MOST EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CHINESE DIET SYSTEM

Amaranth
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral
transforms mucus
Heart, Small Intestine

Aromatic Rice
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens spleen and stomach
Spleen, Stomach

Barley
dàmài 大麦
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Refreshing
strengthens the spleen, cools bladder, dehydrating, mild laxative, eliminates digestive blockages
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder

Basmati Rice
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens spleen and stomach
Spleen, Stomach

Black Sticky Rice
hēinuòmǐ 黑糯米
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens qi, strengthens blood
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Buckwheat
qiáomài 荞麦
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral ↓Refreshing
promotes digestion, detoxifies, converts moisture
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Glutinous Rice
nuòmǐ 糯米
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens spleen and stomach, removes stomach cold, stops cold diarrhea
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Kasha
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Warm
converts moisture
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Long Grain Rice
xianmi 籼米
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Warm
removes moisture, stops diarrhea, strengthens the spleen, strengthens the stomach
Spleen, Stomach

Maize
yùmǐ 玉米
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
dehydrating, strengthens stomach-qi
Stomach, Bladder

Millet
xiǎomǐ 小米
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Refreshing ↓Neutral
dehydrating, strengthens spleen and kidney, dispenses with stomach heat, micturition problems
Spleen, Kidney, Stomach

Oats
yànmài 燕麦
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Warm
strengthens qi, strengthens immune system
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Polenta
yùmǐmiàn 玉米面
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
dehydrating, strengthens stomach-qi
Stomach

Quinoa
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral
Spleen, Stomach, Bladder

Red Rice
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens the spleen, nourishes blood
Heart, Spleen, Stomach

Round Grain Rice
gengmi 粳米
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens spleen and stomach
Spleen, Stomach

Rye
hēimài 黑麦
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Neutral
converts moisture, relaxes qi
Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach

Spelt
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Refreshing
strengthens the middle, nourishes liver blood
Heart, Spleen, Kidney

Sweet Rice
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens qi, strengthens blood, moisturizes
Spleen, Stomach

Unripe Spelt
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral ↓Warm
nourishes liver blood
Liver

Wheat
xiǎomài 小麦
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
moisturizes, nourishes yin of the heart, stomach and kidney
Heart, Spleen, Kidney, Liver

Wild Rice
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing
Kidney, Bladder
dehydrating, strengthens the kidney, strengthens the bladder

PULSES

Adzuki Beans
hóngdòu 红豆
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral
strengthens the spleen, dehydrating, strengthens the kidney, strengthens the heart
Liver, Small Intestine, Spleen, Kidney

Black Beans
hēidòu 黑豆
Sweet, Earth
Warm
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Black Soybean
hēidòu 黑豆
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens kidney-yin, detoxifies, cools heat
Spleen, Bladder, Kidney

Chickpea
yīngzuǐdòu 鹰嘴豆
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens the spleen, strengthens the heart
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Kidney Beans
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
nourishes heart-yin, nourishes kidney-yin
Heart, Kidney

Lenses
bīngdòu 兵豆
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
dehydrating, strengthens the kidney, strengthens the heart
Heart, Spleen, Kidney

Mung Beans
lǜdòu 绿豆
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing ↓Cold
dehydrating, nourishes liver-yin, detoxifies, cools heat of the stomach
Heart, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder

Peas
wāndòu 豌豆
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Refreshing
strengthens the middle, dehydrating
Spleen, Stomach

Soybean, Yellow
huángdòu 黄豆
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Refreshing
strengthens the spleen, dehydrating
Spleen

NUTS & SEEDS

Almond
biǎntáo 扁桃
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
moisturizes lungs, moisturizes colon
Lung, Large Intestine

Black Sesame
hēizhīma 黑芝麻
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes yin, moisturizes intestines
Kidney

Brazil Nut
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral
Spleen, Lung, Large Intestine

Cashew
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
moisturizes lungs, moisturizes colon
Lung, Large Intestine

Chestnut
lìzi 栗子
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens the kidney, strengthens the brain, strengthens jing
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Coconut
yēzi 椰子
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens the heart-qi, strengthens the lung-qi
Heart, Lung

