Nourishing Cocktails & Mocktails for Amenorrhea: Supporting Spleen Qi, Heart Blood, and Kidney Jing

Amenorrhea, the absence of menstruation, can have multiple underlying causes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including Spleen Qi deficiency (Spleen Qi Xu) and Heart Blood deficiency (Heart Blood Xu), as well as Kidney Jing deficiency. To help address these imbalances, the following cocktails and mocktails are designed to nourish the Spleen, tonify Heart Blood, and replenish Kidney Jing. These drinks incorporate accessible, gentle ingredients that help restore balance and support reproductive health.

Cocktails for Spleen Qi Xu & Heart Blood Xu

1. Date & Ginger Whiskey Smash

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz whiskey

  • 1 oz red date (jujube) syrup (boil dried red dates in water and sugar)

  • 1 oz ginger syrup (simmer fresh ginger with sugar and water)

  • ½ oz lemon juice

  • Ice

  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare red date syrup by boiling dried red dates with water and sugar until reduced.

  2. In a shaker, combine whiskey, red date syrup, ginger syrup, and lemon juice.

  3. Add ice and shake well.

  4. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Why it helps:
Red dates (jujube) are well-known in TCM for nourishing Spleen Qi and tonifying blood, making them ideal for addressing both Spleen Qi Xu and Heart Blood Xu. Ginger warms the body and improves circulation, further helping to tonify and invigorate.

2. Sweet Potato & Cinnamon Old-Fashioned

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon

  • 1 oz sweet potato puree (roasted sweet potato blended with a little water)

  • 1 tsp cinnamon syrup (simmer cinnamon sticks with sugar and water)

  • ½ oz maple syrup

  • Ice

  • Cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Roast and blend sweet potato into a puree.

  2. In a shaker, combine bourbon, sweet potato puree, cinnamon syrup, and maple syrup.

  3. Add ice and shake well.

  4. Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Why it helps:
Sweet potatoes are grounding and nourishing, supporting Spleen Qi, while cinnamon is warming and helps move stagnant Qi. This cocktail is both nourishing and warming, ideal for those with Spleen and Heart deficiencies.

3. Apple & Goji Berry Martini

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin

  • 1 oz goji berry syrup (soak goji berries in water and blend with sugar)

  • 1 oz fresh apple juice

  • ½ oz lemon juice

  • Ice

  • Apple slice for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare goji berry syrup by soaking goji berries in water and blending with sugar.

  2. In a shaker, combine gin, goji berry syrup, apple juice, and lemon juice.

  3. Add ice and shake well.

  4. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with an apple slice.

Why it helps:
Goji berries are excellent for tonifying blood, which supports Heart Blood Xu, and apple juice provides hydration and a mild sweetness that nourishes the body. This refreshing cocktail helps strengthen both the Spleen and Heart.

4. Pumpkin & Ginger Spiced Rum Punch

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz spiced rum

  • 1 oz pumpkin puree

  • 1 oz ginger syrup (simmer fresh ginger with sugar and water)

  • 1 oz orange juice

  • Ice

  • Fresh orange slice for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine pumpkin puree, ginger syrup, and orange juice in a shaker with spiced rum.

  2. Add ice and shake well.

  3. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange slice.

Why it helps:
Pumpkin is grounding and supports Spleen Qi, while ginger improves digestion and helps move Qi. The warmth of the spices and orange juice helps nourish the Heart Blood and support overall vitality.

5. Carrot & Honey Whiskey Sour

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz whiskey

  • 1 oz fresh carrot juice

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 oz lemon juice

  • Ice

  • Carrot slice for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Juice fresh carrots or blend and strain to obtain the juice.

  2. In a shaker, combine whiskey, carrot juice, honey, and lemon juice.

  3. Add ice and shake well for 15-20 seconds.

  4. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a carrot slice.

Why it helps:
Carrots support digestion and help tonify both Spleen Qi and Heart Blood. Honey is nourishing and helps tonify Qi, while whiskey’s warmth promotes better circulation, helping with deficiencies related to amenorrhea.

Mocktails for Spleen Qi Xu & Heart Blood Xu

1. Red Date & Longan Tea Cooler

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp dried red dates (boil in water)

  • 1 tbsp dried longan fruit (boil with red dates)

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Boil red dates and dried longan fruit in water for 10 minutes and let the tea cool.

