Tinnitus — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach
In TCM theory, the kidneys open into the ears, and tinnitus is related to the kidneys, liver, and spleen.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns
In TCM, this concern is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:
Liver Fire Harassing Upward
Formula: Longdan Xiegan Tang (Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver) — from *Yi Fang Ji Jie*
Turbid Phlegm Congesting Upward (Stagnation of Phlegm-Fire)
Formula: Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) — from *Formulary of the Bureau of the People's Welfare Pharmacies*
Depletion of kidney essence (Liver-Kidney Yin Deficiency)
Formula: Er Long Zuo Ci Wan (Deafness Left-Benefiting Pill) — from *Collected Formulas from the Crane-feeding Pavilion*
Spleen-Stomach Deficiency
Formula: Yiqi Congming Tang (Benefit Qi and Brighten the Eyes Decoction) — from *Dongyuan's Proven Formulas*
Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis
Formula: Tongqiao Huoxue Tang (Orifice-Opening Blood-Invigorating Decoction) — from *Corrections of Errors in Medical Classics*
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
- Shiitake, Black Fungus, and Mussel Soup: 15 g shiitake mushrooms, 30 g dried mussels, 10 g black fungus (wood ear); cook into a soup.
- Poria Congee: 15 g white poria (fuling), 100 g polished round-grained rice (jingmi); cook into congee.
- Black Sesame and Chinese Yam Puree: 50 g black sesame, 50 g Chinese yam (shanyao); blend into a puree.
- Walnut and Chestnut Puree: 50 g walnut kernels, 50 g chestnuts; cook into a puree.
- Snow Fungus and Deer Antler Gelatin Soup: 30 g snow fungus, 10 g deer antler gelatin (lujiaojiao); simmer into a soup.
- Reed Root and Duck Soup: 100 g cogongrass root (maogen), 250 g duck meat, 100 g winter melon; cook into a soup.
Dietary Principles
- Prefer zinc-rich foods: fish, beef, chicken, eggs, seafood, walnuts.
- Prefer iron-rich foods: laver, dried shrimp, black sesame, black fungus, spinach.
- Include milk and soy milk to support calcium and vitamin intake.
- Avoid spicy and stimulating foods: scallion, garlic, Sichuan pepper, curry, mustard.
- Avoid high-fat, sweet, greasy, salty, and cold foods.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol, staying up late, and overwork.
Understanding the Condition
In TCM theory, the kidneys open into the ears, and tinnitus is related to the kidneys, liver, and spleen. It may be associated with liver fire rising along the channels, turbid phlegm ascending, spleen-stomach weakness failing to lift clear yang, depletion of kidney essence, or qi stagnation and blood stasis — overall, either the ear orifices are undernourished or disturbed by pathogenic factors.
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.