Decreased Mental Sharpnessaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cognitive Impairment
Did you mean? Dementia
Root Causes of Decreased Mental Sharpness in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Decreased mental sharpness according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Essence Deficiency
- Kidney
Essence Deficiency
In TCM "Essence" (Jing) deficiency refers to a depletion of the body's fundamental substance, which is vital for growth, development, reproduction, and overall vitality. Jing, often translated as "Essence," is a unique concept in TCM, seen as the basis of all life activities and inherited from our parents. Essence deficiency manifests in various symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, weakness, slow physical or mental development, fertility issues, premature aging, weak bones, and a lackluster complexion. It can also affect the hair, leading to premature greying or hair loss. This pattern of disharmony often arises from congenital factors, chronic illness, overwork, or excessive behaviors that drain the body's resources. ... see more
Essence Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Decreased Mental Sharpness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Mental dullness, Decreased mental sharpness, Deafness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Decreased Mental Sharpness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Essence Deficiency | Mental dullness, Decreased mental sharpness, Deafness, Intellectual disability, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness... see more | Zuo Gui Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Decreased Mental Sharpness
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address decreased mental sharpness, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Essence Deficiency
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
Top Formula for Essence Deficiency:
Zuo Gui Wan
Suitable for Essence Deficiency patterns that may cause decreased mental sharpness, such as Kidney Essence Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Decreased Mental Sharpness Caused by Essence Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some decreased mental sharpness-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, with cuscuta seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for decreased mental sharpness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Essence Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some decreased mental sharpness-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Zuo Gui Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some decreased mental sharpness-causing patterns like Kidney Essence Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Decreased Mental Sharpness
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address decreased mental sharpness, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Decreased mental sharpness can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for decreased mental sharpness, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for decreased mental sharpness
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Pilose Antlers (Lu Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Decreased mental sharpness can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for decreased mental sharpness, like Zuo Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for decreased mental sharpness
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Zuo Gui Wan |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Decreased mental sharpness can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Yam (Shan Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for decreased mental sharpness, like Tu Si Zi Wan.