  2. In a glass, combine the red date and longan tea with honey.

  3. Add ice and stir well.

Why it helps:
Red dates and longan are both highly nourishing for the blood and help tonify Spleen Qi. This mocktail is excellent for replenishing energy and improving overall vitality in those with amenorrhea caused by deficiencies.

2. Sweet Potato & Cinnamon Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cooked sweet potato

  • 1 cup almond milk

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Blend the cooked sweet potato with almond milk, cinnamon, honey, and ice.

  2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and serve chilled.

Why it helps:
Sweet potato helps tonify Spleen Qi, while cinnamon helps warm and move Qi. This smoothie is nourishing, grounding, and ideal for promoting blood circulation and replenishing energy.

3. Goji Berry & Apple Tonic

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz goji berry syrup (soak goji berries in water and blend with sugar)

  • 1 oz fresh apple juice

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • Soda water

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare goji berry syrup by soaking goji berries in water and blending with sugar.

  2. In a glass, combine goji berry syrup, apple juice, and honey.

  3. Add ice and top with soda water. Stir gently.

Why it helps:
Goji berries are famous for their ability to nourish blood and improve circulation, while apple juice supports digestion and hydration. This mocktail is light, refreshing, and deeply nourishing for Spleen Qi and Heart Blood Xu.

4. Carrot & Ginger Cooler

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz fresh carrot juice

  • 1 oz ginger syrup (simmer fresh ginger with sugar and water)

  • 1 oz lemon juice

  • Soda water

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Combine fresh carrot juice, ginger syrup, and lemon juice in a glass.

  2. Add ice and top with soda water. Stir gently.

Why it helps:
Carrot juice helps tonify blood and improve digestion, while ginger warms the body and moves Qi. This mocktail supports both Spleen Qi and Heart Blood, helping to nourish and balance the body.

5. Chamomile & Honey Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chamomile tea (steep and cool)

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Brew chamomile tea and allow it to cool.

  2. In a glass, combine chamomile tea, honey, and lemon juice.

  3. Add ice and stir gently.

Why it helps:
Chamomile helps calm the mind and support digestion, both important for tonifying Spleen Qi and Heart Blood. Honey adds nourishment, and lemon juice helps move stagnant fluids, promoting overall balance.

Cocktails for Kidney Jing Deficiency

1. Black Sesame & Vanilla Rum Latte

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz dark rum

  • 1 oz black sesame paste (blend black sesame seeds with water)

  • 1 oz vanilla syrup

  • ½ cup almond milk

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Blend black sesame seeds with water to create a smooth paste.

  2. In a shaker, combine dark rum, black sesame paste, vanilla syrup, and almond milk.

  3. Add ice and shake well for 15-20 seconds.

  4. Strain into a glass with ice and serve chilled.

Why it helps:
Black sesame seeds are excellent for nourishing Kidney Jing and supporting reproductive health. Vanilla and almond milk provide a creamy, warming base that adds depth and supports overall vitality.

2. Mulberry & Ginger Whiskey Smash

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz whiskey

  • 1 oz mulberry syrup (simmer mulberries with water and sugar)

  • 1 oz ginger syrup

  • ½ oz lemon juice

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare mulberry syrup by simmering mulberries with water and sugar until reduced.

  2. In a shaker, combine whiskey, mulberry syrup, ginger syrup, and lemon juice.

  3. Add ice and shake well for 15-20 seconds.

  4. Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a lemon twist.

Why it helps:
Mulberries are known for nourishing blood and tonifying Kidney Jing, making them a powerful ingredient for reproductive health. Ginger further enhances circulation, while whiskey adds warmth to promote blood flow.

3. Walnut & Maple Old-Fashioned

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz bourbon

  • 1 oz walnut syrup (blend walnuts with sugar and water)

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • Ice

  • Walnut pieces for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare walnut syrup by blending walnuts with sugar and water until smooth.

  2. In a glass, combine bourbon, walnut syrup, and maple syrup.

  3. Add ice and stir gently. Garnish with walnut pieces.

Why it helps:
Walnuts are a key ingredient in TCM for tonifying Kidney Jing and supporting reproductive health. The richness of walnuts combined with maple syrup creates a grounding and deeply nourishing cocktail for Kidney Jing deficiency.

