Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Iron deficiency is a common nutritional imbalance where the body’s demand for iron increases, intake is insufficient, or loss is excessive, leading to a significant lack of iron in the body, thereby affecting hemoglobin synthesis. This condition is characterized by a lack of stainable iron in the bone marrow, Liver, Spleen, and other tissues, with decreased serum ferritin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation, and is associated with microcytic hypochromic red blood cell indices.
Iron deficiency affects the body in many ways. Insufficient iron levels are common across various populations worldwide. However, mild cases often lack noticeable signs of imbalance or signs, making them easy to overlook. This condition can occur in all age groups, particularly in women of childbearing age.
Common manifestations of a state associated with low iron levels include occasional dizziness, headache, fatigue, easy tiredness, Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, reduced appetite, and abdominal bloating. In children and adolescents, signs may include delayed physical development, lower body weight, decreased stamina, slower mental response, difficulty concentrating, mood fluctuations, restlessness, irritability or apathy, and in a few cases, unusual food cravings.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that the pathogenesis of iron deficiency states primarily involves improper diet, overexertion and internal injury, or excessive blood loss, leading to Spleen and Kidney deficiency as well as dual deficiency of Qi and Blood, while also involving the Heart and Liver organs.
The Spleen governs transportation and transformation. If the diet is improper, leading to a loss of the source of nourishment, or if overwork and fatigue injure the Spleen, the transportation and transformation function becomes impaired, making it unable to generate blood. Consequently, the Heart loses its nourishment, resulting in dual deficiency of the Heart and Spleen. The Kidney stores essence, generates marrow, and nourishes the Liver. If internal damage leads to essence deficiency, or if excessive blood loss occurs, Kidney deficiency helps maintain the generation of marrow and transformation of essence, causing the Liver to lose its moistening nourishment. The ministerial fire then becomes hyperactive, which more readily forces blood to run recklessly. Prolonged depletion of yin, blood, essence, and marrow can lead to yang debilitation of the Spleen and Kidney. Through such mutual influence, the condition becomes increasingly severe.
1.Longyan Lianshi Cha (Longan and Lotus Seed Tea)
Ingredients: 5 pieces of Dimocarpus longan (Longyanrou), 20 g each of Nelumbo nucifera (Lianzi) and Euryale ferox (Qianshi).
Preparation: Wash all the above herbs together, place them in an iron pot, add water, and boil until soft. Take the entire decoction once before bedtime. One dose per night.
Actions: Tonifies the Spleen and Kidney, nourishes the Blood and calms the Shen. supports patterns of Spleen and Kidney deficiency with Blood deficiency, helping with occasional palpitations and restless sleep.
2.Danshen Huangjing Cha (Salvia and Polygonatum Tea)
Ingredients: 10g each of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and Polygonatum sibiricum (Huangjing), and 5g of Camellia sinensis (tea).
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into a coarse powder. Place in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 15-20 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
supports Qi, replenishes essence, promotes blood circulation and nourishes blood. supports healthy iron levels and normal white blood cell count.
3.Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) and Angelica sinensis Body (Danggui Shen) Tea
Ingredients: Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) 30 g, Angelica sinensis (Danggui Body) 10 g.
Preparation: Grind Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) and the body of Angelica sinensis (Danggui) into coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports Qi and blood nourishment. Promotes a healthy complexion and helps with occasional dizziness, shortness of breath, limb fatigue, and listlessness.
4.Sangshen Hongtang Cha (Mulberry and Brown Sugar Tea)
Ingredients: 30g each of Morus alba (Mulberry) and brown sugar.
Preparation: Place the above herbs in an earthenware pot, add water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Drink as a tea. Take one dose daily.
supports the Liver and Kidney systems, and helps maintain blood and yin nourishment. helps with occasional dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, and forgetfulness.
5.Xianhe Huangqi Cha (Agrimony and Astragalus Tea)
Ingredients: 30g Agrimonia pilosa (Xianhecao), 15g processed Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi).
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into a coarse powder, place it in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 15–20 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose per day.
Efficacy: supports Spleen and qi health, nourishes blood, and helps maintain a calm Heart. helps with occasional dizziness, pale complexion, low voice, palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness of the limbs.
6.Zao Fan Cha (Jujube-Alum Tea)
Ingredients: 30g Zao Fan (ferrous sulfate, fried with oil), 120g charred red dates (pitted).
Preparation: Grind the two ingredients into coarse powder together, mix well, and set aside. Take 6 grams each time, place in a cup, steep in boiling water, and drink as tea. 2-3 doses daily.
Actions: supports healthy Spleen function and Qi (vital energy), nourishes the Blood and calms the Spirit (Shen). helps maintain normal blood production and circulation, promoting overall vitality, mental alertness, and a balanced internal environment.
7.Spatholobus suberectus and Rehmannia glutinosa Tea (Jixueteng Shengdi Cha)
Ingredients: Spatholobus suberectus (Jixueteng) and Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi), 30 grams each.
Method: Grind the above two ingredients into a coarse powder, place in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. Take one dose daily.
Benefits: supports the health of the Liver and Kidneys, and helps nourish blood and essence. It aids in maintaining a balanced internal environment for occasional signs of imbalance such as dizziness, blurred vision, red eyes, tinnitus, soreness and weakness in the lower back and legs, involuntary seminal emission, night sweats, and a feeling of heat in the palms and soles.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Interesting! I’ve been dealing with low iron and love trying natural remedies. These T
Great article! I’ve been dealing with low iron for a while and love exploring natural ways to boost nutrients. Definitely bookmarking this—those herbal infusions sound gentle and effective. Thanks for sharing
This is so helpful! I’ve been struggling with low energy and suspected iron issues, but I didn’t know TCM had gentle herbal options beyond supplements. Definitely trying a few of these infusions—love that they support overall nutrient wellness too. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been struggling with low iron for years, so this is super helpful! Never thought about using TCM herbs like dong quai or astragalus for better absorption. Definitely going to try the goji berry and red date infusion next time I feel sluggish. Thanks for sharing these natural alternatives!