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    Home » Health and Diet » Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) » Ultimate Guide to Spleen Qi Deficiency: Diet Tips and Recipes

    Ultimate Guide to Spleen Qi Deficiency: Diet Tips and Recipes

    Published: Aug 16, 2018 · Modified: Mar 14, 2025 by HWC Magazine · 48 Comments

    Spleen qi deficiency diet and meal plan with nourishing recipes and health tips.
    Spleen qi diet for beginners with health tips and nourishing easy recipes.
    Feed Your Spleen, Nourish your Body the Traditional Chinese Medicine Way with life changing EASY tips, hacks and FREE Meal Planning. Click on over to grab your free meal plan now. #mealplanning #tcm #tradiionalchinesemedicine #spleendiet #spleenqi #healthy #recipes / https://www.hwcmagazine.com

    Feed your spleen and discover the way to health and happiness.

    Did you know that your food choices can hurt your spleen? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the spleen is responsible for digestion. Your gut is your power core to health and happiness. When your spleen is running like a well-maintained engine, you feel great. When you have failed to do the basic maintenance, you are going to start to have engine trouble and feel unwell.

    In this ultimate guide, you will discover the fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), essential tips for a spleen qi deficiency diet, and nourishing recipes to keep your digestive system functioning smoothly.

    The Ultimate Guide to Spleen Qi Deficiency: Diet Tips and Nourishing Recipes. Feed your spleen; Nourish your body.

    What Our Readers Say: Spleen Qi Journey

    “Okay, wow. This article was so helpful. Never realized how important it was to have a healthy spleen - we ignore it so much in day-to-day life. Surprisingly, I have quite a few of the symptoms mentioned here. Gosh, need to go through all these recipes and try them out as well as follow all the tips here. Bookmarking this for later - definitely going to come back to this post!”

    “The two acupuncturists I've seen have told me the same thing, that I have too much dampness, but I just didn't know what that meant, they did tell me I should stay away from cold foods but didn't explain any further, now after reading your article, it all makes sense!!! Wow, it's amazing to see how everything is connected. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge, I will be making adjustments in my daily diet to nourish my spleen.”

    This spleen qi deficiency diet article was originally created on August 16, 2018. It has been updated in March 2024 to include new infographics, sources and make it easier for you to navigate and jump ahead to the information you need.

    Jump to:
    • What Our Readers Say: Spleen Qi Journey
    • How Does Your Spleen Work?
    • Quick Facts About Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
    • The Five Elemental Qualities in TCM
    • Holistic Care: TCM's Focus on Body and Mind
    • Common Causes of Spleen Qi Deficiency
    • How Excessive Worry Creates Imbalance
    • An Overview of TCM Patient Assessment
    • Signs Your Spleen is Not Working Properly
    • Spleen Qi Deficiency Symptoms
    • My Personal Journey with Spleen Qi Deficiency
    • Spleen Qi Deficiency Diet: How to Nourish Your Spleen
    • Foods to Avoid on a Spleen Qi Deficiency Diet
    • Meal Planning: Foods That are Good for Your Spleen
    • Best Warming Foods for Spleen Health
    • Essential Diet Tips for a Healthy Spleen Qi
    • Spleen-Boosting Breakfast Meal Ideas
    • Our Favorite Spleen Loving Breakfast Recipes to Try
    • Nourishing Lunch Ideas for Spleen Health
    • Healthy Dinner Ideas to Boost Spleen Qi
    • Herbs for Spleen Qi Deficiency
    • Conclusion and Key Takeaways
    • Disclaimer
    • Sources

    How Does Your Spleen Work?

    To better understand why a Traditional Chinese Medicine Diet is important for health, we are going to discuss how your spleen holds many important functions in both Western and Eastern Medicine.

    Your spleen is located under your ribcage and above the stomach in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. We know you are trying to find that right now on your body but unless your spleen is abnormally enlarged, then you should not be able to palpate it.  If your spleen is so LARGE you can palpate it, close your computer and head to the ER.

    In Western Medicine, the spleen is responsible for many supportive functions in the body. Your spleen works to both filter and store your blood and plays a role in the immune response system. (1)

    In Eastern Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the spleen holds a very important role of governing and transportation, water metabolism, controlling the blood, dominating the muscles and four limbs, and opening into the mouth and manifestation on the lips. (2) We will discuss how each of these functions is affected by your diet later in the article.

    Quick Facts About Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

    We know it is very difficult to get your arms around TCM, especially if you are already trained in Western Medicine or are new to alternative therapies. We know exactly how you feel. Our writers were trained and worked in the Western Medical field for 25 years before training in TCM. You need to essentially let go of all your preconceived knowledge of Western Medicine and just let this information sink in. We will go slow and high level, so you are not overwhelmed.

