Soy Milk
Also Known As: Fǔ Jiāng (Fermented Pulp), Dòu Jiāng (Bean Milk).
Energetic Properties and Flavor: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), soy milk is considered sweet in flavor and neutral in nature.
Meridian Affinities: It primarily impacts the Lung, Large Intestine, and Bladder Meridians.
Medicinal Part: This beneficial liquid is the pulp or juice derived from the seeds of *Glycine max (L.) Merr.*, commonly known as soybean, a plant belonging to the legume family.
How to Use Soy Milk in TCM
Dosage: For internal use, a typical dose ranges from 50 to 250ml.
The Functions and Indications of Soy Milk
Functions: From a TCM perspective, soy milk is known to clear lung heat and transform phlegm, moisten dryness and promote healthy bowel movements, and encourage urination while aiding detoxification.
Indications: Traditionally, it's used to address various conditions including coughs due to deficiency, asthma accompanied by phlegm-fire, lung abscess, jaundice caused by damp-heat, heavy uterine bleeding, blood in the stool, severe constipation, turbid and painful urination, and certain types of food poisoning.
Traditional Formulas Featuring Soy Milk
1. For Weakness and Emaciation: Cook *Fǔ Jiāng* (fermented soy pulp) into a porridge and consume regularly. (Adapted from "Sweet Pulp Porridge" in *Běncǎo Gāngmù Shíyí* - Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica).
2. For Wheezing and Asthma from Phlegm-Fire: Combine 2 *liang* (approximately 60g) of maltose with one bowl of soy milk. Boil until the maltose dissolves, then drink immediately. (From *Xiān Niān Jí* - Collection of Immortal Prescriptions).
3. For Painful Urination Syndrome (*Lín Zhèng*): Mix Liu Yi San (Six-to-One Powder) with *Fǔ Jiāng* and consume. (From *Běncǎo Gāngmù Shíyí*).
4. To Calm Cough and Nourish Blood: In the early morning hours, mix soy milk with an egg, sweeten with white sugar, and drink. (From *Běncǎo Gāngmù Shíyí*).
5. For Heavy Uterine Bleeding: Take one bowl of raw soy milk and half a bowl of fresh chive juice, mix them thoroughly. Consume on an empty stomach once or twice. (From *Běncǎo Gāngmù Shíyí*, quoting *Bù Yào Liáng Fāng* - Excellent Prescriptions Without Medicine).
6. For Swelling and Pain in Legs, Making Walking Difficult (Beriberi): Add pine resin powder to hot soy milk. Mash until well combined and apply as a poultice. (From *Běncǎo Gāngmù Shíyí*).
3-Second Self-Test + 30-Second Self-Rescue
If you're experiencing occasional dryness, a persistent cough that feels thick, or persistent sluggish digestion and constipation, then incorporating soy milk into your daily routine might offer some relief. Immediately consider a warm bowl of plain soy milk for soothing comfort and digestive support.
References
Soy milk consumption has been linked to improved markers of inflammation, supporting its traditional use in clearing heat. PMID: 32626245
Research indicates that fermented soy milk can positively impact gut health, aiding in the relief of constipation, aligning with its TCM function of moistening dryness and promoting bowel movements. PMID: 29555806
The high nutritional value and complete protein profile of soy protein contribute to overall well-being, which can support the TCM concepts of nourishing deficiency and strengthening the body. PMID: 32770289
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