Hazelnut
zhēnzi 榛子
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral ↓Warm
strengthens the spleen, strengthens the stomach
Spleen, Stomach

Peanut
huāshēng 花生
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens the spleen, moisturizes lungs
Spleen, Lung

Pistachio
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral
nourishes liver-yin, nourishes kidney-yin
Liver, Kidney

Pumpkin Seeds
nánguāzi 南瓜子
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral
strengthens the spleen, strengthens the intestine
Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Sesame
zhīma 芝麻
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes blood, nourishes yin
Liver, Kidney

Sunflower Seeds
guāzi 瓜子
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
moisturizes, nourishes yin
Lung, Large Intestine

Walnut
hétao 核桃
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens the brain, strengthens kidney-qi
Lung, Kidney

VEGETABLES

Artichoke
yángjì 洋蓟
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing
cools liver heat, nourishes lung-yin
Liver, Heart, Lung

Asparagus
lúsǔn 芦笋
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing
dehydrating, nourishes kidney-yin, nourishes lung-yin
Lung, Kidney

Avocado
èlí 鳄梨
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing ↓Cold
nourishes liver-yin, nourishes lung-yin, feeds colon yin
Liver, Lung, Large Intestine

Beetroot
hóngcàitóu 红菜头
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Broccoli
qīnghuācài 青花菜
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
nourishes liver blood
Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach

Brussels Sprouts
yágānlán 芽甘蓝
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Warm
regulates qi, lowers qi
Heart, Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach

Carrot
hóngluóbo 红萝卜
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens the spleen, regulates qi, strengthens the liver, cools dry heat of the lungs
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Cauliflower
huācài 花菜
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing ↓Neutral
nourishes lung-yin, cools heat
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Lung

Celeriac
qíncài 芹菜
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing
strengthens stomach-qi, cools liver heat, cools heat, Miktionsbeschwerden
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Celery
qíncài 芹菜
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing
cools, moves qi, cools liver heat, micturition problems, cools heat of the stomach
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Chicory
jùmǎicài 苣荬菜
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Refreshing
cools liver heat
Liver

Chinese Cabbage
dàbáicài 大白菜
Sweet, Earth Refreshing
nourishes lung-yin, feeds colon yin, nourishes stomach yin, cools bladder, cools heat
Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine, Bladder

Courgettes
xīhúlú 西葫芦
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing
dehydrating, cools, cools heat of the stomach
Small Intestine, Stomach, Large Intestine

Cress
Pungent, Metal ↓Bitter
Refreshing
dehydrating, moves blood, moves qi
Stomach, Lung, Kidney

Cucumber
huángguā 黄瓜
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
dehydrating, moisturizes, cools
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Bladder

Eggplant
qiézi 茄子
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
cools the blood, moves blood, moisturizes lungs
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Fennel
huíxiāng 茴香
Sweet, Earth ↓Pungent
Warm
regulates qi, warms the interior, warms the middle, warms lung
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Kidney

Green Bean
biǎndòu 扁豆
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes blood, nourishes qi
Liver, Kidney, Bladder

Kohlrabi
gānlán 甘蓝
Sweet, Earth ↓Pungent
Neutral
dehydrating, moves blood, moves qi
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Leeks
dàcōng 大葱
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Warm
moves qi, promotes sweating, strengthens the spleen, strengthens the stomach, dispels cold
Liver, Stomach, Kidney

Mushroom
yánggū 洋菇
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
nourishes blood, moisturizes, cools heat
Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Onion
yángcōng 洋葱
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Warm
moves qi, moves yang, warms the middle, warms lung
Stomach, Spleen, Lung, Large Intestine

Oyster Mushroom
pínggū 平菇
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
nourishes blood, nourishes qi
Kidney, Bladder

Parsley Root
Sweet, Earth ↓Pungent
Warm
promotes digestion
Lung, Large Intestine

Parsnip
ōufángfēng 欧防风
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Warm
regulates qi
Heart, Small Intestine

Peppers
tiánjiāo 甜椒
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing
nourishes blood, moves qi, nourishes yin
Spleen, Stomach

Porcini Mushroom
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens qi
Spleen, Stomach

Potato
tǔdòu 土豆
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens the middle, anti-inflammatory
Spleen, Stomach