    Background of TCM

    Traditional Chinese Medicine has been around for over 2000 years and has been preventing and treating ailments successfully. We believe that there is importance in both Eastern and Western Medicine. Each play an integral part in keeping you healthy. There are many occasions when Western Medicine falls short and that is when Eastern Medicine really shines.

    TCM plays an important role in prevention of illness and PREVENTION is the KEY!  Traditional Chinese Medicine is built on a foundation of centuries of medical research and uses various forms of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, tu nai (massage), qi gong (exercise) and dietary therapy. We are going to home in on the dietary therapy.

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) yin and yang

    The Concept of Yin and Yang

    TCM is built on the concept that our bodies need to be in balance and extremes in Yin or Yang can cause illness. Yin and Yang are a philosophical conceptualization. It is a means to generalize the two opposite principles which may be observed within the natural world.

    Yin, for example, represents cold, downward, damp/moist, female, moon and inside. Whereas yang represents, hot, upward, dry, male, sun and outside. There is an interdependence of both yin and yang. Yin could not exist in isolation without yang and nor can yang exist without yin. An EXCESS of either yin or yang can cause illness. A DEFICIENCY of Yin or Yang can cause illness.

    How Raw and Cold Foods Affect the Spleen

    An unbalance of yin and yang can occur by eating an abundance of “yin” cooling foods or the Raw Foods Diet. Raw foods are very cooling. The spleen does not like raw foods and nor does it like cold drinks with ice.  

    The reason the spleen does not like raw foods is that your body must heat up food to your body temperature for the Spleen to extract the Qi from the food. If your Spleen is already deficient, eating raw food or many cooling foods will take up precious energy that the body can’t afford. By the time the food is heated up, there is even less digestive power. This is when you start to feel unwell.

    What is Qi?

    Qi is a life energy, or life spirit, a vital force that flows through all living things. The meridians and collateral are pathways which the qi and blood flow. (3) The qi also connects to the zang fu organs (one of them happens to be the spleen) networking our body. (4) If there is a disruption in the flow of qi, we can get sick. The spleen is responsible for transforming food and water and converting it into new qi energy and new blood with the help from the heart and kidney.

    The Five Elemental Qualities in TCM

    Traditional Chinese Medicine states that all phenomena in nature can be broken down into five elemental qualities. These are the five elemental qualities.

    1. Wood
    2. Fire
    3. Earth
    4. Metal
    5. Water

    Each of these five elements has a relationship between the zang- fu organs. The spleen is correlated to middle, sweet, yellow, transformation, dampness, late summer, earth, stomach, mouth, muscle, and worry.

    The infographic below explains the "Five Categories of Things According to the Five Elements: Nature and Human Body". The yellow section of the chart represents the SPLEEN. (5)

    Five Elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine Infographic

    Copy the code below to embed this infographic on your website:

    As you may notice, the spleen correlates to Late Summer. Late Summer is a transitional time and the best time to prepare our bodies for the next season. The late summertime frame is all about centering, grounding and balance and nourishing our bodies, especially the digestive system. (For Example; if you lived in a super snowy regions, it is equal to putting snow tires, making sure your car heater works and putting emergency supplies in your trunk.) You would not skip these prevention measures on your car so why would you be skipping the prevention measures on your health and body?

    Holistic Care: TCM's Focus on Body and Mind

    TCM framework treats the person holistically. The mind, body and emotions are all intertwined and there are connections that can either keep the body healthy or cause the body harm. In addition, your surroundings, the time of day, geographical location, and the foods you eat can also affect your health. Your body has the potential to keep balance and to heal itself.

    TCM believes that prevention is the best cure and keeping your body in harmony can prevent illness.

    Common Causes of Spleen Qi Deficiency

    • Excessive worrying or overthinking
    • Overeating
    • Eating too much raw and cold foods
    • Congenital issues or spleen removal due to illness or injury.

    How Excessive Worry Creates Imbalance

    Did you know that “worrying” can stress out your spleen? How many of you are worry warts?  Hands up, if you are a parent, student, teacher, director or have a job - you have worry.

    We all have stress in our lives, but we need to process it differently and not obsess about it. The reason being is when you have excessive worry the spleen decides to essentially stop performing it basic function of digestion. An important role in healing the spleen is to keep stress or your reaction to it under control. One simple way to reduce stress, is using acupressure. Please try our easy 4-point acupressure tutorial and video on our Love Your Liver self-care article.

    As you can see from the infographic above, each organ is responsible for an emotion. The spleen is directly related to our capacity for thinking.  Excessive worry will damage the Spleen Qi. 

