Eat More “Black” in Winter: Sleep Better, Prevent Hair Loss, and Stay Youthful
Eat More “Black” in Winter: Sleep Better, Prevent Hair Loss, and Stay Youthful
Winter is here, and according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), winter is associated with the kidneys. The liver and kidneys share a close connection, making this season the golden time to nourish both. If you experience symptoms like a dull complexion, fine lines around the eyes, sagging skin, premature graying hair, dry eyes, sore lower back and knees, poor sleep, forgetfulness, and overall fatigue, it may be a sign of liver and kidney deficiency. Winter is the perfect time to restore balance and vitality.
Black Foods: A Key to Nourishing the Kidneys and Liver
In TCM, black foods are considered highly beneficial for the kidneys. Consuming these foods during winter helps nourish the liver and kidneys more effectively.
The Modern Epidemic of Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency
Premature Aging, Insomnia, and Hair Loss:
The kidneys store essence, the fundamental root of our vitality, while the liver stores blood and regulates its flow. When the kidney essence and liver blood are abundant, individuals appear energetic, with shiny hair, bright eyes, and radiant skin.
However, modern lifestyles—marked by late nights, overwork, stress, poor diets, and lack of warmth—drain the body's kidney essence and liver blood, leading to yin deficiency. Alarmingly, even individuals in their 20s and 30s are experiencing signs of early aging due to this imbalance.
Signs of Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency
If you experience any of the following, it may indicate liver and kidney yin deficiency:
Dry, brittle, or thinning hair; premature graying or hair loss
Decreased memory, dry mouth and throat, dull or dry skin
Night sweats, insomnia, vivid dreams, dizziness, tinnitus
Fatigue, irritability, unstable emotions, and premature aging
Winter is the ideal time to replenish yin and yang, as well as qi and blood, helping the body restore balance more effectively. Black foods, such as black goji berries, mulberries, black sesame seeds, black beans, black rice, and black fungus, can support the kidneys and liver, gradually replenishing essence and blood.
Two Small Black Fruits for Vitality: Black Goji Berries and Mulberries
Why Black Foods Matter
Traditional wisdom emphasizes, “Black foods are treasures, and among them, black is best.” Black foods nourish yin and kidneys. Modern studies show that black foods are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, melanin, vitamin E, and minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium. These compounds have strong anti-aging properties, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against memory decline.
The Power of Black Goji Berries and Mulberries
Black Goji Berries: Known as the “king of anthocyanins,” black goji berries are sweet and neutral in nature. They nourish the liver and kidneys, replenish essence and blood, and improve vision. Traditional texts like The Uyghur Pharmacopoeia praise their benefits, including enhancing kidney strength, promoting liver health, improving eyesight, boosting brain function, and delaying aging.
Mulberries: With their sweet and tangy taste, mulberries nourish the heart, liver, and kidneys. Historically dubbed the “fruit of blood replenishment,” they enrich yin and blood, moisturize dryness, darken hair, and enhance vision. Dian Nan Materia Medica notes their ability to strengthen the liver, secure essence, and brighten hair and eyes with prolonged use.
Benefits of Black Goji Berries and Mulberries in Winter
Moisturizing Yin and Relieving Dryness
Winter's dryness, combined with indoor heating, can lead to parched skin and throats, especially in those with liver and kidney yin deficiency. Black goji berries and mulberries nourish yin and blood, replenish fluids, and moisturize the body.Promoting Sleep and Calming the Mind
Insomnia, light sleep, and vivid dreams during winter may signal liver and kidney yin deficiency. When kidney yin is insufficient, it cannot nourish liver yin, leading to hyperactive liver yang, which disturbs the mind and sleep. This pairing helps nourish the liver and kidneys, replenishing essence and blood to soothe the mind and improve sleep.Nourishing Hair and Preventing Hair Loss
The kidneys govern water, and their vitality is reflected in the hair. The liver stores blood, and hair relies on blood for nourishment. Issues like hair thinning, dryness, graying, or hair loss often stem from liver and kidney yin deficiency. Black goji berries and mulberries replenish yin and blood, promoting healthier, darker hair and reducing hair loss.