8

Minding the Waterline

Urinary Health

Frances was relieved to know that menopause had finally passed, putting an end to years of hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and insomnia. She convinced herself that these had been the worst of times and that things could only get better. Yet she was not prepared for what happened one evening when a friend joked about a goofy coworker. As soon as Frances started laughing, she noticed a sudden urge to urinate. Frances had read about urinary incontinence but thought that it would never happen to her. Seeing it as just a fluke, she tried forgetting about that episode only to realize that when she sneezed the following day, a tiny bit of urine again trickled out. Frances chalked this up to menopause and decided not to mention it to anyone, thinking that it would probably go away on its own.

When to See Your Doctor

• Blood in your urine may indicate a kidney infection or other kidney-related issue.
• Acute bladder infections should be addressed immediately to avoid the possibility of spreading to the kidneys.
• Urine output significantly greater than fluid intake may indicate the onset of diabetes.

What Frances didn’t know was that there are ways to treat urinary incontinence and that if left alone, it may progress into more frequent and difficult episodes. While she and her friends talked for hours about other menopausal symptoms, nobody seemed to mention anything about urinary incontinence. This gave Frances the false notion that others around her were free of this issue, despite the fact that it occurs in three out of ten postmenopausal women.

WESTERN AND EASTERN PERSPECTIVES ON URINARY HEALTH

In Western medicine urinary incontinence is often explained to be a result of hormone loss. Estrogen is responsible for nourishing the uterine wall, which includes the cervix—where urine exits from the bladder. As estrogen decreases, so does the integrity of the bladder wall. Although this is likely the most common cause of urinary incontinence after menopause, there are other explanations, such as prolapse of the uterus due to the relaxation of the pelvic wall, UTIs, post-surgical issues, or nervous system disorders. If you are not sure what the source is, I recommend that you seek the advice of a medical professional.

Stress incontinence is the most common form of urinary incontinence, most often occurring in younger and middle-aged women who urinate or feel like urinating when coughing, sneezing, exercising, laughing, lifting heavy things, and other movements that put pressure on the bladder. Urge incontinence occurs without pressure on the bladder from the above issues and is marked by the urge to urinate when sleeping or hearing the sound of running water. This type of incontinence is more common after menopause and in those who have diabetes, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Other, less common types of incontinence include the occurrence of a bladder infection or other illness/handicap that interferes with the process of urination.

In Eastern medicine, stress and urge incontinence are often the result of yang deficiency. Yang energy typically moves upward, so when yang is deficient, energy within the body tends to sink downward, occasionally taking the bladder and other organs with it. In Sasang medicine, the source of deficient yang differs according to the body type, depending on each one’s stronger and weaker organs, and is often due to an imbalance of organ-related emotion. Stronger organs produce excessive or intense emotions, while weaker organs may inhibit our ability to express or get in touch with certain emotions. The bladder gives us the ability to release excessive emotion and hold on to others that, as humans, we may need to experience and feel before letting them go. Health is the ability to hold on and let go depending on what each situation in life calls for.

THE YIN AND YANG OF URINARY HEALTH

In Sasang medicine, urinary issues are separated into two categories: excess and deficiency. Excess urinary issues are due to energy stagnation and accumulation, whereas deficiency-related issues are caused by weakness and lack of nourishment. Bladder pressure and heat will increase when energy stagnates within the bladder. Hence incontinence caused by a UTI is less likely a deficiency issue but rather heat stagnation within the bladder.

Since yang energy flows upward and yin energy flows downward, the former helps keep urine within the bladder, while the latter facilitates the flow of urine outward from the body. The continuous desire to hold on to certain things, people, and/or situations will eventually cause stagnation of heat within the bladder. When heat stagnates, inflammation of the bladder will follow, resulting in the inability to evacuate urine completely. This may also be accompanied by painful or burning urination with possible traces of blood. Bladder inflammation, too, is often due to stagnation of emotion, especially anger, sorrow, and lack of comfort. I’ll discuss this further as it applies to each of the four body types.

Inflammation and infection of the urinary bladder are often the result of holding on to excess emotion, and weakness is commonly the aftermath of this process, when the body simply can’t endure this excess any longer. Urination is one way that we get rid of unwanted thoughts and emotions. I once had a hiking buddy who made it a habit to urinate as soon as we reached the summit and the stunning scenery unfolded before our eyes. He told me that nothing ever felt so good! The lower half of our body rarely gets the attention it needs. We tend to hold it in at work or when out and about simply because we are so focused on the task at hand that the bladder signal goes unheeded. Sounds, smells, sights, tastes, and emotions enter our body through our head and exit via the lower abdomen. It’s easier to focus on the external environment and what enters the body than it is to reflect inward and on what we need to release.

Sasang medicine associates the urinary bladder with the kidney system—the Yin Type B’s strongest organ system—and calmness. By nature, the Yin Type B is the calmest of the four body types, and her bladder is the healthiest when calm. The kidneys represent inner calmness; the urinary bladder, outward calmness. It is easier for the Yin Type B to feel calm at home or in a quiet place but challenging for her to experience it outside or around other people, since she is extremely sensitive to her environment. A Yin Type B might say, “If only I could just be left alone” or “If others didn’t interfere, my life would be quiet and peaceful.” A lack of comfort in one’s surroundings will eventually cause the bladder to lose its tone and integrity, leading to frequent urination or UTIs.

Anger, associated with the spleen and upward flow, prevents the Yang Type A’s bladder from receiving energy, making it one of her weakest organs. Hence the Yang Type A is prone to urinary disorders and/or lack of bladder tone. Curbing her anger and finding the time to relax are essential factors in balancing and reinforcing energy flow to her bladder. Before we discuss this further, let’s review several tips for supporting the urinary bladder no matter which yin yang body you are.