    Have you ever had Brain Fog or the inability to think clearly? Then you may have spleen qi deficiency. A deficient Spleen can weaken the mind and our capacity to think clearly and focus. We are then more susceptible to worry. It is a vicious cycle and just think with a slight tweak in your diet we can make you feel better and think clearer.

    An Overview of TCM Patient Assessment

    TCM uses tongue assessments, pulse assessments, a health physical, emotional health history and a thorough visual assessment of the patient to determine the diagnosis and suggestion for treatment. It is rare for any one patient to have textbook classic signs and symptoms, with only one issue. Most often, patients have a combined deficiency or excess.

    Tongue Assessment: Insights into a Patient's Health

    How many times has your general practitioner asked you to see your tongue or throat unless you were complaining of a sore throat or upper respiratory issue? Did you know that your tongue assessment (color, form, coatings, and properties) can help determine the cause of health issues? Really! 

    Take a quick look at your tongue now. Is your tongue pink and moist or swollen, pale and with teeth marks around the edges? Is it dry and have deep cracks or dark spots? These characteristics along with other findings leave clues on what is going on inside your body.

    A classic symptom of spleen qi deficiency with dampness is a pale swollen tongue with teeth marks around the edges. The spleen is responsible for transportation and transformation of water. If your spleen qi is deficient and can’t do its job, then there can be excess fluid and this excess fluid can be manifested as a swollen tongue. The teeth marks are there because the tongue is so swollen that your teeth are resting on the sides of your tongue.

    Signs Your Spleen is Not Working Properly

    As we discussed, the spleen holds a very important role of governing and transportation and transformation of water and food into essential substances. The role of the spleen is important for digestion and absorption of nutrients by your body. The spleen, according to TCM, is the main zang organ manufacturer of blood and qi for the body.

    When your spleen qi is normal, your digestion and the absorption of nutrients is normal. If you have spleen qi deficiency, you may have abdominal distension, loose stools, poor appetite, and fatigue. This is because even though you are getting the nutrients orally your body cannot process the nutrients.

    The spleen controls water metabolism. The spleen is responsible for transporting the excess fluid out to the meridians and out of the body. If you have spleen qi deficiency, it can lead to internal dampness such as edema, diarrhea, excess phlegm, and a swollen tongue with teeth marks around the edges.

    Spleen Qi Deficiency Symptoms

    • poor digestion
    • low appetite
    • gas/bloating
    • acid regurgitation
    • loose stools
    • undigested food in the stools
    • weakness in arms and legs
    • fatigue
    • poor muscle development
    • abdominal distension
    • blood spots under the skin
    • easy bruising
    • lack of sensation of taste
    • prolapsed organs
    • frequent bleeding
    • obsession
    • worry
    • anemia

    My Personal Journey with Spleen Qi Deficiency

    For years were plagued with these symptoms but could not figure out the root cause in Western medicine or how to fix them. We tried everything under the sun in Western Medicine such as iron supplements, gas pills, changing our diet to a low-fat diet but nothing worked. We felt ill, tired and had stomach issues all the time.

    The Western Diet can cause many imbalances in our bodies, not only weaken our spleen but can cause issues with other organs. Today, we are discussing how it affects the spleen but stay tuned as we will also be discussing how our diet affects our liver, kidney, and heart and how we can change our diet to restore balance.

    Whilst studying TCM at Hong Kong University, we were studying TCM tongue assessments. The professor walked around the classroom and asked to look at each of our tongues. She stopped, looked at me in horror and instructed me to make an appointment immediately at her TCM clinic. Diagnosis – severe Spleen qi deficiency and blood deficiency. It was at that very moment in time the healing had begun, and it all started with a change in our diet.

    Spleen Qi Deficiency Diet: How to Nourish Your Spleen

    In our article, Introducing the Five Energies of Food by Cindy Mai (Root and Spring) we discussed that there are cold, hot, warm, cool and neutral types of foods. The spleen is weakened by cold and damp foods.  The best choices for someone with a Spleen Qi Deficiency would include warming and drying foods.

    Foods to avoid on a spleen qi deficiency diet.

    Foods to Avoid on a Spleen Qi Deficiency Diet

    • Raw Foods - Cold
    • Iced and cold drinks and food - Cold
    • Dairy – Dampening
    • Gluten – Dampening
    • Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates – Dampening
    • Greasy and oily foods - Dampening

    The Impact of Raw Foods on Spleen Health

    Raw foods are very cooling. Your body must heat up food to your body temperature for the Spleen to extract the Qi from the food. If you have spleen qi deficiency, eating raw food will take up your body’s energy that it needs to perform other functions. By the time the food is heated up, there is little food that is digested properly, and you are more apt to have digestion problems.