Pumpkin
nánguā 南瓜
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens the spleen, dehydrating, strengthens the lungs
Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Radish
luóbo 萝卜
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Refreshing
nourishes the lungs, nourishes spleen, expels mucus, cools liver heat, cools the blood, cools heat, cools wet heat of the lungs
Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Radishes
xiǎo luóbo 小萝卜
Pungent, Metal
Refreshing
moves blood, cools, moves qi
Lung

Salsify
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing
nourishes yin
Lung, Large Intestine

Savoy Cabbage
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes blood, nourishes qi
Stomach, Lung

Shiitake
xiānggū 香菇
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens qi, strengthens immune system
Spleen, Stomach

Shoots
yá 芽
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
feeds juices
Spleen, Stomach

Spinach
bōcài 菠菜
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
nourishes blood, nourishes yin
Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach

Spring Onion
cōng 葱
Pungent, Metal
Warm
regulates qi, warms the spleen, warms the kidney, warms the interior
Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Sweet Potatoes
hóngshǔ 红薯
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens qi, moisturizes
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Tomato
fānqié 番茄
Sour, Wood ↓Sweet
Cold ↓Refreshing
nourishes liver-yin, cools, cools the blood
Liver, Stomach

White Cabbage
bāoxīncài 包心菜
Sweet, Earth ↓Pungent
Neutral
promotes digestion, regulates qi
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

SALADS

Iceberg Lettuce
shēngcài, bīngshān shālā 生菜, 冰山沙拉
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Refreshing
feeds juices
Liver, Heart

MEAT

Beef
niúròu 牛肉
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens qi, strengthens blood
Spleen, Stomach

Beef Kidney
niúyāo 牛腰
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens kidney yang
Kidney

Beef Liver
niúgān 牛肝
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes liver blood
Liver, Gallbladder

Chicken
jī 鸡
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens qi, strengthens blood, strengthens jing, moves blood, warms the middle
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Duck
yāzi 鸭子
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Neutral ↓Refreshing
strengthens qi, strengthens blood, strengthens juices, strengthens yin, cools dry heat of the lungs, strengthens stomach yin
Spleen, Lung, Kidney, Stomach

Goat
shānyáng 山羊
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Warm ↓Hot
strengthens kidney yang, strengthens spleen-yang
Spleen, Kidney

Goose
é 鹅
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Refreshing
strengthens the spleen, strengthens the lungs, strengthens the stomach
Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Hare
tùzi 兔子
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
strengthens qi, strengthens blood, builds substance, cools the blood, cools heat of the stomach
Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, Spleen, Kidney

Lamb
gāoyáng 羔羊
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Warm ↓Hot
strengthens kidney yang, strengthens spleen-yang, warms the middle, dispels cold
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Mutton
miányáng 绵羊
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Warm ↓Hot
strengthens the spleen, strengthens kidney yang, moves blood, warms the kidney, warms the middle, dispels cold
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Pig
zhūròu 猪肉
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Neutral
strengthens blood, strengthens yin
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Pig Kidney
zhūyāo 猪腰
Pungent, Metal
Neutral
dehydrating, strengthens kidney-qi
Kidney, Bladder

Pig Liver
zhūgān 猪肝
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Warm
nourishes liver blood
Liver

Rabbit
tùzi 兔子
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
strengthens qi, strengthens blood, builds substance
Spleen, Stomach

Raw Ham
huǒtuǐ 火腿
Salty, Water
Hot
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Salami
sàlāmǐ 萨拉米
Salty, Water
Hot
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Turkey
huǒjī 火鸡
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens qi, strengthens blood, strengthens yang
Spleen, Stomach

Veal
xiǎoniú 小牛
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens spleen-qi
Spleen, Stomach

Venison
lù 鹿
Sweet, Earth ↓Pungent
Warm
strengthens qi, strengthens kidney yang
Kidney

Wild Boar
yězhū 野猪
Sweet, Earth
Warm ↓Neutral
strengthens qi, strengthens blood, strengthens yang
Spleen, Stomach

FISH & SEAFOOD

Carp
lǐyú 鲤鱼
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes blood, promotes milk flow
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Caviar
yúzǐ 鱼子
Salty, Water
Refreshing
nourishes kidney-yin
Kidney, Bladder

