What are the medicinal uses of chicken eggs?

Modern medicine has proven that chicken eggs have many health benefits, such as boosting brain health, maintaining brain health, preventing anemia, supporting cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy musculoskeletal system, and aiding weight loss.

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, chicken eggs are a medicinal ingredient with diverse properties and different meridian affiliations depending on the part of the egg. The medicinal value of chicken eggs is explained through the theory of qi, taste, nature, and function in relation to various parts of the egg.

1. Uses of chicken eggs

1.1 Benefits of egg whites

Egg whites have a sweet taste and a cooling nature; their main effects are clearing heat, detoxifying, nourishing yin, and moistening the lungs. They are used to treat heat-related ailments such as sore throat and mouth ulcers. Externally, egg whites also help beautify the skin and treat boils and burns due to their cooling properties and astringent ability.

Instructions: Cook in soup, dissolve and drink raw if hygiene is ensured, or apply externally to treat acne.

1.2 Benefits of egg yolks

This is considered the most nutritious part, primarily focused on nourishing blood and yin. Egg yolks have a sweet taste, are neutral in nature, and act on the Heart, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. They nourish blood, replenish yin, moisten dryness, and calm the mind. Egg yolks are good for people with insomnia and anxiety due to yin and blood deficiency (those who are thin, weak, and have dry skin) and are used to treat diarrhea and dysentery caused by weak spleen and stomach.

Instructions: Boil in water until cooked, then eat.

1.3 Uses of chicken eggshells

Eggshells are often discarded but are actually a source of calcium and have astringent properties. Eggshells have a mild taste, are neutral in nature, and act on the stomach meridian. Their main effects are to soothe the stomach, relieve pain, and stop bleeding. They are used to treat stomach pain caused by excess gastric acid, heartburn, and to supplement calcium for children with rickets and stunted growth.

Instructions: Wash thoroughly, roast until golden brown, grind into a fine powder, and take about 2-3g daily with warm water.

1.4 Functions of the thin membrane in chicken eggshells

This is the white membrane that adheres closely to the eggshell. It has a sweet taste, is neutral in nature, and acts on the Lung meridian. The thin membrane inside the eggshell nourishes yin, moistens the lungs, and relieves coughs, so it is used to treat tuberculosis, persistent dry coughs, hoarseness, mouth ulcers, and tongue sores.

Directions for use: Usually administered as a decoction or powder. Dosage: 1.5–3g/day

1.5 Benefits of the whole chicken egg

When both the egg white and yolk are combined, chicken eggs have a sweet taste and a neutral nature, helping to balance yin and yang, nourish qi and blood, and are a comprehensively nutritious food for the body.

2. Important notes when using chicken eggs

To maximize the benefits of chicken eggs, you need to keep the following points in mind:

Appropriate dosage: Adults should only eat 3-4 fruits per week. Children aged 1-2 years can eat 3-4 fruits per week. People with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes, or hypertension should consult a doctor for appropriate dosage recommendations.

Proper preparation: Eggs should be thoroughly cooked (boiled, steamed) to ensure hygiene and optimal nutrient absorption. Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs due to the risk of bacterial infection. For other preparation methods, consult a specialist for dosage and usage advice to achieve the best results.

Listen to your body: Each remedy is suitable for a specific physical condition. Be cautious and stop if you notice any unusual symptoms such as internal heat or indigestion.