Memory — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach

In TCM theory, poor memory may be associated with excessive rumination and overwork damaging the heart and spleen, causing qi-blood deficiency and malnourishment of the spirit.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns

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

Deficiency of Both Heart and Spleen (Deficiency of Both Qi and Blood)

Formula: Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) — from *Formulas to Aid the Living*

Heart-Kidney Yin Deficiency with Yin-Blood Insufficiency

Formula: Tianwang Buxin Dan (Celestial Emperor's Heart-Tonifying Pill) — from *A Complete Book of Effective Prescriptions for Women*

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

Longan and Chinese Date Congee: 7 longan fruits, 5 Chinese dates, 100 g polished round-grained rice (jingmi); cook into congee.
Longan, Pork Marrow, and Fish Head Soup: 10 g longan, 100 g pork spinal marrow, 1 fish head; stew until tender.
Walnut and Longan Chicken: 10 g each of walnut kernels and longan flesh, 250 g chicken; stir-fry over high heat.
Mulberry, Black Sesame, and Walnut Powder: equal parts ground into powder; take 3 g each time, 3 times daily.

Dietary Principles

Prefer foods that may support the heart, spleen, kidneys, and brain: longan, Chinese dates, lotus seeds, lily bulbs, walnuts, black sesame, mulberry, goji berries.
Include quality protein and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid raw and cold foods, greasy foods, and refined sugar.
Avoid excessive rumination and overwork that may harm the spleen.

Understanding the Condition

In TCM theory, poor memory may be associated with excessive rumination and overwork damaging the heart and spleen, causing qi-blood deficiency and malnourishment of the spirit; or with insufficient kidney essence failing to nourish the brain (the brain is the sea of marrow). Heart-spleen deficiency involves insufficient heart blood and weak spleen qi.

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.