Tip #1: Practice Bladder Exercises

During the menopausal transition, the lining of the urethra begins to thin and the pelvic floor muscles may also start to weaken, often leading to urinary issues. Kegel exercises are 80 percent effective against urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women. There are several ways to perform these exercises, but the first step is to identify your perineal muscles—the muscles used when doing Kegel exercises. This is done by stopping your urine flow midstream. You may need to repeat this several times throughout the course of a day or week until they become familiar. Once you get acquainted with your perineal muscles, it’s time to try Kegel exercises. For the beginner, start by lying down on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Squeeze your pelvic and vaginal muscles inward and upward as you lift your lower back off the floor. Hold this position for three seconds and repeat four times. As you advance with Kegels, try holding this position longer or increasing the repetitions.^*8

The use of vaginal weights is another way to condition the muscles involved with urination and strengthen the pelvic floor, cervix, and vaginal wall, which are responsible for keeping the door to urine flow closed until it is time to urinate. There are several vaginal weight products out there, and I’ve found from my own research that one type is not necessarily better than the other. Some products are made from medical-grade silicone, while others are made from jade. Both products are effective, but jade itself has healing properties that may offer further benefit. In Chinese medicine it is said that, rubbed over the kidneys, jade helps alleviate kidney stones and bladder issues. Not to mention, it is natural! Silicone is more flexible and not as heavy as jade, making it an easier and potentially more comfortable way to start using vaginal weights. Nowadays there’s an app for everything and vaginal exercises are no exception, with products like kGoal and Elvie that are inserted into the vagina and allow you to monitor your Kegel exercises via a cell phone.

Tip #2: Reduce Coffee Intake

I’m sure this is the last tip some of you would like to hear, since coffee is one of the most popular ways to start the day. Unfortunately, the combination of caffeine and diuretic properties within the coffee bean does not sit well with the bladder, since the former sends yang energy upward, away from the bladder, and the latter pushes yin downward, creating the urge to urinate. Hence coffee often makes urinary incontinence and UTIs even worse! I recommend reducing your coffee intake to less than a cup a day or switching to decaf. Eliminating coffee altogether would be the best option, since even decaffeinated coffee can interfere with your bladder. The same goes for other drinks with higher caffeine levels, such as black tea, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and so forth.

Tip #3: Try Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupressure and acupuncture are often helpful for urinary issues. A pilot study involving eighty-five women with bladder control issues showed that after four weekly treatments with acupuncture, they achieved significant improvement.¹

Acupressure, or placing pressure on acupuncture points, is another way to support the bladder without the use of needles. There are over 360 points on the human body, each with a unique ability to stimulate the flow of bodily energy or qi. Bladder control issues are often a result of sinking yin energy or stagnant yang energy. The REN6 acupressure point revives the flow of yin within the body, while the DU2 point restores the natural flow of yang. Both points can be stimulated for yin and yang issues related to the bladder. The UB66 acupuncture point is often used for inflammation due to yang heat stagnation in the bladder.

When practicing acupressure, apply enough pressure so that you are feeling a dull ache but not to the point of producing sharp pain or significant discomfort. Applying significant pressure to each point until it feels tender often yields better results than a light touch. Those who are on the sensitive side may feel a gentle tingling sensation, indicating the stimulation of qi.

 REN6 (SIXTH POINT ON THE CONCEPTION VESSEL MERIDIAN): “SEA OF QI”

Fig. 8.1. REN6, sixth point on the conception vessel meridian

This point is located one-and-a-half thumb widths directly below the midline of the umbilicus (see fig. 8.1 above).

• Use the thumb or pointer finger to apply direct pressure to REN6 for approximately twenty seconds.
• Gently release.
• Repeat three to five times.

 DU2 (SECOND POINT ON THE GOVERNING VESSEL MERIDIAN): “LUMBAR TRANSPORTING POINT”

Fig. 8.2. DU2, second point on the governing vessel meridian

This point is located in the center of the hiatus, at the base of the sacrum directly above the tailbone (see fig. 8.2 above).

• Use the thumb or pointer finger to apply direct pressure to DU2 for approximately twenty seconds.
• Gently release.
• Repeat three to five times.

 UB66 (SIXTY-SIXTH POINT ON THE URINARY BLADDER MERIDIAN): “VALLEY PASSAGE”

This point is located on the lateral side of the foot along the crease of the fifth toe at the junction of red and white skin (see fig. 8.3 below).

• Use the thumb or pointer finger to apply direct pressure to UB66 for approximately twenty seconds.
• Gently release and then switch to the other foot.
• Repeat this process three to five times.

Fig. 8.3. UB66, sixty-sixth point on the urinary bladder meridian

Tip #4: Heed Nature’s Call

If you feel the urge to urinate and have access to a bathroom, bush, tree, or bucket, then obey your body’s message. Holding it in sets you up for UTIs and bladder wall irritation. If the urge to urinate comes way too often and/or urine output exceeds the amount of fluid intake, then you may be suffering from a UTI, bladder prolapse, or other condition worth discussing with your doctor.

URINARY HEALTH AND THE YIN YANG BODY TYPES

As mentioned above, each of the four body types has its own reason for bladder-related issues based on specific yin and yang characteristics. Born with a weaker urinary system and a lack of lower body energy, the yang types are prone to incontinence and dysuria, making it difficult for them to drink substantial amounts of water without frequently rushing to the bathroom. Insufficient kidney and bladder energy may also lead to inadequate urine flow, making it difficult for the yang types to completely void the bladder. The yin types, with a UB66 acupuncture point Fig. 8.3. UB66, sixty-sixth point on the urinary bladder meridian stronger urinary system and lower body energy, have a tendency to ignore the voice of their bladder and get away with it until it yells, “Urinate now or else!” Holding in urine for prolonged periods of time makes the yin types more susceptible to UTIs than the yang types. Despite such tendencies, both yin and yang types may experience the same urinary issues, such as UTIs and incontinence, making it crucial to determine the body-type-related root cause. Bladder treatment for the yang types in Sasang medicine is primarily aimed at strengthening the bladder; for the yin types, it’s promoting the movement of energy to avoid bladder stagnation. Yet there are also situations that require bladder strengthening for the yin types and energy movement for the yang types, so read carefully before beginning your Sasang herbal regime!

YANG TYPE A

In Lee Je-ma’s treatise on Sasang medicine, he states that the Yang Type A “has a well-developed, wide chest and broad shoulders but a loss of urinary bladder-area muscle tone.”² The Yin Type B, on the other hand, has stronger urinary bladder muscle tone and a narrow chest and shoulders. This difference is a valuable tool for distinguishing between a Yang Type A and Yin Type B. When pressed lightly, the Yang Type A’s lower abdomen (approximately one to two inches below the navel) easily sinks inward, but the Yin Type B’s feels more resistant and full even if the bladder is empty.

The Yang Type A’s stronger yang energy often bypasses the lower body organs, making a U-turn in the upper body before it reaches the kidneys. The Yang Type A’s predominant emotion of anger and lack of yin comfort are the culprits, pumping yang energy upward and away from her weaker yin organs. The bladder has difficulty holding urine when yang doesn’t mingle with yin. Ideally, these two energies should blend into one another, resolving their differences, but the reduction of yin energy during menopause often exacerbates the accumulation of yang in the upper body, giving rise to irritability and anger. Table 8.1 below and the sections that follow provide two Yang Type A bladder-issue scenarios and their resolution.

