Hot Flashes — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach
In TCM theory, hot flashes may be associated with gradually declining kidney qi and waning reproductive essence, depleting essence and blood.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns
In TCM, this concern is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:
Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency with Deficiency Fire Disturbing Internally
Formula: Zhibai Dihuang Wan (Anemarrhena and Phellodendron Rehmannia Pill) — from *Golden Mirror of Medicine*
Yin deficiency with exuberant fire and insecure exterior
Formula: Danggui Liuhuang Tang (Angelica Six-Yellow Decoction) — from *Secrets from the Orchid Chamber*
Insufficiency of kidney yin with liver-kidney yin deficiency
Formula: Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) — from *Key to Therapeutics of Children's Diseases*
Yin deficiency with exuberant fire, tidal fever and night sweating
Formula: Da Bu Yin Wan (Great Yin-Tonifying Pill) — from *Teachings of Master Danxi*
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
- Lily Bulb, Snow Fungus, and Lotus Seed Soup: snow fungus, lotus seeds, lily bulbs, Chinese dates, and goji berries; simmer gently over low heat and add rock sugar.
- Snow Fungus and Chinese Yam Puree: 30 g snow fungus, 100 g Chinese yam (shanyao), 30 g white hyacinth beans (baibiandou); simmer into a puree.
- Lily Bulb, Snow Fungus, and Pear Congee: 50 g fresh lily bulbs, 10 g snow fungus, 50 g snow pear, 100 g rice; cook into congee.
Dietary Principles
- Prefer foods that may support yin and moisten dryness: lily bulb, snow fungus, lotus seeds, snow pear, lotus root, honey, black sesame, goji berries, Chinese yam.
- Include moderate amounts of soy products, such as tofu, soy milk, and tofu skin.
- Sleep early to nourish yin and drink plenty of warm water.
- Avoid spicy, fried, and warming foods: chili, mutton, chives.
- Avoid caffeine, strong tea, and alcohol, and avoid staying up late or heavy sweating.
Understanding the Condition
In TCM theory, hot flashes may be associated with gradually declining kidney qi and waning reproductive essence, depleting essence and blood; when kidney yin becomes insufficient it fails to restrain yang, giving rise to internal deficiency-fire that drives fluids outward as hot flashes and sweating. During menopause this is centered on liver-kidney yin deficiency and yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity.
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.