Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help You Grow Taller? - Traditional Chinese Medicine

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I want to grow taller?


Are these remedies effective?
1.
Height-Enhancing Herbal Soup Ingredients: 10g cinnamon, 30g astragalus, 30g American ginseng, 30g white atractylodes, 30g poria, 20g licorice, 20g angelica sinensis, 20g white peony, 30g cooked rehmannia, 20g ligusticum wallichii, 30g goji berries, 30g eucommia, 20g six herbs, 20g hawthorn, 30g chuanxiong, 20g longan flesh, 5 red dates, 30g basil, 30g shell grass, 1 chicken (about 2 pounds), ginger, rice wine, and a pinch of salt.

Preparation:
1.
Place the above herbs in a pot, add 10 bowls of water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.
Strain to obtain the broth.

2.
Clean and cut the chicken into pieces and blanch briefly.

3.
In a large pot, add the cleaned chicken pieces, pour in the herbal broth, add a few slices of ginger and a large cup of rice wine, then add enough water to marinate the chicken slightly.
Place in a rice cooker with 1.5 cups of water in the outer pot, cook until the meat is tender, then add salt to taste.
2.
Herbal Lamb Hot Pot Ingredients: 20g angelica sinensis, 30g astragalus, 30g codonopsis, 30g cooked rehmannia, 20g ligusticum wallichii, 30g goji berries, 20g cinnamon twig, 10g dried tangerine peel, 20g six herbs, 10g papaya, 20g longan flesh, 2 star anise, 2 pounds of bone-in lamb, 0.5 pounds of pork bones, black sesame oil, ginger, rice wine, and a pinch of salt.

Preparation:
1.
Blanch the pork bones, clean them, and place them in a pot with the above herbs (excluding goji berries), add 10 bowls of water, bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes.
Strain to obtain the broth.

2.
Clean and blanch the bone-in lamb.

3.
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pot, sauté the ginger until fragrant, add the lamb and stir-fry, then transfer to the pot.
Add the broth, goji berries, a large cup of rice wine, and enough water to marinate the meat slightly.
Cook on the stove until the meat is tender, then add salt to taste.
3.
Bone-Transforming Soup Ingredients: 0.5 pounds of pig tail bones, (1) 10g cistanche, 10g fo-ti, 10g eucommia, 10g rehmannia, 10g codonopsis, 10g angelica sinensis, 30g astragalus, 8g cooked rehmannia, 6g cordyceps.
(2) 10g yam, 10g goji berries, 8g longan flesh, 8g lotus seeds, 8 red dates, a piece of ginger, and salt to taste.

Preparation: Blanch the tail bones in boiling water to remove blood and impurities, then clean and place them in a pot.
Place the ingredients from (1) in a cheesecloth bag, slice the ginger, and add it along with the ingredients from (2) and enough water.
Simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, then add salt to taste.
Recommended to consume once a week.
4.
Basil Chicken Stew Ingredients: 200g basil leaves, half a free-range chicken, and a pinch of salt.

Preparation: Cut the free-range chicken into pieces.
Blanch the chicken pieces in boiling water to remove blood and impurities, then clean and set aside.
Soak the basil leaves in water for about 10 minutes, then scrub off any dirt.
In a pot, bring 4 bowls of water to a boil, add the basil leaves, and cook for about 20 minutes.
Then add 3 bowls of water and the chicken pieces, bring to a boil, reduce to medium-low heat, and cook for another 20 minutes.
Remove the basil leaves before serving.
Benefits: Basil chicken stew is rich in protein, fat, vitamins A and C, phosphorus, and iron.
It is traditionally used as a remedy for growth spurts, promoting blood circulation, detoxification, and alleviating digestive issues.
It is considered an excellent recipe for adolescents transitioning into adulthood.
Are these herbal ratios appropriate and effective?

Dingjie, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/08/07

Dr. Zhuang Yihui reply Traditional Chinese Medicine


Height is influenced by two main factors: congenital (genetic) and acquired (including exercise, nutrition, a positive mood, and adequate sleep).
Since you are in your puberty, it is important to make the most of this golden period.
Based on your description of being 160 cm tall and having acne, the three types of food you provided seem to be more heat-inducing, so it is advisable not to consume them excessively.
In addition to medication, you might consider acupuncture treatment, which can stimulate the nervous system and meridians to promote growth.
Please refrain from asking the same question repeatedly.

Reply Date: 2006/08/07

More Info


Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long been a subject of interest for those seeking to enhance their height, especially during the critical growth periods of adolescence. However, the effectiveness of TCM in promoting height growth, particularly in adults, is a complex topic that requires careful consideration of various factors.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that height is primarily determined by genetics. The growth plates in the bones, which are responsible for height increase, typically close after puberty. For males, this usually occurs between the ages of 16 and 18, while for females, it can happen slightly earlier. Once these growth plates are closed, the potential for natural height increase is significantly diminished. In your case, since you mentioned that your growth plates have closed, the likelihood of further height increase through any means, including TCM, is quite low.

TCM approaches to height enhancement often include herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary modifications. The herbal formulas you mentioned, such as the "Ten Complete Tonifying Decoction" and various soups, are traditionally believed to nourish the body and support growth. Ingredients like Chinese yam, goji berries, and various herbs are thought to enhance vitality and overall health, which could indirectly support optimal growth conditions during the growth phase. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the claim that these remedies can stimulate growth in individuals whose growth plates have already fused.

Acupuncture and other TCM practices, such as gua sha (scraping therapy), are often used to improve circulation and balance the body's energy (Qi). While these practices may promote overall well-being and health, their direct impact on height increase in adults remains unproven. Some practitioners may report anecdotal successes, but these are not backed by rigorous scientific studies.

In terms of dietary recommendations, a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for overall health. Adequate protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals play a significant role in bone health and development. While consuming nutrient-rich foods can support your body's functions, it is unlikely to lead to an increase in height if the growth plates are closed.

For those still in their growth phase, engaging in regular physical activity, particularly exercises that promote stretching and posture, can be beneficial. Activities like swimming, basketball, and yoga can help improve posture and may contribute to a more elongated appearance, but they will not increase bone length.

In conclusion, while TCM offers various remedies and practices that may promote overall health and well-being, the potential for height increase in individuals with closed growth plates is minimal. If you are seeking to explore TCM further, it is advisable to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner who can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs. However, it is essential to maintain realistic expectations regarding height growth at your age. Focus on overall health, confidence, and self-acceptance, as these are far more impactful than the number on a measuring tape.

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