Chicken Eggs: Benefits and Uses in Traditional Medicine

Chicken Eggs: Benefits and Uses in Traditional Medicine

Chicken eggs, often referred to as β€œegg” in everyday terms, have been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Known for their sweet and neutral properties, they are believed to nourish vital energy and blood circulation, as well as soothe dryness and calm the body. In TCM, chicken eggs are associated with the lungs, spleen, and stomach meridians, making them a versatile remedy for various health concerns.

Chicken Eggs in Traditional Chinese Medicine

How to Use Chicken Eggs

Internal Use: Chicken eggs can be consumed raw (after removing the shell), mixed with hot water, boiled with other herbs, or incorporated into pills.

External Use: The yolk and white can be separated, mixed with other ingredients, and applied to the skin as a poultice.

Benefits and Conditions Treated

Chicken eggs are known for their ability to:

  • Nourish yin and moisturize dryness.
  • Support blood health and stabilize pregnancy.

They are commonly used to treat the following conditions:

  • Restlessness and fever-related conditions.
  • Dry cough, hoarseness, and throat pain.
  • Eye redness and postpartum thirst.
  • Diarrhea, burns, and other ailments.

Traditional Recipes Featuring Chicken Eggs

Here are some traditional remedies using chicken eggs:

  1. Fever and restlessness: Mix three chicken eggs with a small amount of mirabilite and three ounces of wine. Stir and consume (from Bu Que Zhou Hou Fang).
  2. Nausea after illness: Boil one egg in hot water until lightly cooked, then soak it in warm water. Consume to balance internal heat and cold (Jiu Ji Fang).
  3. Postpartum thirst: Crack one egg into a bowl, mix with one cup of water, cover, and let sit before drinking (Jing Yan Hou Fang).

Precautions

Chicken eggs should be used with caution in individuals with phlegm accumulation, indigestion, or food retention.

Safety Note

Always ensure that eggs are properly cooked to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. If you are unsure about the suitability of chicken eggs for your condition, consult a licensed TCM practitioner.

References

Take Action: Self-Test and Self-Care

3-second self-test: Do you frequently experience dry cough or throat discomfort? If yes, consider incorporating egg-based remedies into your diet.

30-second self-care: If you feel dryness in your throat, immediately prepare a hot drink with a lightly cooked egg and sip slowly to soothe irritation.

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.