I eat a LOT of leafy greens, so it’s a good thing I love them. Dark leafy greens are rich in chlorophyll and not only contain iron but other components that assist in the absorption and utilization of iron and the manufacture of Blood (Maclean).

One of my favorites is beet greens.

Some important nutrients in beet greens per 3 oz serving include calcium 117 mg, iron 2.7mg, magnesium 70 mg, phosphorus 41mg, potassium 762 mg, zinc .38 mg, copper .191 mg, manganese .391 mg, selenium .9 mg, vitamin C 30 mg, beta carotene 3790 ug. Not too shabby, considering all this is packed in about 22 calories.

See the complete nutrient profile here https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170375/nutrients

I often recommend eating at least a couple of servings of dark leafy greens per day to my clients, especially women. Women are at higher risk of becoming Blood deficient due to monthly Blood loss and if she has given birth. Vegans and vegetarians are also at risk regardless of gender.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) standpoint, generally speaking, if someone is Blood deficient there is a good chance there will also be some Spleen Qi deficiency and vice versa. One of the important jobs of the Spleen is transforming (and transporting) foods and drinks into Blood and nutrients for the entire body. When weakened or deficient it is difficult for Spleen Qi to process certain foods and in these cases, I recommend eating all cooked foods vs. cold and raw foods such as salads.

Today’s greens include beet, curly kale, and spinach (I could only fit ½ the amount in the pan until they wilt down a bit). I turn the heat on high and add a tiny bit of water (the greens are already wet due to rinsing to clean them). Add the greens and turn them with a tong as they wilt down. Takes less than 2 minutes. I sometimes add Celtic sea salt and nutritional yeast to flavor.

Rishi loves kale stems.

Bai Shao - white peony root - Paeonia lactiflora root

Best for Blood-deficient clients with (Blood deficient) Heat signs such as night sweats and hot flashes or Liver Yang rising signs such as headaches, dizziness, flushed face, red eyes due to Blood deficiency

Nourishes the Blood and regulates the menses ie: irregular menstruation, postpartum disorders, uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, PMS symptoms
Soothes the Liver and alleviates pain for numbness, spasms, petit mal seizures, restless leg syndrome, and pain in the limbs, tendons, and sinews from Blood deficiency
Also used for fibromyalgia and PCOS

Shu Di Huang - Prepared Rehmannia root - Rehmanniae Radix preparata root

Tonifies & nourishes the Blood ie: irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, anemia, dizziness, palpitations, restless fetus, habitual miscarriage, & postpartum complications
Nourishes the adrenals, hormones when weakened by stress, overwork, or excessive sex and enriches Yin & Essence (Jing). For night sweats, dry mouth, memory loss, low back pain, wasting and thirsting syndrome, childhood delayed development, gray hair, impotence
Often combined with aromatic herbs to prevent digestive upset as it has a cloying nature
The primary herb for tonifying Liver & Kidney Blood & Yin

Zhi He Shou Wu - prepared Polygonam multiflorum root -Polygoni multiflori

Prepared by boiling with black beans to eliminate its laxative effect & release its power
Nourishes Blood, augments Essence (Jing) - dizziness, blurred vision, gray hair, involuntary ejaculation, soreness and weakness of lower back and knees, and insomnia
Used to stimulate male reproductive function, improve athletic performance, stimulate Liver and bowel function, and lower cholesterol levels
Dry fried for irregular menstruation and uterine bleeding
Noted as one of the best tonics because it is warm and not too drying, tonifying without stagnating like other tonics
Contraindicated for pregnancy and Liver disease
Use of this herb should be short term as long term use may be responsible for Liver damage

As always check with your Dr. or a qualified herbalist before starting a new herb. If you have any questions about any of the herbs listed let me know.