Cod
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Warm
Liver, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney
strengthens stomach-qi, strengthens kidney-qi

Crab
xiè 蟹
Salty, Water
Cold
nourishes kidney-yin, cools liver heat, dries dampness
Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Eel
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens kidney-qi, strengthens spleen-qi
Liver, Spleen, Kidney

Herring
fēiyú 鲱鱼
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens the lung-qi, strengthens spleen-qi
Spleen, Lung, Kidney, Bladder

Mussel
bèiké 贝壳
Salty, Water
Warm
strengthens kidney-qi, strengthens kidney yang
Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney

Oysters
mǔlì 牡蛎
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Refreshing
nourishes kidney-yin, cools heat
Liver, Kidney

Perch
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Neutral
strengthens qi, strengthens blood
Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Plaice
bǐmùyú 比目鱼
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Warm
strengthens kidney-qi, strengthens kidney yang
Kidney, Bladder

Salmon
sānwényú 三文鱼
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Warm
strengthens qi, strengthens blood
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Sardine
shādīngyú 沙丁鱼
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Neutral
strengthens qi, strengthens blood
Spleen, Stomach

Shrimp
xiā 虾
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Warm
strengthens kidney-qi, strengthens kidney yang
Kidney

Squid
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
nourishes blood, nourishes yin
Spleen, Stomach

Trout
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Warm ↓Neutral
strengthens qi, strengthens blood, regulates qi, harmonizes, warms stomach
Liver, Stomach

Tuna
jīnqiāngyú 金枪鱼
Sweet, Earth ↓Salty
Warm
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney
strengthens qi, strengthens blood

FRUIT & BERRIES

Apple
píngguǒ 苹果
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral ↓Refreshing
stops diarrhea, feeds juices, strengthens spleen yin
Heart, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney

Apricot
xìng 杏
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral ↓Warm
nourishes blood, nourishes yin, stops cough
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Banana
xiāngjiāo 香蕉
Sweet, Earth
Cold
moisturizes colon, moisturizes the stomach, strengthens lung yin
Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Blackberry
hēiméi 黑莓
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
keeps juices, holds juice (astringent)
Liver, Kidney

Blueberry
lánméi 蓝莓
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
keeps juices, holds juice (astringent), holds essences
Stomach, Bladder

Cherry
yīngtáo 樱桃
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens the middle, moisturizes kidney, moisturizes liver, strengthens liver-yin
Liver

Currant
hóngcùlì 红醋栗
Sour, Wood ↓Sweet
Refreshing
keeps juices, holds juice (astringent), builds juices
Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Kidney, Bladder

Date
hǎizǎo 海枣
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes blood
Spleen, Stomach

Elder
jiēgǔmù 接骨木
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Refreshing ↓Neutral
stimulates the intestine
Liver, Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney, Bladder

Fig
wúhuāguǒ 无花果
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
moisturizes lungs, moisturizes colon
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Gooseberry
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
cools heat
Kidney, Bladder

Grape
pútao 葡萄
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral
dehydrating, feeds juices
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Grapefruit
wéndàn 文旦
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Refreshing ↓Cold
Fruits & Berries
feeds juices, lowers qi
Lung

Honeydew Melon
fēngmìguā 蜂蜜瓜
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
moisturizes, cools heat, strengthens stomach yin
Heart, Stomach, Lung

Kaki
shìzi 柿子
Sweet, Earth
Cold
moisturizes lungs, cools heat, holds juice (astringent), moisturizes the heart, cools dry heat of the lungs
Heart, Lung, Large Intestine

Kiwi
míhóutáo 猕猴桃
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Cold
cools heat, lowers qi, cools heat of the stomach, cools wet heat of the bladder
Stomach, Bladder

Lemon
níngméng 柠檬
Sour, Wood Cold
cools heat, holds juice (astringent), cools wet heat of the lungs
Liver, Stomach, Lung

Lime
qīngníng 青柠
Sour, Wood
Cold
cools heat, holds juice (astringent)
Liver, Stomach, Lung

Litchi
lìzhī 荔枝
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral ↓Warm
nourishes blood, feeds juices, regulates qi
Spleen, Stomach

