Feeling constantly drained is something mums know all too well. In this article, Chinese nutrition expert Nicole Chien shares some of the key foods from Traditional Chinese Medicine that can help restore energy and balance naturally.

Nicole Chien is a leading nutritionist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from Taiwan and a Master’s from Monash University, and a mother of two.  For over 20 years she has worked in pregnancy, maternal, postpartum and baby & childhood nutrition and founded the well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal nutrition company here in Australia, Taste For Life.

The joys of motherhood can be amazing but let’s face it also exhausting and a little relentless. Most parents of young families at some time have been guilty of reaching for a biscuit or ‘energy’ drink just to get through the day (or night!). And while this might not be a problem once in a while, there are healthy alternatives to sugary drinks and foods that are more natural and nutritious.

One way to build your health, energy and immune system is by incorporating Chinese Herbal Nutrition into your diet and consulting with a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) expert and herbal nutritionist. 

How To Boost Energy Naturally With TCM & Herbal Nutrition

Here are a few key foods and remedies commonly used in TCM and herbal nutrition to build health and vitality.

Jujube (red date)

You might have come across this delicious red fruit in Asian supermarkets. Jujube dates, also known as Red dates or Chinese dates, are a popular superfood in TCM and are often used to make drinks or teas or for cooking soups or desserts.

Rich in iron, these dates help prevent anaemia and contain other important minerals such as magnesium and calcium for bone strength. The fruit is also high in dietary fibre which aids digestion. Furthermore, the dates are a rich source of vitamins C and B. The vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress while at the same time boosting immunity.

The dates are also incredibly good for the skin, increasing collagen production for a more youthful look. The antioxidants from the vitamins combat free radicals, reducing wrinkles and promoting a healthy glow. Compounds found in jujube have been shown in studies to increase sleep and reduce anxiety helping you function better the next day with more energy. 

High in potassium, red dates are also great for heart health by helping with blood pressure regulation as well as rutin (sometimes known as Vitamin P), which strengthens blood vessels and improves circulation.

Last but not least, they provide energy thanks to the vitamin B, calcium and phosphorous that also aids recovery. Indeed, they are used in TCM to treat weakness and low energy and are universally acknowledged as an extraordinary health food.

Ginseng

Ginseng is an important remedy in TCM, and like red dates, it works quickly to build energy. Perhaps this is a reason why it has gained so much mainstream acceptance.

It helps build health and stamina and is especially useful in fighting fatigue and stress by enhancing concentration, immunity, body balance and strength and has proved transformative for many, changing the way they feel and operate.

Ginseng is typically used as the basis of health drinks but not all ginseng drinks are created equal. American Ginseng and specifically Wisconsin Ginseng drinks are considered the best. Cultivated in the Great Lakes region of the USA, the ginseng is nourished by glacial soil rich in rare trace minerals and pure water. Siberian ginseng is also recommended by many TCM practitioners.

Make sure your Ginseng drinks are also made with herbs such as astragalus, ligusticum and liquorice roots (delicious and potent) and watch out there is not too much sugar added. Ginseng is naturally sweet so there is no need for additional sugar.

Snow fungus drinks

Apart from Ginseng drinks, there are other health drinks that mums can try including snow fungus drinks (snow fungus is a prized mushroom-type fungus with a sweet taste and crunchy texture) which contain amongst other things collagen, dietary fibre and amino acids to support general health, and also to maintain blood sugar health.

Additionally, it helps to build physical strength and a youthful appearance (skin glows!) and has anti-ageing properties. It is the reason why these drinks are always popular with beauty influencers and editors and do the rounds on TikTok!

Just make sure you do your homework on snow fungus drinks as some are much better than others.

Special tonic soups 

TMC and optimal herbal nutrition also rely on Special Tonic soups. There are many tonic soups including ones that increase metabolism, build collagen, improve Qi and energy and help strengthen bones and joints. These soups have huge benefits for those who like to keep fit and keep up with their kids!

Pregnancy can strip a mother of a lot of calcium and other nutrients, so mums need to eat to restore these deficits. Any trusted Chinese herbal nutritionist can make up these soups for you and some companies make them ready-made.

Chicken Essence, in itself, is a great tonic too and helps fight tiredness and energy fatigue. It is rich in iron, copper, zinc and vitamins. It is also great for improving metabolism. Tonic soups based on Beef Essence are another great immunity booster.

Reminder:

Always consult your healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before use if you are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Taking medications
• Experiencing health discomfort 
• Using other herbal medicines at the same time.

Top image: Canva

Have you explored Chinese herbal nutrition for boosting energy? Let us know your favourite go-to remedies in the comments below!