    We know that in the summer you crave a good salad and a good ice cream. However, if you want to overcome your digestive health issues, we have some alternative delicious meals just for you to promote spleen healing. Feed Your Spleen with warmed and nourishing foods like soups, stews, stir fries with warming vegetables and spices. Crack out that Instant Pot/slow cooker as we have lots of recipes coming your way.

    The Effects of Iced and Cold Foods on Digestion

    Avoid iced cold drinks that come straight from the refrigerator or drinks with ice. A better option may be a little warmed ginger tea or hot water (or room temperature beverages) or bone broth. If we can break you of one bad habit, this would be the first step. This one simple easy change can really make a difference on your body’s ability to work more efficiently because it does not have to work so hard heating up the food/drink to extract the nutrients.

    Have you ever been to a Chinese restaurant and been served a glass of ice water to drink? If you have, you should just get up and leave. An authentic Chinese restaurant would never ever do that. In a traditional Chinese restaurant if you asked for a glass of water, it might even be served to you steaming hot.

    Yep, that’s right - a cup of hot water. We used to always think they boiled all the water before consumption in Asia because of disease prevention. Well, they do, but the main reason is to protect your spleen qi. We are not saying that all your beverages need to be consumed steamy hot. However, it is much better if served at room temperature vs iced cold, so it is not such a shock to your body.

    The Role of Dairy, Gluten, Sugar, and Greasy Foods

    Dairy, gluten, sugar, and greasy foods can cause increased dampness. The six exogenous factors are wind, cold, summer heat, damp, dryness, and fire. These are the six climates in nature. These six types of climates will only cause problems if climatic changes are sudden or if the bodies’ resistance is low.

    Dampness is a predominant qi of late summer or whenever it is hot and rainy. Symptoms of dampness may display as soreness and pain in joints, turbid scanty urine and stools containing mucus. 

    Understanding the Spleen's Preference for Dryness

    The spleen likes dryness and dislikes dampness.  Dampness can impair the spleen and can cause distention and fullness of the abdomen, poor appetite, and loose stools. Like we have discussed before, most people have a mixed condition so it may also be common to have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) with alternating diarrhea and then constipation.

    Meal Planning: Foods That are Good for Your Spleen

    This Feed Your Spleen Meal plan is going to fill you up with warm, nourishing, and easy to digest foods. Your spleen is going to love you. In addition, you will feel more energetic, less sluggish, less bloating, less brain fog, stronger and ready to tackle your day. For all those who have spleen qi deficiency and to prevent spleen qi deficiency this meal plan will keep your motor running smoothly.

    Cooked and warming or neutral foods are best loved by the spleen.

    Best Warming Foods for Spleen Health

    • Cooked Vegetables: squash, pumpkin, yams, leeks, onions, chives, mustard greens
    • Fruits: Apricot, Cherry, Chinese Red Dates, black dates, Guava, longan, lychee, mandarin orange peel (dried), cooked peaches, raspberries.
    • Nuts: Coconut meat, Coconut milk, chestnut, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, walnuts
    • Spices: Caraway seed, basil, black pepper, brown sugar (in very small amounts - excess sugar can cause dampness), chili peppers, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel seed, garlic, ginger, ginseng, turmeric, nutmeg, and rosemary.
    • Grains: glutinous rice, oats
    • Proteins: chicken, lamb, ham, venison, shrimp, mussels, butter, and shrimp.

    Neutral Foods are safe to consume for all body types as they are neither warm nor cold.

    • Examples of neutral foods are figs, goji berries, plums, carrots, turnips, mushrooms, string beans, kidney beans, rice, peas, pork, and fish.

    Essential Diet Tips for a Healthy Spleen Qi

    • Your food should always be eaten slowly and chewed well.
    • It is best to eat like a king for breakfast, a prince for lunch and eat dinner like a pauper.
    • Aim to eat breakfast when the spleen and stomach are at their peak between 7-9am according to the Chinese Medicine clock.
    • Spleen and stomach are at their lowest digestive power after 7pm. Eat dinner before 7 pm.
    • Eat at regular intervals and do not snack all day long or graze as your spleen does not like it.
    • Don’t eat snacks after dinner. This allows time for the stomach and spleen to strengthen while you sleep.
    • Soups, stews, curries, congee, and broths are best tolerated by a weak spleen qi (spleen qi deficiency).
    • Stop eating when you are 80% full.
    • Promote the best sleep hygiene to allow the spleen to heal while you are resting.
    • Reduce worry and stress with adequate exercise (Tai Chi, walking, etc.) and meditation.

