Spring Health Preservation: Clear Heat and Nourish Yin to Control Blood Sugar
Spring is a time of renewal, also favorable for the growth and spread of viruses and bacteria. During this season, diabetes exhibits characteristics distinct from other seasons, so herbal medicine should be tailored accordingly.
After Lichun (Start of Spring), yang energy gradually increases, making "deficient yin and excess yang" common, leading to internal heat. Spring corresponds to wood, which links to the liver. The liver governs emotions, so people’s moods fluctuate easily in spring, causing blood sugar instability. Additionally, spring commonly brings fatigue, frequent dreams, skin itching, and menstrual irregularities. Diabetics should especially avoid spicy, warm, and drying foods like lamb and dog meat. Medications should be used cautiously—especially warm-drying tonics—focusing instead on clearing heat, regulating the liver, and nourishing yin.
Below are two prescriptions suitable for diabetic patients to adjust in spring.
Prescription 1: 50g of fragrant Chinese toon shoots, 20g of willow buds, 50g of alfalfa sprouts, 50g of fresh dandelion. Wash thoroughly and decoct for oral use. One dose daily.
Prescription 2: 15g of red peony root, 15g of salvia miltiorrhiza, 12g of curcuma, 2 golden lanterns, 10g of smilax, 100g of fresh dandelion, 50g of fragrant Chinese toon shoots, 50g of willow buds. Decoct and drink similarly, one dose every other day.