Yin Nourising NRQi Balls
Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
These Yin-nourishing NRQi balls are inspired by the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering gentle support for the body during times of fluid depletion especially menopause. In TCM, this life stage is often marked by a decline in Kidney and Liver Yin leading to symptoms such as dryness, night sweats, restlessness and fatigue. These snack balls combine ingredients traditionally used to replenish Yin and Blood, moisten dryness and support digestion. Goji berries nourish the Liver and Kidneys, almonds moisten the Lungs and soothe internal dryness and Medjool dates harmonize the Middle Jiao while gently tonifying Qi and Blood. Chia seeds help retain fluids while oats and coconut offer grounding nourishment to the Spleen. A touch of cocoa powder uplifts the mood and moves Qi without overstimulating. This recipe reflects how simple everyday foods can become tools of balance in TCM—supporting vitality, clarity and comfort from the inside out.
You’ll Need
Food Processor
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup Dried Goji Berries
9-10 Medjool dates - pitted
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup shredded desiccated coconut
3/4 cup oats
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
pinch sea salt
3-4 tbsp warm water, as needed 1
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
Blend almond and dates in a food processor until coarse but sticky.
Add goji berries, chia seeds, coconut, oats, vanilla and salt
Blend again until the mixture comes together.
Add warm water gradually to form a dough that holds when pressed
Roll into balls and chill for 30 minutes.
Remove from fridge and roll the balls in unsweetened cocoa powder.
Store refrigerated for up to 7 days or freeze.
Makes about 12 balls (approximately 1.5 inches wide)
Serving Suggestions
What the Research Says…
Almonds and Lung Yin Benefits: Almonds moisten Lung Yin and relieve dryness. In TCM, they’re often used to soothe dry cough and skin. A 2020 review found that almond consumption was associated with reduced inflammation and improved skin barrier health in women.
🔗 https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/9/2721
Goji Berries and Yin-Blood Nourishment: Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) are a classic Liver and Kidney Yin tonic, often used for blurry vision, fatigue, and dryness. A 2019 study found goji berry polysaccharides improved antioxidant activity and immune function in mice.
🔗 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343173/
Enjoy with yin nourishing teas such as White Tea, Green Tea, Chrysanthemum, Mint, Lemon Balm, Hibiscus, and Goji Berry,
TCM Food Benefits
🌰 Almonds: Moistens Lung Yin, nourishes the skin, soothes dry cough and supports respiratory health
🍇 Goji Berries: Tonifies Liver Blood and Kidney Yin, nourishes vision and gently moistens dryness
🌴 Medjool Dates: Tonify Qi and Blood, harmonize digestion, moisten dryness and calm the spirit
🌱 Chia Seeds: Lubricate the intestines, retain fluids, and gently support Yin and hydration
🥥 Desiccated Coconut: Moistens dryness and cools internal heat, mildly tonifies Yin
🌾 Oats: Strengthen Qi, calm the spirit and support digestion with a grounding, gentle action
🍦 Vanilla Extract: Gently warms and harmonizes, soothes agitation and enhances mood (neutral in TCM)
🧂 Sea Salt (pinch): Grounds and anchors the spirit, supports Kidney function in small doses
🍫 Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Moves Qi, mildly invigorates Blood, uplifts mood — use moderately as it can be slightly drying or warming