    Spleen-Boosting Breakfast Meal Ideas

    Choosing foods that are good for the spleen does not need to be difficult. As a matter of fact, we are all about meal prepping or bulk cooking breakfasts for the week so all you need to do is reheat and eat. Some examples of nourishing breakfast ideas for a spleen qi deficiency diet include…

    • Cooked warm oatmeal with dates, cinnamon, walnuts, and a drizzle of coconut cream or dairy free milk.
    • Congee topped with favorite toppings. (one cup rice to 8 cups water (chicken broth) cooked in an instant pot for about 15-20 minutes and flavor and top with whatever your heart desires; chives, cooked chicken, cooked vegetables) 
    • Glutinous rice prepared on the stove top with fresh ginger, coconut milk and topped with lychee, nectarines, cherries, raspberries, or fruit in season. (Avoid bananas and pears as these are cooling)
    • Make a large kettle of your favorite soup to enjoy throughout the week.
    • Warmed up leftovers rock!
    • Baked sweet potatoes topped with egg, roasted garbanzo beans and green onions.
    • Running low on time, slice an apple and sprinkle with cinnamon. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Drizzle with natural peanut butter and top with toasted walnuts.

    Our Favorite Spleen Loving Breakfast Recipes to Try

    Turmeric Vegetable Medley
    Turmeric Vegetable Medley is warming and loaded with earthy colorful tri-vegetables, anti-inflammatory turmeric and brain boosting power.
    Get this recipe
    Goji Berry and Red Dates Herbal Tea
    Goji Berry and Red Dates Herbal Tea is a delicately sweet delicious nourishing tea to revitalize blood, balances mood and spirit, beautifies the skin, delays aging, filled with antioxidants and just what your body needs to recover and heal.
    Get this recipe
    Goji Berry and Red Dates Herbal Tea / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Tranquil Lemon Ginger Tea Recipe
    Tranquil Lemon Ginger Tea is the perfect delicious detox tea to help balance your digestive system, boost your immunity and help relieve stress.
    Get this recipe
    Tranquil Lemon Ginger Tea / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Italian Scrambled Eggs
    Italian Scrambled Eggs is a quick and easy less than 10-minute vegetarian low carb breakfast or brunch with zucchini (courgette)and tomatoes.
    Get this recipe
    Delicious Italian scrambled eggs on a white plate with a cup of coffee and whole eggs in the background.
    Apple Oatmeal Date Cookies
    Enjoy guilt-free Apple Oatmeal Date Cookies that taste just like a slice of apple pie – gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened. Perfect for breakfast or snacks.
    Get this recipe
    Apple oatmeal date cookies stacked on white plate with a bite out of one.
    Easy Spiced Golden Milk
    Easy Spiced Golden Milk is a creamy frothy dairy-free warming beverage with fresh turmeric, ginger, star anise, black peppercorns and coconut milk.
    Get this recipe
    Easy Spiced Golden Milk / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Nourishing Slow Simmered Beef Bone Broth
    Nourishing slow simmered beef bone broth is what your body craves, deliciously simple to make and cures whatever ails you.
    Get this recipe
    Air Fryer Baked Apples
    Warm cinnamon spiced Air Fryer Baked Apples stuffed with pecans, gluten-free oats and sweetened with date paste for a healthy easy vegan dessert.
    Get this recipe
    Air fryer baked apples stuffed with a date pecan filling and topped with coconut whipped topping.
    Hot Black Sesame Cereal
    Hot Black Sesame Cereal is the homemade lightened up version of simply delicious and nutritious toasted black sesame seed hot cereal (tong sui/sweet dessert soup).
    Get this recipe
    Hot Black Sesame Cereal / https://www.hwcmagazine.com

    Nourishing Lunch Ideas for Spleen Health

    We know how busy life can be. This is exactly why planning spleen qi friendly lunches for work and school are imperative for body and gut healing. Get yourself a thermos and heat up leftovers in the morning before work and store in the thermos until lunchtime. If you need to grab lunch out, try curries with a mild spice and rice. Chicken, Turkey, beef, fish, or lamb are delicious options. However, soy is cooling so keep tofu to a minimum.

