[Knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine] Basic Functions of Herbal Medicine (2) 'Five Tastes'

Introducing knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine! This explains the basic functions of herbal medicine, known as the "Five Flavors."

There are five different "flavors" of medicinal substances: spicy, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. This is referred to as the "Five Flavors," which represent both the taste (gustatory) and the effects of the medicinal substances. The properties of each of the Five Flavors correspond to the theory of the Five Elements. Specifically, "spicy medicines" have a dispersing (diffusing) effect, "sweet medicines" have a relaxing (soothing and harmonizing) effect, "sour medicines" have a constricting (astringent) effect, "bitter medicines" have a firming effect, and "salty medicines" have a softening effect. All medicinal substances have "nature" and "flavor," and the effects of substances with the same nature and flavor are similar, while those with different natures and flavors have different effects. Additionally, if a single medicinal substance has multiple "flavors," it indicates a broad range of effects (therapeutic scope). [Key Points] - There are five different "flavors": spicy, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. - The properties of each of the Five Flavors correspond to the theory of the Five Elements. - The Five Flavors, along with the Four Natures, possess attributes of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

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