Mandarin
júzi 桔子
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine
moisturizes lungs, moisturizes the stomach

Mango
mángguǒ 芒果
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
dehydrating, feeds juices
Spleen, Stomach

Mirabelle
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
feeds juices, cools heat
Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Orange
gānjú 柑桔
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing ↓Cold
feeds juices, cools heat
Spleen, Lung, Large Intestine

Papaya
mùguā 木瓜
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral
Stimulates bile
Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach

Peach
táozi 桃子
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral ↓Warm
nourishes blood, moves blood, feeds juices
Spleen, Kidney

Pear
lí 梨
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
moisturizes lungs, cools heat
Stomach, Lung

Pineapple
bōluó 菠萝
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing ↓Neutral
dehydrating, feeds juices, cools, cools wet heat of the bladder, strengthens stomach yin
Heart, Stomach, Bladder

Plum
李子
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral ↓Warm
nourishes blood, feeds juices, regulates qi
Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney, Bladder

Pomegranate
shíliú 石榴
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Warm
nourishes blood, stops cold diarrhea
Spleen, Stomach

Quince
Sweet, Earth ↓Bitter
Neutral ↓Refreshing
lowers qi, cools heat
Spleen, Stomach

Raspberry
shùméi 树莓
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
dissipates
Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney, Bladder

Rhubarb
dàhuáng 大黄
Sour, Wood
Cold
cools heat, dissipates
Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Strawberry
cǎoméi 草莓
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Refreshing
moisturizes
Spleen, Lung, Large Intestine

Watermelon
xīguā 西瓜
Sweet, Earth
Cold
dehydrating, cools heat, cools heat of the stomach, cools wet heat of the bladder
Heart, Stomach, Bladder

OILS & FATS

Bone Marrow
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Warm
moisturizes, strengthens jing
Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney

Butter
huángyóu 黄油
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Refreshing
strengthens qi, strengthens kidney jing
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Olive Oil
gǎnlǎnyóu 橄榄油
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
moisturizes, anti-inflammatory
Liver, Gallbladder

Peanut Oil
huāshēngyóu 花生油
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
moisturizes lungs, moisturizes colon
Lung, Large Intestine

Pumpkin Seed Oil
Sweet, Earth
Warm
moisturizes intestines
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Rapeseed Oil
càiyóu 菜油
Sweet, Earth ↓Pungent
Warm
moisturizes, dissipates
Lung, Large Intestine

Safflower Oil
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
moisturizes intestines
Lung, Large Intestine

Sesame Oil
xiāngyóu 香油
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
strengthens kidney-yin, strengthens liver-yin
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney

Soybean Oil
Sweet, Earth ↓Pungent
Warm ↓Hot
moisturizes
Lung, Large Intestine

Sunflower Oil
kuíhuāyóu 葵花油
Sweet, Earth
Neutral ↓Refreshing
feeds juices, strengthens jing
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Walnut Oil
hétaoyóu 核桃油
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens kidney yang
Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney

Wheat Germ
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
strengthens kidney jing
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

DRIED SPICES

Allspice
duōxiāngguǒ 多香果
Pungent, Metal
Hot
promotes digestion
Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Anise
Sweet, Earth ↓Pungent
Warm
promotes digestion, warms the middle
Heart, Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Cardamom
Pungent, Metal
Warm
promotes digestion, warms the middle, warms lung
Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Carnation
Pungent, Metal
Warm
warms the spleen, warms yang of the kidney, expels cold mucus, warms lung
Spleen, Lung, Kidney

Cayenne Pepper
Pungent, Metal
Hot
moves qi, dispels cold, warms the middle, warms lung
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Cilantro
xiāngcàizi 香菜子
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Neutral ↓Refreshing
promotes digestion
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Cinnamon
guìpí 桂皮
Pungent, Metal
Warm ↓Hot
moves blood, moves qi, warms the middle, warms lung
Liver, Heart, Lung, Kidney

Cocoa
kěkěfěn 可可粉
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Warm
Spleen, Stomach
strengthens the middle

Cumin
zīrán 孜然
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Warm
promotes digestion, regulates qi
Lung, Large Intestine

Cumin
gélǚzi 葛缕子
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Warm
promotes digestion, warms the middle
Spleen, Kidney

