The Five Tastes (Wu Wei)

Spicy (Xin) - Yang in Nature

Substances that enter the Lung Meridian.

Spicy substances can scatter, disperse, and move.

• Diaphoretic, Treats Cold, and is Nourishing
• Invigorates Blood and Moves Blood Stagnation

Sweet (Gan) - Yang in Nature

Substances that enter the Spleen Meridian.

Sweet substances can scatter, tonify, harmonize, and are sometimes thought to moisten.

• Alleviate Pain and Spasms
• Nourish and Tonify the Middle Jiao
• Changes the taste of Herbal Formula

Bitter (Ku) - Yin in Nature

Substances that enter the Heart Meridian.

Bitter substances can drain, clear Heat, dry Dampness, and descend Fire.

• Asthma
• Constipation
• Retention of Dampness due to Heat or Cold

Sour (Suan) - Yin in Nature

Substances that enter the Liver Meridian.

Sour substances can drain, astringes, improve digestion, soften the arteries, and prevent or reverse the abnormal leakage of energy and fluids.

• Diarrhea
• Spermatorrhea
• Excess Perspiration
• Softens Arteries

Salty (Xian) - Yin in Nature

Substances that enter Kidneys.

Salty substances can drain, purge, and soften masses

• Softens and Dissolves Lumps and Masses
• Constipation
• Reduce Phlegm

Extra Tastes/Properties

Bland (Dan) - Yang in Nature

Substances that seep and drain, leech out dampness and promote urination

• Edema
• Dysuria

Astringent (Se) - Yin in Nature

• Diarrhea
• Bleeding
• Spermatorrhea
• Frequent Urination
• Excess Perspiration