Spleen Tonics

ETIOLOGY

In Chinese medicine the Spleen energy functions to transport and transform the

foods and fluids that we eat and drink into energy. Possible causes of spleen energy deficiency

include poor nourishment, excessive consumption of cold and raw foods, excessive

consumption of refined and highly processed foods, eating at irregular times, eating on the run,

excessive eating, eating too little, eating a protein deficient diet, excessive thinking or mental

strain, prolonged exposure to dampness, or chronic disease.

SYMPTOMS

No appetite or poor appetite, bloating after meals, abdominal pain, vomiting,

tiredness, lassitude, general weakness, fatigue, lethargy, somnolence, sallow complexion, faint

and lethargic voice, emaciation, weakness of the limbs, edema, diarrhea or constipation,

excessive bleeding, excessive menstrual flow or amenorrhea, wheezing, feeling of heaviness,

easily bruised, difficulty digesting new ideas

FOODS:

Animal Protein: beef, chicken, halibut, ham, lamb, mackerel, tuna, turkey

Fruits: cherry, date, mango, papaya, persimmon, pineapple

Vegetables: carrot, garlic, potato, pumpkin, rutabaga, string beans, sweet potato, winter squash, yam Grains/Legumes: corn, oat, millet, quinoa, rice, spelt, sweet rice, garbanzo bean, pea, soybean

Nuts: chestnut, filbert, pistachio

Miscellaneous: black pepper, cinnamon, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, rice syrup, royal jelly

NOTE

Chew food well and eat small frequent meals, avoid raw fruit and vegetables, eat well

cooked foods, avoid cold and chilled food and beverages, avoid high fiber foods, brown rice and

dairy, avoid erratic meal taking, eat in calm atmosphere.