Herb Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Nuo Mi

Glutinous rice | 糯米

Oryza sativa

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Spleen, Stomach, Lungs

Parts Used

The seeds

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Nuo Mi

Traditional Actions

Tonifies the Qi and the Middle.
Strengthens the Spleen and warms the Stomach.
Protect the Exterior and stop sweating.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Nuo Mi belongs to the 'Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Qi tonics are typically sweet and they tend to enter the Spleen and Lungs because these Organs are most involved with the production of Qi.

 

Furthermore Nuo Mi is Warm in nature. This means that Nuo Mi tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Nuo Mi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Nuo Mi also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Nuo Mi tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Nuo Mi is thought to target the Spleen, the Stomach and the Lung. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.

Common Applications

Loss of appetite Diarrhea Spontaneous sweating Nausea

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Nuo Mi

Traditional Preparation

Collects the seeds (the rice), removes the shells and store in dry environment.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

50-100g

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Nuo Mi

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Nuo Mi may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

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