Curry
gālí 咖喱
Pungent, Metal ↓Bitter
Warm ↓Hot
promotes digestion, promotes sweating
Lung, Large Intestine

Fennel Seeds
huíxiāngzi 茴香子
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Warm
promotes digestion, warms the middle, warms the kidney
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Fenugreek
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Hot ↓Warm
Lung, Large Intestine

Ginger Powder
jiāngfěn 姜粉
Pungent, Metal
Hot
promotes sweating, dispels cold
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Juniper Berry
dùsōngzǐ 杜松子
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Warm
promotes digestion, dehydrating, warms the middle, expels cold mucus, warms lung
Heart, Spleen, Lung

Mustard Seeds
huángjiècàizi 黄芥菜子
Pungent, Metal
Warm
expels cold mucus, warms the middle, warms lung
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Nutmeg
ròukòu 肉蔻
Pungent, Metal
Warm
promotes digestion, warms the middle
Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine

Paprika
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Warm
promotes digestion, warms the middle
Heart, Spleen, Stomach

Pepper
hújiāo 胡椒
Pungent, Metal
Warm ↓Hot
expels mucus, stops pain, warms the middle
Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Kidney

Saffron
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Refreshing
harmonizes liver-qi
Liver, Heart

Salt
shíyán 盐
Salty, Water
Cold
dissolves mucus, lowers, softens
Heart, Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney, Bladder

Sichuan Pepper
chuānjiāo 川椒
Pungent, Metal
Warm ↓Hot
Liver, Lung, Large Intestine

Star Anise
bājiǎo 八角
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Warm
regulates qi, strengthens yang
Liver, Gallbladder, Heart, Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Tangerine Peel
júzipí 橘子皮
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Warm
Heart, Small Intestine

Turmeric
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Warm
moves qi, dries dampness
Liver, Heart, Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach

Vanilla
xiāngcǎo 香草
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens the middle
Spleen, Stomach

FRESH HERBS

Basil
luólè 罗勒
Pungent, Metal ↓Bitter
Warm
promotes digestion, dissolves mucus
Liver, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Borage
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Refreshing
anti-inflammatory, cools wet heat of the bladder, strengthens lung yin
Liver

Chervil
Bitter, Fire ↓Sweet
Refreshing
cools heat, cools the blood, dries dampness
Liver, Spleen

Chilli
hóngjiāo 红椒
Pungent, Metal
Hot
promotes sweating, dispels cold, resolves stagnation
Heart, Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Chives
xiǎocōng 小葱
Pungent, Metal
Warm
promotes digestion, moves qi
Liver, Gallbladder, Heart, Small Intestine, Kidney, Bladder

Cilantro
xiāngcài 香菜
Pungent, Metal
Warm
promotes digestion, regulates qi, promotes sweating, warms the middle, warms lung
Stomach, Lung

Cress
Pungent, Metal
Refreshing
promotes digestion, cools heat
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney, Bladder

Dandelion
púgōngyīng 蒲公英
Bitter, Fire
Cold
Liver, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Stomach, Large Intestine
cools liver heat, cools heat

Dill
shíluó 莳萝
Pungent, Metal
Warm
moves qi
Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Garlic
suàn 蒜
Pungent, Metal
Hot
moves qi, expels mucus, warms the middle, warms lung
Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Ginger
jiāng 姜
Pungent, Metal
Warm
promotes digestion, detoxifies, moves qi, warms the middle, warms lung
Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Horseradish
làgēn 辣根
Pungent, Metal
Warm
strengthens yang, dispels cold
Lung, Large Intestine

Hyssop
hǎisuǒcǎo 海索草
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Warm
transforms mucus, promotes digestion
Small Intestine, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Laurel
yuèguì 月桂
Pungent, Metal ↓Bitter
Warm
promotes digestion, strengthens kidney yang, warms the middle, expels cold mucus, warms lung
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Kidney

Lovage
dúhuócǎo 独活草
Pungent, Metal ↓Bitter
Warm
stimulates digestion
Lung, Large Intestine

Marjoram
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Neutral
promotes digestion
Heart, Small Intestine, Lung, Large Intestine

Oregano
niúzhì yèfěn 牛至叶粉
Pungent, Metal ↓Bitter
Neutral
promotes digestion
Heart, Small Intestine, Lung, Large Intestine

