Tofu
| Tofu in TCM:Explore the properties of Tofu according to Chinese
Nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Temperature: cold
Channels: LI, ST, SP
Flavors: sweet
Tonifies: qi, yin
Special Properties:
clears heat, eliminates toxins, resolves dryness
In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Tofu, which is made from soybean curd, is known for its ability to tonify qi and yin. It also clears heat and eliminates toxins from the body. Sources also state that tofu can help to promote body fluids and lubricate the lungs[22].
In general the ancient Chinese medical texts cite that Tofu enters the Stomach, Spleen, and Large Intestine. Like all legumes listed in the beans category the flavor of Tofu is sweet, and it is considered to be cool[22] to cold[2] in temperature. Take special care with over-consumption of hot or cold foods, especially if you are experiencing problems with your health. The Tao of Nutrition says "to reduce the cool nature of tofu, press out the extra water, marinate with ginger and garlic, then bake. This would be more suitable for conditions of cold or dampness. Baked tofu is widely available in Asian and health food markets"[22].
Editors note: It is inadvisable to consume large amounts of Tofu for several reasons. Firstly consider that tofu is cold in temperature, and although it has been touted for its health benefits over-consumption of cold foods could contribute to health problems. Secondly tofu is a processed food, and there are questions as to what are the processing methods used by the corporations. In some cases the processing may make tofu more toxic, so its advisable to buy tofu from only the most trusted manufacturers. Last remember that soy is made from soybeans, and that as of 2015 more than 90% of soy products consumed in the USA were genetically modified. There may be serious health consequences associated with consuming GMO foods, which may contain significantly less nutritional density and in some cases pesticides like glyphosate.
When consumed in moderation, and with a temperature balanced diet, organic tofu can still be an excellent healthful addition to your diet.
For chronic dystenter stir=fry tofu with vinegar. For malaria stir-fry with vinegar and try to take it 3 hours before onset of symptoms. For lung tuberculosis combine tofu and an the herb Alismatis rhizome (water plantain tuber), boil, and eat the tofu. Take daily for two months. [22]
For leukorrhea steam tofu and brown sugar. For irregular menstruation due to coldness stew tofu, lamb, and ginger together. [22]
Aduki beans and soybeans are both commonly consumed as food, and concentrated forms of these legumes are also used in Chinese herbal medicine.
Regular soybeans can be found at
[See Also: Soybeans] while fermented soybeans
(aka Tofu)
[See also: Tofu] matches more closely with the Chinese herbal therapy of the use of soybeans to improve health. The Chinese herbal remedy Chi Xiao Dou, which is a more concentrated form of fermented soybean, is available as an herbal powder on popular web sites like Amazon.com.
The fact that
fresh soybean,
fermented soybean (tofu),
and concentrated fermented soybean powder
(Chi Xiao Dou) affect the body in different ways is a testament to the fact that cooking and preparation methods can dramatically change the properties of herbs and foods.
[See Also: Food preparation in Chinese medicine]
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Folk remedies presented on this site are designed to address specifc TCM diagnoses, and are not one-size-fits-all. If you would like to learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how it relates to Chinese Nutrition, you can book in a free call with a licensed professional. There is no obligation to purchase.
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