Blood provides energy and vitality. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it’s considered a yin fluid; it creates a feeling of grounding and presence. Blood is vital for overall health and well-being. Suppose you’ve been diagnosed with low iron or anemia, or you have low energy, paleness in your face or tongue, thinning hair, dry skin and nails, issues with menstruation, pain, nervousness, or anxiety. In that case, you’ll want to focus on building your blood.
Watch the video to learn how to build your blood. I’ll cover how to know if you should and some great strategies you can use to help.
How to Build and Nourish Blood
Blood According to Chinese Medicine
Blood comprises many physical components and is created in the bone marrow. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees blood as more than a physical substance. In TCM, blood is understood as a deep feminine force in the body. Blood is considered a vehicle for Qi, and an understanding of blood includes the idea that it carries inherent energy. It nourishes and moistens the body and circulates nutritive Qi.
In Chinese Medicine, blood is mainly produced by the digestion and assimilation of food. It has unique relationships with the Spleen, Heart, Lungs, and Liver; through these relationships, blood is formed and distributed throughout the body. Blood is also produced with the help of the jing housed in the bone marrow. When all of these relationships are working, the blood provides deep nourishment to the body.
Blood Deficiency and Blood Stagnation
In Chinese medicine, there are two primary pathologies related to the blood: deficiency and stagnation. There are also pathologies related to heat in the blood and sudden blood loss, but we’ll focus on the two most common: deficiency and stagnation.
When there’s a blood deficiency, there’s a lack of blood-nourishing and supportive energy. Symptoms include paleness, dizziness, fatigue, and scanty menstruation. When there’s stagnation, there can be pain, stress, and dark, clotting menstruation. There is a relationship between deficiency and stagnation, but we’ll focus on deficient blood for this post. Sometimes, this correlates with blood tests, but not always. Many people can benefit from building their blood, regardless of blood test results.
The first step is to support healthy digestion. If you’re not assimilating what you’re eating, you won’t get the nutrition needed for healthy blood. Check out this post to learn how to strengthen your digestion. When your digestion is healed and strong, and you have strong stomach acid, you can break down and use the nutrients you eat more.
If you’re looking for in-depth support in healing your digestion, check out Calm and Renew.
Eat Blood Building Foods
It’s super important to eat a diet full of blood-building foods. Focus on foods high in iron, B12, folic acid, vitamin C, and protein. Eat whole foods like vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. In particular, add dark green leafy vegetables like chard and spinach, dried fruit like prunes and raisins, blackstrap molasses, lentils, kidney beans, and pumpkin seeds.
Animal meat is also an excellent way to build your blood. The iron in meat is more easily absorbed than the iron in veggies. Especially if you’ve been vegetarian or vegan, consider adding meat back in if you feel comfortable doing so.
Other foods that build your blood include algae such as spirulina and seaweed.
If your iron levels have been tested and you are low, you’ll most likely need to supplement. Generally, women need more iron than men, especially during childbearing years. Supplementing with iron can be helpful, but it’s something you’ll want to do with the guidance of a health practitioner. Iron overload is severe and can be problematic if supplementation is not done correctly. If you’re supplementing with iron, check with your doctor and make sure you’re eliminating regularly.
Dang Gui supports the blood and regulates menstruation. It’s building, nourishing, and invigorating. It’s beneficial for women who feel weak and fatigued, have a tendency towards anxiety, and have light menstruation. It increases circulation to the uterus and can help with hormonal imbalances. It’s a moving herb, so it’s helpful if there’s stagnation and deficiency.
Don’t take this herb if you have excess bleeding or are taking blood-thinning medications. If you’re pregnant, get advice from your practitioner before beginning this herb. Dang Gui is usually taken in Chinese Medicine as part of a formula, so consider taking it in a formula. It’s also slightly warm, so it’s not the best choice if you have “heat” in your body. You’ll also want to avoid it if you have loose stools or diarrhea.
Gou Qi Zi, or goji berry, has been used for thousands of years in Chinese materia medica. It is a nice-tasting fruit known as a superfood in the West. In the East, it’s said to support overall stamina and longevity. Goji berries are rich in antioxidants. They nourish the blood and support the liver and kidneys. This herb is very safe, but if you have weak digestion, use it cautiously, as it may be hard to digest.
Gou qi zi can be used in a formula, but it can also be eaten on its own or drunk as tea. The easiest way to consume goji berries is to steep a small handful in hot water and drink them as tea.
SUPPORT BLOOD SYRUP
- Combine 1/2 cup prunes, 1/2 cup goji berries, 1 oz Dang Gui, and 1 oz Huang Qi (astragalus root)
- Add 8 cups of water and simmer until the mixture has a syrup consistency and the fruit is soft.
- Let cool, then blend. After blending, strain the liquid through a strainer.
- In a separate pot, melt 2 tbsp ghee and add 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp cardamom, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Combine ghee spice mix, fruit and herb mix, and 1 cup molasses
- Cook on low and stir for 10-15 min.
- Take 1-2 tbsp two times a day. Store in a cool, dry place.
There are many plants and herbal medicines that help build the blood. In addition to the herbs I’ve mentioned here, you could also consider raw cacao, nettles, burdock, and Chinese dates.
Many herbs that we consider nutritive can also be helpful. Watch my videos on nutritive herbs here and here to learn more.
Nourish the Blood to Create Grounding
Blood is considered a deeper yin fluid. It creates a feeling of stability and grounding. Blood can also be depleted through overwork and mental anxiety. It’s related to our ancestral connections, our intuitive knowing, and our sacred feminine. Develop these qualities by taking care of yourself.
Finally, rest, do gentle weight-bearing activities to support your bones, and stay warm to build your blood!
I hope that gives you some ideas for building your blood. Thanks for reading and watching!