Yang Type A Bladder Issue: Scenario A

The Yang Type A’s anger causes energy to rise upward, leading to stagnation and accumulation of yang energy in the upper body. Without enough circulating energy in the lower body, intestinal and bladder functions may be affected, resulting in constipation and disrupted urination. This is often, but not always, accompanied by a burning sensation with urination coming from the Yang Type A’s excessive heat transferring from her stronger spleen to the weaker kidney system, which includes the urinary bladder and sacral area. Heat accumulation in the bladder may result in kidney, urinary tract, and/or bladder infections.

Resolution

Although it comes naturally for the Yang Type A, anger doesn’t always result in illness. If the Yang Type A learns to release her anger rather than hold on to it, then bowel and urine will flow smoothly. Only when she has trouble letting go of anger does she experience heat-related issues. Letting go of anger doesn’t mean vomiting it up and out but instead letting it sink into a comfort zone before you lash out. This takes considerable self-reflection—a challenge for every body type. Actually it’s healthy excretion from the bladder and intestines that primarily determines the health of the yang types. Try drinking at least eight glasses of water a day and taking the time out of your busy schedule to urinate. And if someone rubs you the wrong way, take a deep breath in and then release.

Excessive anger leads to stagnation, and stagnation leads to bacterial accumulation and inflammation. The Yang Type A’s UTI is commonly a result of her holding on to anger if a situation she is faced with lingers on without resolution. When she knows that a solution isn’t immediately available, energy boils up within her, causing inflammation and accumulation. Lurking within her weaker bladder is gwa shim—the tendency to overreact, lash out at others, and be overcritical. By making an effort to tolerate and yield to others and accept her situation, she sends ample energy to the bladder, balancing gwa shim and avoiding bladder infections. Taking anger away from a Yang Type A is like plucking all of the quills from a porcupine. Not only would this be extremely painful, but it would inflict serious injury on both the porcupine and the plucker. When she takes a step back and reflects on it before lashing out, her anger has a much better chance of expressing itself appropriately. Channeling anger in the right direction can pump up more energy and promote humor, righteousness, clarity, ambition, and ultimately humility—the Yang Type A’s virtue.

The following are herbs and foods that support the Yang Type A’s weaker bladder and curb anger.

Zhi Zi
(Common: Gardenia; Latin: Gardenia jasminoides)

In Eastern medicine, Zhi Zi, or gardenia, is used to clear heat from every nook and cranny of the body. It is especially effective in clearing heat from the urinary and digestive systems. Yang Type As have a tendency to accumulate heat in the stomach, which can easily spread to the bladder. Bacterial infection, inflammation, and accumulation of pressure are also correlated with excessive heat in the body. Hence gardenia is effective in reducing the Yang Type A’s high blood pressure, among other heat-related issues. It has also been shown to increase the metabolic rate of obese middle-aged women taking hormone replacement.³

Common Uses

Gardenia alleviates urinary tract and bladder infections, high blood pressure, indigestion, anxiety, stress, nervousness, insomnia, inflammation of the muscles and joints, fever, and hot flashes.

Sources

Gardenia extract can be found on the Stakich website. Avid gardeners may purchase seeds from Tropical Oasis on Amazon. This plant is definitely worth the effort to cultivate for its beauty and fragrance. The fruits (flower bulbs) are collected in the fall and are sun-dried for tea.

Preparation and Dosage

Follow the dosage guidelines listed by each manufacturer. If the raw herb is used, prepare a tea by boiling up to six bulbs in two cups of water. Let the tea simmer for fifteen minutes. Drink half a mug of warm tea up to three times a day.

Caution

While gardenia fruit is very effective in reducing blood pressure, it is known to interfere with the effects of antihypertensive medication. Be sure to consult with a professional before taking this herb if you have been prescribed antihypertensive medication. Discontinue gardenia in cases of loose stools or loss of appetite. This herb is very cooling and should not be ingested by yin types, with their cooler energy.

Herbal Friend: Jin Yin Hua (Common: Japanese Honeysuckle; Latin: Lonicera japonica)

Jin Yin Hua, or Japanese honeysuckle, has been used for thousands of years as a Chinese remedy for bacterial infection, as it contains chlorogenic acid, which is known to have powerful antibiotic and antioxidant effects. Pharmaceutical antibiotics have a tendency to disturb the natural balance of bacterial flora in the body. However, the antibiotic effects of honeysuckle in its natural form are much gentler on the system because they help restore the natural balance of the body. Honeysuckle is a helpful remedy for bladder infections of the Yang Type A, and its antibiotic properties are greatly enhanced when combined with gardenia. Boil nine grams of dried honeysuckle with six bulbs of gardenia in two cups of water. Let the tea simmer for fifteen minutes. Drink half a mug of warm tea up to three times a day.

Not only are the flowers of Japanese honeysuckle beautiful, but they also emit a pleasant fragrance. Gardeners can purchase this medicinal plant online on the Nature Hills Nursery website, or you may also be able to buy this popular shrub at your local nursery. Japanese honeysuckle can also be purchased as a dried herb on the TeaSpring website.

Caution

Japanese honeysuckle has a very cold nature and is a strong natural antibiotic. It is therefore not recommended for use without heat-related symptoms. It is also not recommended for the yin types, who often succumb to cold-related issues.

Yang Type A Bladder Issue: Scenario B

Anger moves the energy upward within the body and depression sinks it downward. Taken to the extreme, the Yang Type A’s untethered anger may morph into intense sadness and depression after burning itself out. In Sasang medicine, this is known as a yang explosion leading to a yin collapse, which may instigate stress incontinence or bladder prolapse. In Scenario A, the Yang Type A’s anger is still in full force, but in this scenario it has run out of fuel.

Resolution

With excessive energy in the upper body and deficiency in the lower, the menopausal Yang Type A is prone to bladder and/or uterine weakness and prolapse—a situation where the uterus or urinary bladder sinks downward, causing a frequent urge to urinate without completely evacuating. This is the result of holding on to her predominant emotion of anger for several months, years, or decades, giving rise to the Yang Type A’s outward expression of sorrow. At this point she’s no longer able to hold on to anger, or urine for that matter, and is prone to utter exhaustion, sadness, and depression. If the menopausal Yang Type A has yet to get in touch with and balance her anger, she’ll be prone to feeling this way. It’s never too late to address her anger, but when it gets to this point she’ll first have to rekindle her energy through relaxation (meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and so on) and the use of Sasang foods and herbs. The use of Kegel exercises is known to help prevent and possibly address bladder weakness and early stage prolapse (see general tips above). In Sasang medicine urinary frequency and prolapse are related to the sinking of yin in the lower body. The herbs listed below promote the flow of yin to the lower body and restore the health of Yang Type A’s bladder.