    Immune Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup
    Immune Boosting Chicken and Rice Soup is a warm and therapeutic cozy cold and flu fighting bowl of deliciousness. 
    Get this recipe
    Ladle of immune Boosting Chicken and rice soup over a beige soup pot.
    Cantonese ABC Soup (Instant Pot Clear Broth Recipe)
    Warmup with a comforting bowl of traditional Cantonese ABC soup with our quick and easy Instant Pot’s clear broth technique.
    Get this recipe
    A bowl of prepared Cantonese ABC soup next to the Instant pot showing the clear broth in a spoon with vegetables and tender chicken.
    Instant Pot Lentil Ham Stew
    Instant Pot Lentil Ham Stew is going to be your new go to recipe for a quick healthy gluten-free legume comfort meal.  
    Get this recipe
    Instant Pot Lentil Ham Stew / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Quinoa Harvest Salad
    Quinoa Harvest Salad with roasted butternut squash and apples tossed in red quinoa, spinach, dried cranberries, easy roasted pepitas with a spiced warming autumn dressing.
    Get this recipe
    Quinoa Harvest Salad in a black bowl with apples and butternut squash in the background.
    Easy Pork Shiitake Mushroom Stir Fry
    Easy pork and shiitake mushroom stir fry is a delicious one wok dish with velvety tender shiitake mushrooms, caramelized thin pork slices quickly tossed with ginger, garlic and chilis and a simple oyster sauce. 
    Get this recipe
    Pork and broccoli stir fry.
    Nutty Ginger Tamari Quinoa Salad
    Crunchy toasted pistachios, almonds and sunflower seeds tossed with brown rice, nutty red quinoa, fresh crisp Asian veggies and drizzled with a rock your world ginger tamari and sesame dressing. 
    Get this recipe
    Creamy Thai Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
    Creamy Thai Sweet Potato Chicken Soup is an easy gluten-free recipe with red curry spiced coconut broth, chicken, sweet potatoes and veggies cooked in the instant pot or stove top.
    Get this recipe
    Creamy Thai Sweet Potato Chicken Soup / https://www.hwcmagazine.com

    Healthy Dinner Ideas to Boost Spleen Qi

    Clean Eating Shrimp Stir Fry with cabbage
    Clean Eating Shrimp Stir Fry with cabbage is a 15-minute meal time wonder filled with fresh veggies and aromatic spices and herbs.
    Get this recipe
    Clean Eating Shrimp Stir Fry / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Spiced Yam and Vegetable Stir Fry
    Spiced Yam and Vegetable Stir Fry is made with rainbow fresh garden veggies is the perfect way to replenish your body as it is full of vitamins, nutrients and it takes less than 15 minutes from wok to table. 
    Get this recipe
    Halibut Coconut Curry in a Hurry
    Heavenly mild halibut coconut curry is delightfully creamy, fragrant and warms you from the inside out. The poached fish is so delicate it just melts in your mouth.
    Get this recipe
    Air Fryer Kabocha Squash with Curried Sauce
    Our Roasted Air Fryer Kabocha Squash is drizzled over the top with a rich and creamy curried Sauce. If you have been craving something warming and nourishing, this healthy pumpkin recipe is for you.
    Get this recipe
    Roasted air fryer kabocha squash with Thai curried sauce on top in a white plate served with black rice.
    Slow Roasted Moroccan Spiced Leg of Lamb
    Slow Roasted Moroccan Spiced Leg of Lamb is so tender it falls off the bone, melts in your mouth and is served with a cacophony of golden Moroccan gravy flavors.
    Get this recipe
    Slow Roasted Moroccan Spiced Leg of Lamb / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Roasted Butternut and Carrot Ginger Soup
    Warming and nourishing roasted butternut and ginger carrot soup filled with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk topped with roasted pumpkin seeds and homemade seasoned croutons.
    Get this recipe
    Top down photo of roasted butternut and carrot ginger soup with a side of homemade gluten-free croutons.
    Red Lentil and Ham Soup
    Red Lentil and Ham Soup is an easy delicious, curried lentil soup that can be on your table in 20 minutes and a perfect solution for that left over holiday ham.
    Get this recipe
    Spoonful of delicious curried lentil soup in a beige soup bowl.
    Baked Spicy Salmon and Sweet Potato Kale Hash
    Baked Spicy Salmon and Sweet Potato Kale Hash is a full and complete meal with a balance of spicy, sweet, savory and nourishing all in one bite for the perfect weeknight superfoods healthy meal.    
    Get this recipe
    Baked Spicy Salmon and Sweet Potato Kale Hash / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Thai Red Coconut Curry Soup with Frozen Dumplings
    Warm up with our 15-minuteThai Red Coconut Curry Soup featuring frozen dumplings, vibrant veggies, and a flavorful broth. Easy and nourishing!
    Get this recipe
    Thai red coconut curry soup with Asian dumplings in a wooden bowl.
    Slow Cooker Beef Rendang Curry
    Slow cooker beef rendang curry is delectable aromatic Indonesian curry made with delicious spices that is super simple with the help of the crockpot. (keto-friendly/low carb)
     
