lung Heat, Unblock the Water Passages

Formula: Qingfei Yin (Clear the Lung Drink) — from *Zheng Zhi Hui Bu*

Liver Depression and Qi Stagnation

Treatment principle: Regulate Qi and Resolve Depression, Unblock Urination

Formula: Chenxiang San (Agarwood Powder) — from *Jin Gui Yi*

Turbid Stasis Obstruction

Treatment principle: Move Stasis and Dissipate Masses, Unblock the Water Passages

Formula: Dai Didang Wan (Substitute for Didang Pill) — from *Standards of Diagnosis and Treatment*

Spleen Qi Failing to Rise

Treatment principle: Raise the Clear and Descend the Turbid, Transform Qi and Move Water

Formula: Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi Decoction) — from *The Theory of Internal and External Injuries*; Chunze Tang (Spring Pond Decoction) — from *Zheng Zhi Yao Jue Lei Fang*

Debilitation of Kidney Yang

Treatment principle: Warm and Supplement Kidney Yang, Transform Qi and Promote Diuresis

Formula: Jisheng Shenqi Wan (Jisheng Kidney Qi Pill) — from *Formulas to Aid the Living*

These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Food Therapy & Diet

Dietary Therapy Recipes

Yam Congee: Cook 30g fresh Chinese yam with an appropriate amount of polished rice in water into congee, add an appropriate amount of white sugar. Fortifies the spleen and tonifies the kidney.
Astragalus Congee: First boil 30g raw astragalus and strain, add 30g raw coix seeds and 15g adzuki beans and cook 30 minutes, then add 9g chicken gizzard lining (powdered) and 30g glutinous rice and cook into congee. Replenishes qi and promotes urination.
Cordyceps Stewed Old Duck: Put 15g cordyceps (dongchongxiacao) inside 1 old duck and tie it up, stew in water until tender; drink the soup and eat the meat.
Five-Ingredient Congee: Wash and cook 30g each of Chinese yam, raw coix seeds and mulberries, 10 jujubes and 60g millet in water into congee. Replenishes qi and nourishes yin.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.