Hai Cao
(Common: Seaweed, Kelp, Bladderwrack, Kombu, Wakame, Nori)

Seaweed is commonly used in Eastern medicine to nourish and strengthen the kidneys, making it one of the best foods for the Yang Type A. It contains high concentrations of iodine, which has traditionally been used in both Eastern and Western medicine to treat urinary tract disorders—hence the name bladder-wrack given to one type of seaweed. Iodine has also been shown to prevent certain types of breast and stomach cancer. Studies suggest that seaweed inhibits the growth of endometrial and breast cancers since these diseases are rare among Japanese women, who consume it in high amounts.⁴

Common Uses

Seaweed addresses bladder weakness (prolapse, lack of muscle tone, urinary incontinence, decreased urine flow without infection) and lower body weakness.

Sources

Seaweed can be purchased in capsule form from Swanson Health Products and from Life Extension. Sushi nori, or sheets of dried seaweed, sold in snack-sized packages or as larger sheets, can be used to make rice balls and homemade sushi or can simply be consumed as a snack food. If you live near the ocean and have access, fresh seaweed is always the best option.

Preparation and Dosage

If you are taking seaweed as a supplement, please refer to the manufacturer’s suggestions and the caution section below. Otherwise, enjoy a daily seaweed snack or mix seaweed with rice as kimbap, sushi, or another Korean or Japanese dish.

Caution

Avoid seaweed if you have an overactive thyroid condition such as hyperthyroidism or cardiac problems and/or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is not recommended for children under five years old. The recommended daily intake of iodine is 90 micrograms for children from five to eight years, 130 micrograms for children up to thirteen years, and 150 micrograms for adults.

Herbal Friend: Hei Mei (Common Name: Blackberries; Latin: Rubus fruticosus)

Because they help nourish and strengthen the kidneys, blackberries are one of the best foods for Yang Type As. They are often used in combination with herbs in Eastern medicine to address kidney and urinary disorders. Blackberries can be consumed regularly to prevent UTIs, assist with urinary incontinence, and support sore or weak lower back and legs. Seaweed and blackberries work together to strengthen the kidneys and bladder, preventing and supporting the healing of urinary issues. Double up on bladder support by eating a handful of blackberries after a seaweed-complemented meal.

YANG TYPE B

The Yang Type B’s center of energy is in the uppermost part of her body. This area, controlled by the lungs, provides her with ample upper body strength but weaker and sometimes nonexistent lower body strength. Hence the muscles that contract the urinary bladder are often lacking integrity, causing both urine retention and a consistent urge to urinate. Lee Je-ma stated that regular urination frequency is a sign of health for Yang Type Bs since it indicates that their excessive upper body energy is capable of descending without collapsing.

The Yang Type B’s predominant emotion of sorrow sends energy upward from the lungs to nourish the brain. When sorrow is balanced, this energy flows smoothly upward and is then sent downward to nourish the rest of the body. Yet uncontrolled sorrow causes lung energy to rebel upward, overwhelming the upper body and disregarding the lower. Unbalanced sorrow is the biggest culprit behind urinary disorders of the Yang Type B. Unlike the yin types, her sorrow is not associated with loss but rather with the inability to achieve and turn into reality what her powerful mind has in store. Disappointment and lack of accomplishment weigh extremely heavily on the mind of a menopausal Yang Type B.

The ascent of yang energy from the lungs stimulates the Yang Type B brain and enhances her ability to think logically. The other body types are often awed by her quick-witted insight and sharp mind. Intuition and the ability to perceive independent of reasoning, however, come from yin type territory, the lower body, and the cultivation of jei gan—the deep-seated feeling of connection and balance with one’s environment—in the lumbar spine. Instead, the Yang Type B has her gaze on the heavens above, rarely finding the time to connect with anything and anyone below. Table 8.2 and the sections that follow provide two Yang Type B bladder-issue scenarios and their resolution.

Yang Type B Bladder Issue: Scenario A

The Yang Type B’s jung emotion of anger may lead to stagnation of the lung’s energy and blood, causing yang heat energy to accumulate in the chest rather than descend, resulting in constipation and lack of smooth urination. A burning sensation may also accompany urination due to excessive heat transferring from the lungs to the lower body.

Resolution

Sorrow comes naturally for the Yang Type B, but it does not always result in illness. If the Yang Type B learns to work with her sorrow rather than hold on to it, then bowel and urine will flow smoothly. Unbalanced sorrow causes the Yang Type B to feel as if others are untrustworthy. Holding on to sorrow causes her to hold on to urine, while channeling it in the right direction encourages the smooth flow of urine. The balanced Yang Type B may still grieve often, but she uses this emotion to love and understand the suffering of others. Her love is capable of being extremely powerful as long as she lowers her gaze and shines the light of her heaven-engrossed energy toward humanity.

The following are foods and herbs that help balance grief and support the Yang Type B’s bladder.

Yu Gan Zi
(Common: Gooseberry; Latin: Phyllanthus emblica)

Yu Gan Zi (meaning “sweet fruit remaining”), or gooseberry, has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and even longer in Ayurvedic medicine to address diarrhea, jaundice, inflammation, and stomach weakness and for moistening the throat to alleviate a dry cough. In Sasang medicine, it is used to cool and encourage the downward flow of the Yang Type B’s excessive upper body yang heat. It is also known to have natural antibiotic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic (fat-tissue-reducing) properties. Gooseberry is very high in vitamin C, which increases the acidity levels of urine, creating an unfavorable environment for bacteria growth. A recent study also suggests that high levels of antioxidants and the ability to decrease monoamine oxidase levels in the brain make gooseberry a viable remedy for depression.⁵

Common Uses

Gooseberry relieves bladder infections, dysuria (difficult or painful urine flow), burning urination, diarrhea, jaundice, inflammation, stomach weakness, dry throat, and depression.

Sources

Admittedly, gooseberry is not the easiest fruit to get hold of unless you’d like to have this beautiful fruit growing in your yard. Check availability at your local nursery. If you’re not ready to start an herb garden, then give dried gooseberry a try. You can find an organic source at Nuts.com. Gooseberry extract, under its synonym amla, can also be purchased from Swanson Health Products.

