here is a debate on whether these foods may actually build your jing energy, or rather they just support it and keep you from losing it. As jing is an energy (and a model of looking at the world) this distinction may not be all that important as the end result is more youthful living either way. According to Daoist Tonic Herbalism, only the best herbs will actually regenerate your jing. As that’s the case all these foods will play a more supportive role.
Make sure to read the previous article on jing for background information on what it is and why you should build it.
Eggs – Think about jing’s relation to reproduction and it becomes obvious the eggs can be a great food for this purpose. For the most nourishing you’re going to want to highest quality eggs. Factory farmed chickens will not do. Instead find eggs from birds that eat their natural diets. Get eggs from pastured birds or duck eggs and you’ll see a richer orange and much thicker yolk. Sometimes the shells are even tough to break.
The common chicken egg next to two quail eggs.
Fish Eggs or Roe – But birds aren’t the only egg laying animal. Fish roe are another option. These eggs were highly prized by many indigenous people, and especially fed to young children and pregnant women (sometimes even pre-conception). In fact in the Andes, people would travel sometimes hundreds of miles to collect these eggs to bring them back for eating. Hopefully, you won’t have to travel that far. Instead, the next time you eat sushi make sure to get an order with tobiko or roe.
That’s a lot of very small eggs which are nutritional powerhouses.
Nuts and Seeds – These are the reproductive parts of plants. All of them will work to some degree. One of the best is black sesame seeds. In fact, this is regarded as a great jing tonic in Chinese medicine. (One hint is that the color black, and even dark colors, are often associated with jing. Antioxidants contribute to health and aging slowly so they may be associated with jing. )
Black Sesame Seeds are actually considered a tonic yang herb in Chinese medicine. They’re more than a food.
Algaes and Seaweeds – The large amounts of minerals and dark colors contribute to the jing essence of these foods.
A variety of different seaweeds. All a little different. All good.
Pollens – Once again the reproductive agents in plants. The pollen is likened to the mammalian sperm and thus is highly rich in nutrients. Bee pollen is one option. And due to the strong hormonal component pine pollen is even better.
Pine pollen, is one reproductive part of the pine tree.
Royal Jelly – This substance is fed to the queen bee and is responsible for her becoming the queen. The workers are genetically identical to her, but do not get this food. It is what the royal jelly activates (epigenetics) that causes her to become queen.
Queen larvae surrounding by royal jelly.
Beans – Certain beans like kidney, black and azuki beans are thought to contribute to jing. Many argue that beans cause digestive problems so this may be up for debate. The best way to consume them is likely in fermented forms like miso, natto and tempeh.
The kidney bean, which gets its name for obvious reasons.
Black Rice – At one point in time only the Chinese emperor could consume black rice. It was punishable by death for the common people to consume it. This forbidden black rice is now widely available for royalty and common folk alike. While more expensive then its white or brown counterparts, it has significantly more nutrition. Its antioxidant count is said to rival blueberries.
More rare than brown or white, and much more nutritious.
Organs – Jing is stored more in the organs than the muscle. Organs of all types have much higher amounts of minerals and vitamins. For more jing go to the jing organs themselves including the kidneys and brain (recall the jing is tied into the nervous system).
A Swedish pork and kidney stew. Want to support jing? Why not eat the organ that is directly tied to its major meridian.
Bones – Jing also governs the marrow. Bone marrow was regarded as highly prized in ancient China because it is mysterious and the most hidden and tucked away in the human body. Various qi gong practices are devoted specifically to the marrow. So eating it will help you build it as well. A good quality bone broth may be one of the best jing foods out there. Some even call it the original stem cell therapy.
My recent almost two gallon batch of bone broth. Use as the base of soups, for cooking rice, and much else.
Jinged Up Miso Soup
I’ve been doing some version of this recipe along with dinner at least once a week for the past month or so. Not only is it highly nourishing but it tastes great. I’ve been a fan of getting miso soup when I go out for sushi, but this soup tastes so much better while being better for you.
Here’s the approximate recipe used in this video:
- 1 Quart Bone Broth (can substitute chicken or vegetable stock)
- 2 TB Miso
- 2 TB Black Sesame Seeds
- 1 handful Hijiki seaweed
- 1 TB Brown Shilajit
Heat up soup and stir well, but avoid boiling.
Some of the other jing herbs I’ve experimented with in this soup are chaga and he shou wu.
Another benefit of both miso and seaweeds is that they detox heavy metals from the body.
- Watermelon Rind Drink - March 1, 2023
- Neuroprotective Bacopa - January 8, 2023
- Balanced and Herbal Oatmeal Recipe - December 3, 2022
Lost Empire Herbs
this list seems really healthy. you can also consider Ayurveda herbal medicines for better living. Pure Himalayan Shilajit offers better immunity level and physical strength along with the reduction of fatigue and stress level.
Thank you so much.
Would you contact me privately?
Yes, of course.
You can also add coconut oil for a sweeter taste.
Thanks Logan,
just last night had some black rice. Just tried it as it was on sale. Had red rice the night before as well. Glade to see it has additional benefits over usual rice types. Quite expensive here though. Sale price was $10 per kg.
Yeah, the good stuff usually is more expensive.
My recent regular morning drink has been a pint of bone broth (slow cooked with greens and seaweed) with a tsp. of Maca, a tsp. of Pine Pollen, and Ginseng. I have found a major increase in energy.
Also, around 3 PM taking 12 oz of warm lemon water with a tsp. of Maca, a Tbs. of Pheonix Formula and Ginseng. No more afternoon energy drops!
The other day I was thinking about bone broth in the mornings but I haven’t tried it yet. Sounds like you have a schedule that is working great for you!
Really like your website. Don’t have to search through all kinds of wordy and excessive info just to get to the actual information you are providing, which is succinct and very informative.
Am trying to find sources in Victoria, Canada for organic black rice and hormone-free, antibiotic-free soup bones – an impossible task so far.
Can pine pollen help the female species as specifically as the male, or is it helpful only in a general sense?
Tks.
Thank you. We try to be helpful and easy to use. Pine pollen works well for females as well as males.
good job,,, many blessing’s
how about cattail pollen……..
Recently received some samples of that which we’re experimenting with.