    Get this recipe
    Slow Cooker Beef Rendang Curry / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Roasted Turmeric Spiced Turkey Breast
    Roasted Turmeric Spiced Turkey Breast is a succulent bone in turkey breast cooked with turmeric, cardamom, spices and a very fun twist for a holiday gathering.
    Get this recipe
    Roasted Turmeric Spiced Turkey Breast / https://www.hwcmagazine.com
    Meat Lover's Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
    Meat Lover's Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash are filled with all of the flavors and spices of the autumn season including two kinds of ground meat and naturally sweet handpicked apples.
    Get this recipe
    Moroccan Sausage Paella
    One-Pan Moroccan Sausage Paella is filled with warming spices, colorful seasonal vegetables of the autumn harvest, savory sausages and brown rice. 
    Get this recipe
    Rosemary Chicken with Sautéed Onion Wine Sauce
    Deliciously aromatic rosemary chicken tenderloins topped with simple caramelised onion sauce is a little one pan wonder
    Get this recipe
    Rosemary Chicken with shallot wine sauce
    Cozy Chicken Curry Soup
    Cozy Chicken Curry soup is filled with tender chicken, vegetables, ginger, garlic, turmeric and curry powder. 
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    Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Curry
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    Pull Apart Chicken Tandoori Sweet Potato Skins
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    Herbs for Spleen Qi Deficiency

    In TCM, it is widely believed that a great combination of herbs can work wonders. The best-known traditional formula in TCM for benefitting the spleen is Gui Pi Tang. In fact, this formula (or a modification of it) is prominently featured in virtually every text that mentions the herbal treatment of disorders associated with spleen qi deficiency. In some books on formula applications, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is also said to be effective in supporting the spleen.

    These two formulas have the following herbs in common: astragalus, ginseng (with codonopsis often used in modern China as a substitute), atractylodes, licorice. This basic combination of four herbs tonifies qi. You can get either formula at root + spring, a reputable online Chinese Medicine shop that has a selection of trusted herbal supplements They also specialize in herbal soups and teas.  Please always consult with your primary care physician BEFORE starting any new herbal preparations.

    Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    TCM is a process that works but it a slower and it takes time and patience. You will not eat just one nourishing meal and go back to your naughty ways of eating raw cold foods and iced drinks and feel better. It’s a process.

    We want you to feel super! Start by making some small changes. Include some of our tips and tricks for foods/drinks to avoid and start incorporating some nourishing foods into your meal plan for the week. Your spleen is going to love you!

    The Chinese Medicine framework is holistic, addressing not just the physical aspects but also emotional and lifestyle factors to promote overall well-being. It's essential for you to work closely with your local qualified TCM practitioners who can tailor treatments to your specific conditions.

    The Ultimate Guide to Spleen Qi Deficiency: Diet Tips and Nourishing Recipes was written by the Healthy World Cuisine Team with over 25 years’ experience working in the medical field. Bachelor of Science of Nursing, Clinical Educational Coordinator, Nursing Supervisor and Diploma in Acupuncture.

    Did You Like Our Recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. Your feedback is always appreciated! Follow us for more delicious recipes on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for our email list for more free recipes.

    Disclaimer

    The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.  The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

    In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately. This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.

    Sources

    1. Erin Brender, MD, Writer; Alison Burke, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor JAMA. The Spleen 2005;294(20):2660.

    2. Chung, Y., Chen, J. and Ko, K. (2016) Spleen Function and Anxiety in Chinese Medicine: A Western Medicine Perspective. Chinese Medicine, 7, 110-123.

    3. Aileen Chan, Chapter 8.5 - Tai chi, Qigong and breathing, Editor(s): Leon Chaitow, Dinah Bradley, Christopher Gilbert, Recognizing and Treating Breathing Disorders (Second Edition), Churchill Livingstone, 2014, Pages 267-274, ISBN 9780702049804.

    4. Liao, Weilong, Dang, Cuijiao, Pan, Weidong, 2017/02/08, The Brief Theory of Viscus and Its Manifestations in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Integrative Medicine International

    5. Huang Wei Ling. “Constitutional Homeopathy of the Five Elements based on Traditional Chinese Medicine". Acta Scientific Medical Sciences 4.7 (2020): 57-69.

    Feed the Spleen / https://www.hwcmagazine.com

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    About HWC Magazine

    Join our Healthy World Cuisine medical editors (trained in both Western and Eastern Medicine) and learn how to EAT your way around the WORLD from the comfort of your own kitchen. Grab free health tips, recipe ideas, meal plans and gain a better understand how eating choices can affect your health. Be the healthier and happier YOU!

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Heidi says

      March 24, 2025 at 5:49 pm

      This is such a helpful, and amazingly detailed article. I especially loved all of the fabulous recipes you shared at the end. These are such a great resource to get started with!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        March 24, 2025 at 7:55 pm

        Thank you Heidi. Delighted you found our spleen qi deficiency recipes helpful. There are so many delicious ways to nourish your spleen.