Preparation and Dosage

Snack on a handful of fresh or dried gooseberries daily to prevent UTIs, or use in capsule form if an infection has already manifested. For capsules, please follow the manufacturer’s suggested dosage.

Caution

This is a cold-natured herb that cools the excessive yang heat of the Yang Type B but freezes the already cold organs of the yin types. The Yin Type A may get away with consuming gooseberry once in a while, but the Yin Type B, more sensitive to cold, should avoid it altogether.

Yang Type B Bladder Issue: Scenario B

The Yang Type B’s deep sorrow may morph into intense anger—her jung emotion—causing yang energy to rebel upward from the lungs, vacating the lower body and bladder. As a result, it loses its ability to store urine and/or maintain bladder wall tone. Expressing her anger at this point is just as detrimental as holding it in. The anger-ridden Yang Type B is fed up with others and the direction her world is going in. She is no longer interested in doing what is right but instead implements her own self-seeking agenda. As time goes on her anger and upward-bearing energy intensifies, eventually leading to urinary incontinence and possible bladder prolapse.

Resolution

There is so much in our world today that could easily bring us down and cause anger. The Yang Type B is particularly sensitive to these issues, especially since she feels it is her responsibility to make everything better! She easily fails to see things from others’ point of view and instead forces her opinion on them. This tendency comes from tal shim—the impure aspect of the urinary bladder that surfaces when it is ignored. Also residing within the bladder is bang ryak. Bang means “direction” or “path,” and ryak “to regulate” or “control.” Therefore, bang ryak is defined as the ability to control one’s mind and to follow one’s life’s path. The Yang Type B desires to walk before she can crawl, swallow before she chews, and finish before she even gets started. By taking a deep breath and returning to the drawing board, being patient with others and especially herself, she will naturally send more energy to the bladder and improve her overall health. Below are two fruits that could also help calm her anger and help rebellious yang energy descend.

Mu Gua
(Common: Chinese Quince; Latin: Chaenomeles lagenaria)

Mu Gua, or quince, is a fruit with a taste somewhere between that of a pear and an apple if mixed with honey or sugar. Without sweetener, it is astringent and bitter, and it is seldom consumed fresh. In Sasang medicine, the dried fruit (including the peel) is often used to treat the Yang Type B’s indigestion, lower body weakness, and lower back and knee joint pain. Quince’s strong ability to strengthen the lower body makes it a commonly used herb for urinary incontinence and bladder weakness. Quince is also a good source of vitamin A, fiber, and iron.

Common Uses

Quince alleviates indigestion, bladder weakness (urinary incontinence, bladder prolapse), joint pain of the lower body, weakness of the legs and hip area, and swelling of the legs, knees, and/or ankles.

Sources

Quince fruit tea mixed with honey is often sold in Korean markets. If you do not live near one, try ordering it from the PosharpStore website. Gardeners can purchase quince trees from Willis Orchard Company. A delicious quince jelly fruit spread is available at Nuts.com, while you can find quince fruit liquid extract from Hawaii Pharm.

Preparation and Dosage

Quince can be consumed often as a tea or as jam. For quince fruit tea, follow the preparation instructions on the label. Quince fruit extract should be ingested according to the manufacturer’s suggestions.

Did You Know?

The Croatians traditionally planted a quince tree when a child was born to symbolize fertility, love, and life. It was also a ritual offering during weddings in ancient Greece. Hence it was called the “fruit of love, marriage, and fertility.”

Shi Zi
(Common: Persimmons; Latin: Diospyros kaki)

According to Eastern medicine, the primary function of Shi Zi, or persimmons, is to direct the energy of the body downward—a process that is particularly challenging for the Yang Type B. The movement of energy downward can assist with the flow of urine and can also encourage the descent of food within the upper and middle digestive tracts, making it a common remedy for hiccups and acid regurgitation too.

Common Uses

Persimmons aid urine flow and blood cell growth and alleviate hiccups and acid regurgitation.

Sources

Juicing with fresh persimmon and quince to start the day is an ideal way to keep the Yang Type B’s bladder energy flowing. Yet finding these fruits, especially in season, could be a challenge. So if you have difficulty locating fresh persimmons, your best bet is to purchase persimmon leaf tea from sources such as Hankook Tea; the company calls it “persimmon leaf tisane.”

Caution

Persimmons may cause bladder irritation among individuals with interstitial cystitis. Moreover, despite their ability to promote the downward flow of urine and food in the stomach, persimmons contain tannins, whose strong astringent properties affect the intestines, possibly instigating an episode of constipation. For this reason and because they solidify the stools, persimmons are occasionally eaten to alleviate diarrhea. Ripe and soft persimmons are sweeter and not as astringent, making them less likely to cause constipation.

YIN TYPE A

The Yin Type A’s stronger liver system correlates with joy, making all members of this type radiate toward joyfulness. Yet not all Yin Type As are joyful, and if the constant need for joy isn’t met, their health will be compromised. As I mentioned above, the urinary bladder correlates with comfort. The Yin Type A achieves comfort through joy by sending energy from her stronger liver to the kidneys and bladder. When joy is sought but not achieved, she will go straight for comfort, often becoming indolent and harboring the desire to escape from her circumstances. Table 8.3 and the sections that follow provide two Yin Type A bladder-issue scenarios and their resolution.

Yin Type A Bladder Issue: Scenario A

The Yin Type A’s unachievable joy may lead to stagnation of the liver’s energy and blood, causing the accumulation of heat, inflammation, and blockage in the middle and lower abdomen. Constipation and difficulty with urination are common symptoms of this scenario. There may also be a burning sensation when urinating due to excessive heat transferring from the liver to the kidneys and then the bladder. UTIs, dysuria, and bladder infections are often a result of the Yin Type A’s stagnant liver energy.

Resolution

The Yin Type A never loses joy, since it is an integral part of who she is, but she may lose track of it and feel as if it is impossible to manifest. This type, more than any other, needs to ignite joy in her everyday life in order to stay healthy and happy and be herself. The first step toward rediscovering joy is to realize that you embody it, even in the worst of times. When you are in the midst of despair, it is easy to forget that you were once full of joy and that it is possible to reclaim it. Joy is always waiting to be activated within the Yin Type A’s stronger liver, but during and after menopause, the switch that activated her joy might not work as well. What made her joyful in the past may not be as important to her now. Redefining what makes her joyful might take longer than anticipated, and, desperate for joy, she may rush into situations that initially offer her solace but in the end steal it away. When all is said and done, true joy can only be found within the confines of her own mind and body. Heng gom, or self-reflection, also residing within her liver, provides her with the ability to find joy within.

