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补
Bǔ
Literal: Tonify/Supplement
Food & HealthMeaning
To nourish and replenish what is deficient in the body. In TCM, specific foods and herbs bu different aspects: bu qi (replenish energy), bu xue (nourish blood), bu yin (moisten dryness), bu yang (warm vitality). The opposite is xie (泻) — to drain excess.
Usage Example
“After illness, drink chicken soup to bu your qi.”