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  • Writer's pictureDr. Monica L. Hilton, DACM, LAc

TCM Nutrition Highlight: Spinach


Spinach is a popular leafy green known for its many nutrients and health benefits. It is rich in non-heme iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, folate, manganese, and vitamin K. Spinach is also a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, and vitamin B6. It is usually eaten raw, steamed, or sautéed and is a popular ingredient in salads, soups, and smoothies due to its nutrition content. Spinach is known to improve vision, reduce blood pressure, boost hydration, support cardiovascular health, strengthen the immune system, and ward off certain cancers.


In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) proper nutrition is essential to the healing process. TCM Nutrition involves using food to correct imbalances within the body. TCM Nutrition differs from Western nutrition in that it focuses on the energetic qualities of foods instead of their biochemical nature. Foods are selected based on their function, temperature, flavor, and ability to influence a specific organ or channel. Dietary recommendations are made based on the patient’s TCM diagnosis. You can read more about TCM Nutrition here. You can read more about TCM Nutrition here.


According to TCM Nutrition theory, Spinach influences the Lung, Stomach, and Liver channels. It’s cooling in nature and has a sweet flavor. Spinach can strengthen all organs, build the blood, moisten dryness, stop bleeding, and quench thirst. It also cleanses the blood of toxins that cause skin disorders with redness and inflammation.


Spinach has a sliding nature that enables bowel movements and promotes urination. It can treat nosebleeds, constipation, night blindness, difficult urination, and alcohol intoxication. In addition, spinach is effective in treating diabetic dryness and thirst. Those with loose stools, urinary incontinence, or a history of kidney stones should use caution or avoid the consumption of spinach.


Thanks for stopping by. Be sure to come back for more TCM Nutrition highlights! 😊



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