4. Chia Seed & Dark Rum Punch

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz dark rum

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (soaked in water until gelatinous)

  • 1 oz fresh orange juice

  • 1 oz honey

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Soak chia seeds in water until they form a gel-like consistency.

  2. In a shaker, combine dark rum, chia seeds, orange juice, and honey.

  3. Add ice and shake well.

  4. Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with an orange slice.

Why it helps:
Chia seeds help tonify Kidney Jing and improve hydration, which is essential for reproductive health. Dark rum adds warmth, while orange juice provides a refreshing citrus boost to support digestion and vitality.

5. Goji Berry & Black Sesame Martini

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin

  • 1 oz black sesame paste

  • 1 oz goji berry syrup (soak goji berries in water and blend with sugar)

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Blend black sesame seeds into a smooth paste.

  2. In a shaker, combine gin, black sesame paste, and goji berry syrup.

  3. Add ice and shake well for 15 seconds.

  4. Strain into a martini glass and serve.

Why it helps:
Goji berries and black sesame seeds are both key ingredients in TCM for nourishing Kidney Jing and supporting reproductive health. This bold, nutrient-packed cocktail is perfect for those looking to restore balance and improve overall vitality.

Mocktails for Kidney Jing Deficiency

1. Black Sesame & Almond Milk Shake

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp black sesame paste (blend black sesame seeds with water)

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Blend black sesame seeds with water to create a smooth paste.

  2. In a blender, combine black sesame paste, almond milk, honey, and ice.

  3. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy chilled.

Why it helps:
Black sesame seeds are highly nourishing for Kidney Jing, making this shake perfect for replenishing energy and supporting reproductive health. Almond milk adds a rich, creamy base, while honey adds a natural sweetness that promotes balance.

2. Mulberry & Ginger Iced Tea

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz mulberry syrup (simmer mulberries with water and sugar)

  • 1 oz ginger syrup (simmer fresh ginger with sugar and water)

  • 1 cup black tea (steep and cool)

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare mulberry syrup by simmering mulberries with water and sugar.

  2. In a glass, combine mulberry syrup, ginger syrup, and black tea.

  3. Add ice and stir gently.

Why it helps:
Mulberries nourish blood and tonify Kidney Jing, while ginger enhances circulation. This iced tea is refreshing, revitalizing, and supports overall reproductive health by addressing Kidney Jing deficiency.

3. Walnut & Chia Seed Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp walnut pieces

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (soaked in water until gelatinous)

  • 1 cup almond milk

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Soak chia seeds in water until they form a gel-like consistency.

  2. In a blender, combine walnut pieces, chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and ice.

  3. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and serve.

Why it helps:
Walnuts and chia seeds are both powerful Kidney Jing tonics that support reproductive health. This smoothie is grounding, nutrient-dense, and provides a gentle energy boost.

4. Black Sesame & Date Shake

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp black sesame paste (blend black sesame seeds with water)

  • 1-2 medjool dates (pitted)

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Blend black sesame seeds into a smooth paste.

  2. In a blender, combine black sesame paste, dates, almond milk, and ice.

  3. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy chilled.

Why it helps:
Dates are highly nourishing and tonify blood and Kidney Jing, making them an excellent addition to black sesame. This shake helps restore energy and vitality, supporting reproductive health in a gentle, effective way.

5. Goji Berry & Chia Seed Cooler

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz goji berry syrup (soak goji berries in water and blend with sugar)

  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (soaked in water until gelatinous)

  • Soda water

  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Soak chia seeds in water until they form a gel-like consistency.

  2. In a glass, combine goji berry syrup and chia seeds.

  3. Add ice and top with soda water. Stir gently.

Why it helps:
Goji berries are excellent for nourishing Kidney Jing and supporting reproductive health, while chia seeds help hydrate and improve digestion. This cooler is light, refreshing, and perfect for restoring energy and balance.

Conclusion

These cocktails and mocktails are thoughtfully designed to address the underlying causes of amenorrhea, whether related to Spleen Qi, Heart Blood deficiency, or Kidney Jing deficiency. By using nourishing ingredients like black sesame, goji berries, walnuts, and ginger, these drinks offer a natural way to restore balance and support reproductive health while being refreshing and easy to prepare.

DietChristine PalmaFertility, HormonesComment