The following are foods and herbs that promote the smooth flow of liver energy and help bring back joy.

Ju Hua
(Common: Chrysanthemum; Latin: Chrysanthemum morifolium)

After entering the body, Ju Hua, or chrysanthemum, quickly travels to the liver and promotes its function. This herb has strong natural antibiotic properties, and when taken regularly, it can reduce the frequency of bladder infections. It also relieves and encourages healing of the kidneys and addresses nonacute bladder infections.

Common Uses

Chrysanthemum protects against bladder infections, addresses eye disorders, and alleviates sinus infections, colds, flu, and a sore throat.

Sources

Chrysanthemum tea can be purchased from manufacturers such as Mighty Leaf and TeaSpring.

Preparation and Dosage

Steep three to five flowers in one cup of hot water. Let the tea sit for four minutes until the water turns light yellow. Drink warm. To enhance its effect, the leaves may also be chewed after finishing the tea. Up to four cups a day may be consumed.

Caution

Studies have shown that chrysanthemum is a relatively safe herb. However, if you are taking this herb within the recommended dose range and experience indigestion or allergy-related symptoms (such as sinus inflammation, rash, or runny nose), you may be allergic to chrysanthemum or simply not a Yin Type A.

Herbal Friend: Pu Gong Ying (Common: Dandelion Root; Latin: Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion root and leaf tea can be taken with chrysanthemum tea for added effect against a UTI. Drink equal portions of both herbs, reducing and adding water according to your taste. Organic dandelion root tea can be purchased from the Traditional Medicinals website.

Apple Cider Vinegar
 

With its abundant yang energy, high acidity, and potassium and enzyme content, apple cider vinegar can help prevent and address UTIs, creating an unfavorable environment for bacteria to grow within the bladder. In Sasang medicine, vinegar is often mixed with other herbs to promote blood flow and cleanse the liver. The Yin Type A is often faced with circulatory issues because her stronger liver frequently absorbs more than it needs, taking blood and energy away from the other organs. Turmeric is often used with vinegar to enhance its circulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Vinegar also helps prevent and reduce high blood pressure. There are more than twenty different types of vinegar, each derived from different sources. Vinegars produced from cider have a higher acetic acid content, said to have cholesterol- and blood-sugar reducing effects.

Common Uses

Apple cider vinegar alleviates infection (kidney, bladder, sinus), high blood pressure, circulatory issues (cold extremities, numbness of the extremities, weight gain), and indigestion.

Sources

Naturally fermented apple cider vinegar is available at most supermarkets.

Preparation and Dosage

Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water. Stir well and drink it up. Take twice daily for optimum efficiency. A teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or molasses can be added to moderate the sour flavor.

Caution

Apple cider vinegar is very acidic, aromatic, and potent. This is how it helps get energy flowing better throughout the body. However, this property may cause burning of the tongue and throat in some individuals. Make sure to dilute vinegar with a substantial amount of water when starting an apple cider vinegar regimen. The ratio mentioned under “Preparation and Dosage” should be adjusted appropriately to avoid a burning sensation. After it is ingested, apple cider vinegar turns alkaline, making it compatible with alkaline dietary regimes.

Yin Type A Bladder Issue: Scenario B

The Yin Type A’s overwhelming desire to escape from life’s responsibilities may cause her to drop (pun intended) everything, including urine, and in some cases the bladder too. In Sasang medicine, this is referred to as “yin sinking,” which may instigate stress incontinence or bladder prolapse. Bladder prolapse and urinary incontinence may be the result of putting her own joy aside for the sake of helping others find it. Decades of labor-intensive work or an exercise routine that required continuous and/or heavy lifting may have also played a significant role. Before seeking comfort, finding joy is essential for the Yin Type A. Likewise, without ample flow from her liver, the kidneys cannot function normally. Without joy, yin energy simply drops downward, leading to urinary incontinence, prolapse, and/or heaviness/weakness of the lower extremities.

Since Scenario B is a sign of deficiency, the Yin Type A’s weaker lung system is usually involved even if she doesn’t have any respiratory issues. About half of those who suffer from urinary incontinence and/or bladder prolapse will experience frequent colds, wheezing, chronic allergies, chronic coughing, and so forth. Hence the herbs below address her weaker lungs and encourage them to pull her yang energy upward again, returning the bladder to its original position and restoring its ability to hold urine.

Resolution

Even though we all could use a vacation to recharge our batteries from time to time, the overstressed Yin Type A may take this opportunity to the extreme. Rather than face the heat, this individual constantly wishes to escape from her circumstances. Despite the challenges she faces, the Yin Type A who stays engaged will certainly reap the benefits in the end. Yet staying engaged doesn’t mean bearing a situation that is causing her pain and anguish. For the Yin Type A, menopause is a time for reclaiming and redefining her joy. At this juncture in life, she can finally let go of situations that have caused her grief over the years, but caution should be heeded against refusing ones that challenge her to grow. Recognizing whether or not a challenging situation is a source of growth or grief takes considerable thought and wisdom. Shik kyun, residing in the upper body, is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, positive and negative, and advantage and disadvantage. Even though it comes naturally for the Yang Type B with a strong upper body, the Yin Type A has to take time and effort to master it, which happens when she consistently makes her own health and wellness a priority in life.

Song Zi
(Common: Pine Nuts; Latin: Pinus spp.)

Pine nuts promote kidney function and nourish and promote the integrity of the bladder muscles. In Sasang medicine, they are useful for sending energy from the Yin Type A’s liver to her kidneys, enhancing comfort through joy. The bone-strengthening properties of pine nuts make them a suitable remedy for joint pain related to osteopenia or osteoporosis, and they are especially beneficial for joint issues in the lower body, including the lower back, knees, ankles, and toe joints. Each pine nut has up to 35 percent of its weight in protein, making them a great source of gluten- and cholesterol-free cellular energy.

Common Uses

Pine nuts alleviate urinary incontinence, uterine prolapse, osteopenia/ osteoporosis, aging teeth, lower body joint pain (e.g., ankles, knees, hips), dry skin, and menstrual issues.

Sources

European pine nuts, also called stone nuts, are slender and longer than the Asian variety. Despite a difference in shape, the two varieties are equally beneficial for the bones. Pine nuts can be purchased in bulk from Nuts.com. Organic pine nuts can be found at Woodstock Foods and Trader Joe’s.

Preparation and Dosage

Pine nuts make a good snack and are also a valuable ingredient in numerous delicious recipes. In Korea, pine nuts are often sprinkled into teas to add a pleasant nutty taste. Try it with your favorite tea! Consume ten pine nuts a day to support your bones and bladder function.

