Five Black Food for Kidney and Chi

Black sesame seeds, black goji berries, black rice, black beans, and dried mulberries—are highly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Often used together and referred to as the "Five Blacks," they are a classic dietary supplement combination, renowned primarily for tonifying the kidneys, boosting essence and blood, and darkening hair while nourishing the complexion.

Below is a detailed analysis of their effects on kidney health:

I. The Role of the "Five Blacks" in Tonifying the Kidneys (TCM Theory)

TCM's Five Elements theory posits that the five colors correspond to the five internal organs, and black corresponds to the kidneys. Therefore, black foods are generally believed to enter the kidney meridian, nourishing and benefiting the kidneys.

1. Black Beans: Known as the "Grain of the Kidney."
      · Effect: Sweet in flavor and neutral in nature; enters the spleen and kidney meridians. They invigorate blood, promote diuresis, clear heat and toxins, nourish blood, calm the spirit, and nourish kidney yin. Helpful for symptoms like edema, weak lower back and knees, and premature greying caused by kidney deficiency
2. 
   Black Rice: Also called "Black Pearl" or "Medicinal Rice."
      · Effect: Sweet in flavor and warm in nature; enters the spleen and stomach meridians. It strengthens the spleen, invigorates blood, improves eyesight, and nourishes yin. It's related to kidney deficiency such as weak lower back and knees, dizziness, blurred vision, and premature white hair. Rich in anthocyanins and various trace elements, it is a treasure among grains.
3. 
   Black Sesame Seeds: The affordable "Treasure of Longevity."
      · Effect: Sweet in flavor and neutral in nature; enters the liver, kidney, and large intestine meridians. Its core functions are tonifying the liver and kidneys, boosting essence and blood, and moistening the intestines. It is a classic remedy for conditions stemming from insufficient liver and kidney essence and blood, such as dizziness, premature white hair, hair loss, weak lower back and knees, limb fatigue, and dry skin and hair. Note: It is best consumed crushed or roasted for better nutrient absorption.
4. 
   Black Goji Berries: The "King of Anthocyanins."
      · Effect: Sweet in flavor and neutral in nature; enters the liver and kidney meridians. It's 20 times stronger than Vitamin C and 50 times stronger than Vitamin E. Most effective food for anti-aging. They tonify the liver and kidneys and boost essence and eyesight. Their high anthocyanin content provides powerful antioxidant capabilities, offering excellent effects for symptoms like blurred vision, dry and tired eyes, and premature white hair caused by kidney essence depletion and liver blood deficiency. Note: Steep in water below 60°C to avoid destroying the anthocyanins.
5. 
   Dried Mulberries: The "Folk Holy Fruit."
      · Effect: Sweet and sour in flavor, slightly cold in nature; enters the heart, liver, and kidney meridians. They nourish yin, supplement blood, promote fluid production, moisten dryness, and tonify the liver and kidneys. They are very effective in improving symptoms caused by kidney yin deficiency, such as thirst, heart palpitations, insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus, premature white hair, and dry stools/constipation.

Summary of Synergistic Effects:
When combined,these five black ingredients primarily focus on nourishing kidney yin and replenishing kidney essence. Kidney essence is the material foundation of human life activities. Sufficient kidney essence leads to dark hair, strong teeth, robust bones, sharp hearing and vision, and abundant energy. Therefore, the "Five Blacks" combination is particularly beneficial for improving symptoms arising from Kidney Essence Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency, such as:

· Premature white hair, hair loss, dry and brittle hair
· Weak lower back and knees, lack of strength in the limbs
· Dizziness, tinnitus, decreased visual acuity
· Poor memory, insomnia, vivid dreams
· Dry skin, premature aging of the complexion

Usage:

Put the black beans, black rice, black sesame seeds, and dried mulberries（each for 10g) into a soymilk machine or high-speed blender.
  · Add an appropriate amount of water and select the "soy milk" or "paste" mode.
  · After preparation, pour into a cup and add the black goji berries once the temperature is below 60℃.