Parsley
Pungent, Metal ↓Bitter
Warm
nourishes blood, strengthens the liver, dehydrating, warms the middle, expels cold mucus, warms lung
Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney

Peppermint
hújiāo bòhe 胡椒薄荷
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Refreshing
expels mucus, cools heat
Lung

Rosemary
mídiéxiāng 迷迭香
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Warm
promotes digestion, strengthens the spleen, strengthens the lungs, strengthens the stomach
Small Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Sage
shǔwěicǎo 鼠尾草
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Warm
expels mucus
Heart, Small Intestine, Lung

Savory
Pungent, Metal ↓Bitter
Warm
promotes digestion, dissolves mucus
Lung, Large Intestine

Stinging Nettle
Bitter, Fire ↓Salty
Cool
Liver, Heart
lowers qi

Tarragon
xiáyèqīnghāo 狭叶青蒿
Pungent, Metal ↓Sweet
Refreshing
promotes digestion
Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach

Thyme
bǎilǐxiāng 百里香
Bitter, Fire ↓Pungent
Warm
transforms mucus, strengthens the spleen, strengthens the lungs, warms the middle, expels cold mucus
Spleen, Lung

NATURAL SWEETENERS

Barley Malt
dàmàiyá 大麦芽
Sweet, Earth
Warm
stops cough, moisturizes dryness, strengthens the middle
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Demerara
gānzhè 甘蔗
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens the middle, moves blood, harmonizes liver-qi
Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Honey
fēngmì 蜂蜜
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
moisturizes dryness, strengthens the middle
Spleen, Stomach, Lung

Maple Syrup
fēngmùnóngguǒzhī 枫木浓果汁
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens the middle, moisturizes
Spleen, Stomach

Molasses
Sweet, Earth
Warm
strengthens the middle, harmonizes liver-qi
Liver, Spleen, Stomach

Palm Sugar
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
moisturizes, harmonizes
Spleen, Stomach

Rice Malt
dàmǐyá 大米芽
Sweet, Earth
Warm
stops cough, moisturizes dryness, strengthens the middle
Spleen, Stomach, Lung

DAIRY PRODUCTS

Milk
niúnǎi 牛奶
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
feeds juices, moisturizes dryness
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Sour Cream
Sour, Wood
Refreshing
feeds juices, moisturizes dryness
Liver, Gallbladder

Sweet Cream
nǎiyóu 奶油
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes blood, nourishes qi, moisturizes dryness
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Bladder

Yogurt
suānnǎi 酸奶
Sour, Wood
Refreshing
moisturizes dryness
Liver, Gallbladder

OTHERS

Coconut Milk
yēnǎi 椰奶
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes blood, nourishes yin, nourishes jing
Spleen, Stomach, Kidney

Egg
jīdàn 鸡蛋
Sweet, Earth
Neutral Other
strengthens blood, strengthens jing, strengthens yin

Egg White
dànbái 蛋白
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
nourishes lung-yin, cools heat
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Egg Yolk
dànhuáng 蛋黄
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
nourishes heart-yin, nourishes kidney-yin
Heart, Spleen, Kidney

Jujube
zǎo 枣
Sweet, Earth
Neutral
strengthens the spleen, strengthens stomach-qi
Spleen, Stomach

Lotus Seeds
liánzǐ 莲子
Sweet, Earth ↓Sour
Neutral
strengthens the spleen, strengthens the kidney, strengthens the heart, holds juice (astringent)
Heart, Spleen, Kidney

Miso
wèicēng 味噌
Salty, Water
Neutral ↓Refreshing
promotes digestion, strengthens the stomach
Spleen, Stomach

Soy Milk
dòujiāng 豆浆
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
cools heat
Spleen, Stomach

Soy Sauce
jiàngyóu 酱油
Salty, Water
Refreshing
strengthens the stomach, harmonizes
Spleen, Stomach

Tofu
dòufǔ 豆腐
Sweet, Earth
Refreshing
feeds juices, cools dry heat of the lungs, cools wet heat of the bladder
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine

Vinegar
cù 醋
Sour, Wood
Warm
moves blood, stops bleeding
Liver, Gallbladder