Herbal Friend: Yin Xing Yi (Common: Ginkgo; Latin: Ginkgo biloba)

In Eastern medicine, ginkgo is said to make the lower body more stable, enhancing bladder integrity and preventing incontinence by assisting lung energy movement. The earliest recorded use of ginkgo in China goes back as far as 2600 BCE, and since then it has been highly prized for its ability to alleviate asthma-related symptoms. Modern research supports the use of ginkgo to boost memory by enhancing the circulation of blood to the brain. In support of these findings, Sasang medicine holds that the lungs control the flow of energy to the brain. This is another example of how Eastern and Western medicine have reached the same conclusion by completely different means! Ginkgo leaves and nuts contain ginkgoloid, a substance known to promote blood circulation. A study in 2006 suggested that ginkgo has a biphasic effect on estrogen (estradiol) levels within the body, meaning that it promotes the reception of estrogen while reducing its cancer-producing effects.⁶

Ginkgo nuts are commonly used for urinary incontinence, uterine prolapse, asthma, allergies, restoring lung function, and eliminating phlegm. Ginkgo is readily available online in pill form from companies such as Vitacost and Puritan’s Pride. Whole ginkgo nuts are more difficult to get hold of but can occasionally be found at Asian food markets or herb supply stores. You should follow the manufacturer’s dosage suggestions carefully when using ginkgo supplements. Ginkgo nuts have a sweet and slightly acrid flavor when fried until golden brown. For incontinence and/or bladder prolapse, you may also try consuming five fried ginkgo nuts a day. Make sure to remove the ginkgo nut shell before preparing. For best results try consuming five ginkgo nuts with ten pine nuts a day.

Caution

Raw ginkgo nuts are poisonous and should not be consumed. Even cooked ginkgo nuts in excessive amounts have been known to cause headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions. Take no more than five whole ginkgo nuts a day and make sure to fry them until they turn yellowish brown. When taking ginkgo in capsule form, follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage closely. Ginkgo intake is contraindicated during pregnancy. Its circulation-enhancing properties make ginkgo inadvisable if you’re taking blood thinners or following an aspirin regimen. For more details about the side effects of ginkgo, do a search of ginkgo side effects on the National Institutes of Health website.

YIN TYPE B

With her stronger kidney and bladder, it may be difficult to imagine the Yin Type B having urinary issues, yet strength is not always a sign of health. If the Yin Type B does not embrace her predominant emotion of calmness, then the stronger kidneys feel anxious and unsettled, as if to say, “We’re supposed to be calm; what happened?” Do ryang, or the ability to embrace others and be open-minded, is the key that unlocks the Yin Type B’s comfort. The incontinent Yin Type B may prefer to isolate herself from others and feel anxious and defensive when in public. This condition, called wei dun or “outward escape,” involves the escape of kidney energy through the bladder, resulting in irritability and frequent urination. Each body type has an energy escape route, and for the Yin Type B, it’s the bladder. Table 8.4 (see below) and the sections that follow provide two Yin Type B bladder-issue scenarios and their resolution.

Yin Type B Bladder Issue: Scenario A

The Yin Type B’s lack of comfort may lead to stagnation of her stronger kidney energy, causing kidney and/or bladder infection, inflammation, and congestion of energy in the lower abdomen. Constipation and difficulty with urination are also common symptoms of kidney energy stagnation. There may also be a burning sensation when urinating as abundant yin cold from the kidneys takes over, and yang heat escapes to the bladder. Scenario A of the Yin Type B is often characterized by a sensation of heat in the upper body and burning urination even though the lower body remains as cold as ice. If the area directly below the umbilicus feels cold to the touch even when fever and burning urination are present, it’s a telltale sign that you’re dealing with a genuine Yin Type B. The absence of comfort and warmth within her cold kidneys is to blame for these symptoms.

Resolution

The Yin Type B never loses comfort, since it is an integral part of who she is, but she often loses track of it and feels as if it is impossible to achieve, giving rise to anxiety and a lack of self-esteem, or gung shim—qualities unleashed from her weaker spleen when it is disregarded. This type, more than any other, needs to reestablish comfort in her everyday life in order to stay healthy. Comfort for the menopausal Yin Type B usually consists of more time devoted to self-care and tranquility. Yet Lee Je-ma cautions this type against staying home too long, isolating herself, and disengaging, because doing so will only further entrap the yang within her kidneys, making it even more difficult to socialize. The kidneys’ yang is never completely secure when surrounded by abundant yin cold. Only when it is reinforced by warm emotions, exercises, foods, and, occasionally, herbs can her yang energy flow freely to and from its cold kidney home.

Coupled with the desire for quiet and solitude comes a strong drive for accomplishment and success. Hence an inner battle is waged between these two forces, occasionally driving the Yin Type B bonkers. Her lofty idea of success is blended with fictional notions of an ideal world built within the confines of her own mind. By this phase in her life, she has spent too much time either in a cocoon or engaged but without recharging her kidneys. As she continues along the Sasang path, the Yin Type B’s definition of comfort will naturally expand. She’ll slowly transform her comfort from conditional to conforming; the former requires a certain set of circumstances like staying home and away from work and being alone, while the latter means adjusting to each situation, finding calmness in chaos, and taking comfort with her wherever she goes.

The foods and herbs below send warmth to the kidneys and support the function of the Yin Type B’s urinary bladder, helping to bring back calmness.

Gan Cao
(Common: Licorice Root; Latin: Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

The Korean equivalent for the expression “jack-of-all-trades” is “licorice root in the medicine cabinet,” since this herb was traditionally used for so many health-related issues! It also has a unique way of balancing the properties of other herbs in a formula that no other herb could rival. One of licorice root’s greatest merits is its ability to gently but effectively treat bacterial and fungal infection. Hence it is commonly used to treat kidney, bladder, and other infections of the Yin Type B. As an added benefit, it also assists with her weaker digestive system. Researchers have discovered that licorice root has estrogen-like effects, reduces body fat,⁷ has a significant effect on serotonin reuptake—potentially benefiting women with postmenopausal depression⁸—and enhances the healing of blood vessels in cardiovascular disease.⁹

Common Uses

Licorice root alleviates infections (kidney, bladder, sinus) and common colds (sore throat, fever) and acts as an antifungal (candida).

Sources

Organic licorice tea can be purchased from suppliers like Traditional Medicinals and Alvita. Organic tinctures are available from Nature’s Answer and Herb Pharm.

