Last time, after finishing the consultation, Dr. Wang mentioned a particular Chinese herbal medicine, saying this medicine is not worth the price of gold, but it is more precious than gold. Upon closer examination, it seems that every prescription contains this herb, which is “Neijin” or “Jin Neijin” (chicken inner gold).
It is indeed a “good helper” for treating anxiety and depression.
It is actually the inner wall of the chicken’s gizzard, shaped like irregular rolled sheets of yellow, yellow-green, or yellow-brown, and has the effects of strengthening the stomach, aiding digestion, astringing to stop excessive leakage, and increasing flexibility. It has a sweet and neutral flavor, entering the spleen, stomach, small intestine, and bladder meridians, and is known as the “gold of chickens.”
In treating depression caused by spleen and stomach deficiency, Jin Neijin also shows its remarkable efficacy and is an indispensable medicinal ingredient. The ancients often said, “One tael of Neijin is worth one tael of gold,” which fully demonstrates the high value of Jin Neijin in traditional Chinese medicine.
Ms. Zhang, 31 years old, a designer at a design company, has developed symptoms of low mood, decreased appetite, and insomnia due to long-term work stress and irregular eating habits. She appeared particularly fatigued, with a pale and waxy complexion.
Locally diagnosed with moderate anxiety and depression, she had tried treatment but with unsatisfactory results, accompanied by noticeable side effects. Later, she found Dr. Wang through a rehabilitated friend.
In the diagnosis, it was determined that she had depression due to liver stagnation and spleen deficiency. The treatment strategy was to soothe the liver, relieve depression, and strengthen the spleen and stomach.
So the doctor prescribed her a treatment in bagged form, to take two bags a day, boiled in water. During the medication period, she needed to avoid cold, raw, greasy, and spicy foods, and was advised not to eat white radishes. It was also important to maintain emotional stability, adjust her mindset, and avoid excessive fatigue.
After about 9 days, Ms. Zhang reported an improvement in her emotional state and was able to eat some food, though still not particularly well. Dr. Wang advised her to continue taking the medicine, and over time, her sleep and appetite gradually restored.
Dr. Wang said that this type of condition is relatively easy to adjust. Liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, along with disharmony of the spleen and stomach, are very common causes of depression. When a person is in a state of tension, anxiety, or depression, the brain indirectly stimulates the secretion of gastric acid, and prolonged negative emotions can lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction.
The heavy use of Neijin in the formula is aimed at strengthening the spleen and stimulating the appetite, focusing on treating food retention.
When the stomach is unwell, one cannot rest peacefully. This means that when the functions of the spleen and stomach are adjusted, sleep quality will naturally improve. Combined with herbal ingredients like Chaihu, Baishao, Danggui, Baizhu, Fuling, and Gancao, these herbs work together to soothe the liver and relieve depression, strengthen the spleen and benefit the qi, nourish blood, and enhance vitality. By harmonizing the liver and spleen, it improves the circulation of qi and blood in the body, ensuring smooth flow and alleviating stuck qi, resulting in a naturally pleasant mood and relief of depressive symptoms.