        Reply
    2. Hannah says

      March 22, 2025 at 2:53 pm

      I must admit, I very rarely think about my spleen. These were such great insights!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        March 22, 2025 at 5:15 pm

        Thank you Hannah. We rarely, but especially as a vegan please take extra care and eat nourishing food.

        Reply
    3. Eha Carr says

      March 18, 2025 at 10:39 am

      Oh Bobbi - it has been years and years since we spoke about TCM - it is late at night here but homework starts in the morning - I have forgotten so much! And I want to show others!!! Thank you!!!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        March 18, 2025 at 8:59 pm

        Hi there Eha! Love seeing your beautiful comment here today! Please rest and take care of yourself first - this spleen qi deficiency article will always be here for you.

        Reply
    4. Michelle says

      March 17, 2025 at 9:45 pm

      Bookmarked this article -- so much valuable and important information! Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us!

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        March 18, 2025 at 9:32 am

        Thank you Michelle. Delighted you enjoyed reading our article on spleen qi deficiency. Be sure to sign up to our free meal plan and more diet tips.

        Reply
    5. Chrissy says

      June 03, 2024 at 1:49 am

      Hi,

      What are some good spleen desserts? Thank you for this very helpful article. ❤️

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        June 03, 2024 at 3:17 am

        Hi there Chrissy and thank you! Here are some of our favorite desserts to support a spleen qi diet...
        1) Hot Black Sesame Cereal
        2) Tang Yuan - Glutinous Rice Balls in Osmanthus Sweet Soup
        3) Chinese Pear Dessert Soup
        Please let us know if you have any questions and take care.

        Reply
    6. Mei says

      September 10, 2022 at 1:03 am

      Hi. This is the most helpful article I have read so far with recipes to boot. After a whole series of illness - anaemia, breast cancer, haemorrhoids, abnormal cells in uterus & 4 operations later, I am told there is nothing wrong. I then turned to TCM as my tongue was still pale, large with teeth marks with thick white coating. Diagnosis - spleen dampness, blocked meridians and very high ratio of heartbeat to breath. Told this is likely due accumulation of toxins in the body - takes 2 days to clear the bowel system with undigested foods. I sleep late & have mild sleep apnoea. I am currently undergoing herbal and acupuncture and told that it is likely to take at least 10 weeks before it can be stabilised. But he did not touch on the food aspect. So it was really good to find your article. Questions I have is that if my stomach bloats up each time I take onions, garlic & red dates - fructose, should I still take it. Also, I am looking for different drinks to have throughout the day. Had old ginger tea then my mouth felt hot, bloated & dry in the morning so I only take 1/4 teaspoon in boiling water in morning once in a while. But I am still biting my cheeks and tongue. Also I was told to drink pu erh tea. Is pu erh cooling? Thank you.

      Reply
      • HWC Magazine says

        September 10, 2022 at 3:57 pm

        Hello Mei! Delighted to hear that you found our spleen qi with meal plan article helpful. I am so sorry you are going through all of this- its so overwhelming. TCM is not a quick fix. It takes time and patience to get your body back into balance.

        You are going to want to ask your TCM physician if you also have other TCM diagnosis' before trying to figure what foods or recipes work best for you. Everyone's body constitution (cool or warm) is different. It is very common for most patients to have a mixed diagnosis. You have to listen to your body first. If foods do not agree with your body avoid them. What works for one patient does not always work with others.

        It sounds like those warming foods such as ginger, garlic, etc. are not working for you- so avoid those for now. Maybe for now just try foods from the neutral foods and you can read more about that in our post Introducing the Five Energies of Food. Pu-erh tea is cooling in TCM but often used to detox. Basic spleen qi guidelines - like avoiding iced drinks, fatty foods, gluten, dairy and sugar is generally something that is good for most body constitutions. Let us know what you find out from your physician and then we can give you some recipe ideas that work for you. Take Care

        Reply
        • Sonia says

          May 24, 2023 at 4:54 am

          Hello
          I am 62 years old and living in France .Can you let me know whether I have cool or hot spleen .
          I feel full very fast after eating and upper abdomen is full ( lots of gas immediately after eating )and in summer when it it hot , I eat lots of salads & raw carrots, cabbage , cooked vegetables, soups & bone broth too .
          I do not eat gluten
          I eat buckwheat , oats porridge & spelt occasionally
          Can you kindly help me .

        • HWC Magazine says

          May 24, 2023 at 4:29 pm

          Hello Sonia, you will have to visit a practitioner in France who practices Traditional Chinese Medicine to be diagnosed as it will require a physical assessment. However, eating lots of cold uncooked vegetables is not good for your spleen health. It is easier for your body to digest and absorb the nutrients if they are cooked first. Please take care

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