Preparation and Dosage

Drink a cup of tea—one cup of boiling water steeped with one licorice tea bag—twice a day. Please follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for tincture dosage.

Caution

In higher doses, glycyrrhizin, the most well-known component of licorice root, may cause a condition referred to as “pseudoaldosteronism,” which can lead to headaches, fatigue, water retention, and even high blood pressure. In the fifteen years of my practice and prescription of thousands of formulas, I have never witnessed any side effects from licorice, and I actually consider it to be quite safe for the Yin Type B. This caution illustrates the importance of ingesting herbs according to your body type. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using licorice root immediately and consult a specialist.

Herbal Friend: Rou Gui (Common: Cinnamon; Latin: Cinnamomum cassia)

Do you remember Rou Gui, commonly known as cinnamon, from the discussion of osteoporosis in chapter 5? Well, it can also be used with licorice root in Sasang medicine for the Yin Type B’s urinary bladder infections. These two herbs complement one another’s ability to cultivate and prevent stagnation of yang energy within the body. Hence Lee Je-ma credits cinnamon with “filling the inner (kidney) and outer qi (urinary bladder) of the lower body.” Cinnamon has also built a reputation as an effective antimicrobial agent. A 2017 study showed that an active component of cinnamon, trans-cinnamaldehyde, helps prevent and reduce the occurrence of UTIs.¹⁰

Cinnamon bark can be purchased from most supermarkets throughout the United States. Suppliers such as Nature’s Answer, Solaray, and Gaia offer a capsulated extract form of cinnamon. Raw cinnamon bark tea is prepared by boiling three two- to three-inch slices of bark in two cups of water. Let the tea simmer over low heat for fifteen minutes. More or less cinnamon can be added depending on your taste preference. If you’re using capsules, refer to the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines. To enjoy cinnamon and licorice root together, try Egyptian Licorice tea by Yogi or Licorice and Cinnamon from Pukka Herbs. Both manufacturers add other ingredients like cardamom and fennel that are also compatible with the Yin Type B.

Yin Type B Bladder Issue: Scenario B

The Yin Type B’s overwhelming desire for peace, quiet, and calmness may eventually lead to isolation from the outside word, mistrust, and fear of being around others. Within the body, this situation is reflected by a lack of communication between the Yin Type B’s comfortable and secluded kidneys and her weaker, socially oriented spleen. At first she’ll find refuge being alone and away from the chaos around her, but eventually she’ll lose a sense of reality and connection with the outer world. With nowhere else to go, her kidney energy retreats further and escapes downward through the bladder. In Sasang medicine, this is referred to as “yin sinking,” which may instigate stress incontinence or bladder prolapse.

Resolution

The Yin Type B often has a difficult time realizing that calmness is not limited to isolation or being in the comfort of her own home. It can be found at work, in a store, and even on a busy city street where car horns are the primary mode of communication. If the Yin Type B embraces rather than fears these situations, she can unlock a level of comfort that no other body type could experience no matter how hard she tries. I’ve met numerous Yin Type B patients who enjoy frequent spiritual/religious retreats, especially during and after the menopausal transition. For the Yin Type B who spends a lot of time outside of her comfort zone, an occasional retreat can offer rejuvenation and solace, making it easier to commingle. Yet she can easily get addicted to the relaxation she feels while retreating and dread returning to society. The balanced Yin Type B will quickly recognize this tendency before going too far, and although she may treasure her time alone, she still makes it her priority to stay engaged.

Wi eui, or dignity, resides within the Yin Type B’s weaker spleen, waiting to be fed by her stronger kidneys. Consequently, dignity and self-worth don’t come easily for her, especially if she’s faced with criticism or ridicule. The Yang Type A’s stronger wi eui provides strength and empowerment in this situation as it feeds her anger and desire for change. Like a snail, the Yin Type B simply retreats back into the comfort of her shell. Her self-criticism can also be an impetus to challenge and improve herself. The change of life is a perfect time to reflect on her unique qualities and what makes her special. I’ve met many amazing Yin Type Bs who have achieved so much in life without believing in themselves, and Yang Type As who are extremely overconfident and overproud. The Yin Type B’s humility can be extremely powerful if she learns how to master it, and self-defeating if she doesn’t. Despite rejection or ridicule, the balanced Yin Type B pushes her chest out, stands strong, and isn’t afraid of failure. In doing so, she’ll send ample yang energy upward from the kidneys to the spleen. The herbs below are also capable of assisting this process.

Cong Bai
(Common: Green Onion/Scallion Root; Latin: Allium fistulosum)

Just when you thought the compost pile was the most appropriate place for this part of a green onion, think again! Cong Bai, or green onion root, is a commonly used herb in Sasang medicine, consumed in tea form to promote yang movement in the lower body of the Yin Type B, stimulating the movement of urine and reducing water retention. By ascending yang, this herb addresses urinary frequency, incontinence, and urinary bladder prolapse. Green onion root is also an effective remedy for early-stage common colds since the stimulation of yang gives the Yin Type B’s immune system a boost. As an added benefit, the findings of a study performed in 2014 by the Medical University of South Carolina suggested that frequent onion consumption may have bone-strengthening effects in perimenopausal women.¹¹

Common Uses

Green onion cultivates and strengthens kidney and bladder yang energy, clears phlegm from the throat and sinuses, and boosts immunity for early-stage colds.

Sources

Good news for green onion lovers: if you place the cut roots of green onion in a cup of water, they’ll grow again! If you’d like to grow them yourself, purchase non-GMO organic scallions seeds from Everwilde Farms.

Preparation and Dosage

Cut the white portion and small hair-like roots from six green onion stalks and retain them. Lightly rinse them in water and then place them in a pot with two cups of water and bring to a boil. Let simmer for five minutes and drink half a cup four times a day until the condition improves.

Herbal Friend: Yi Zhi Ren (Common: Black Cardamom Seed; Latin: Alpinia oxyphylla)

Yi Zhi Ren (meaning “seed that enhances wisdom”), or black cardamom, was given its name thanks to its ability to strengthen and fortify the kidneys—a source of wisdom and knowledge. Its powerful ability to support and raise the Yin Type B’s weaker yang energy makes it a frequently used herb in formulas that address bladder issues caused by yin sinking. In Sasang medicine, Yi Zhi Ren is said to warm the kidneys and solidify the jing—the essential body fluids produced within the kidneys. Try consuming twenty drops of Yi Zhi Ren tincture (available on the Hawaii Pharm website) three times a day mixed with, or directly before/after, green onion root tea.