herbs- lecture 1 dk 4

What is Channel Tropism (Gui Jing)?

The idea that different foods tend to affect certain body systems/ZangFu more strongly than others.

What does Channel Tropism help us do in food therapy?

Target a food or herb toward the ZangFu that needs support.

what determines the traditional ZangFu association in this section?

Each of the Five Flavors is traditionally associated with a particular ZangFu pair.

Which ZangFu are associated with the Sour flavor?

Liver & Gallbladder

What are the core actions of Sour?

Astringe, contract, and prevent fluid & Qi leakage.

What are representative Sour foods?

Lemon, plum, and hawthorn.

Lemon, plum, and hawthorn are associated with which ZangFu?

Liver/Gallbladder

Which ZangFu are associated with the Bitter flavor?

Heart & Small Intestine

What are the core actions of Bitter?

Drain downward, purge & dry, and dispel Heat.

What are representative Bitter foods?

Bitter melon, Tartary buckwheat, and kale.

Bitter melon, buckwheat, and kale are associated with which ZangFu?

Heart/Small Intestine

Which ZangFu are associated with the Sweet flavor?

Spleen & Stomach

What are the core actions of Sweet?

Tonify, harmonize, moisten, and regulate herbs.

What are representative Sweet foods?

Honey, Chinese dates, and millet.

Honey, Chinese dates, and millet are associated with which ZangFu?

Spleen/Stomach

Which ZangFu are associated with the Pungent flavor?

Lung & Large Intestine

What are the core actions of Pungent?

Scatter, move Qi & Blood, and dispel EPIs.

What are representative Pungent foods?

Ginger, garlic, spring onion, and green onion.

Ginger, garlic, and spring/green onion are associated with which ZangFu?

Lung/Large Intestine

Which ZangFu are associated with the Salty flavor?

Kidney & Bladder

What are the core actions of Salty?

Soften hard masses, purge, and drain fluid

What are representative Salty foods?

Seaweed, salt, and oyster/seashell.

Seaweed, salt, and oyster are associated with which ZangFu?

Kidney/Bladder

A person always feels cold, especially in their hands and feet, prefers hot showers, and drinks hot tea. What type of foods would generally be appropriate?

Warming foods, such as ginger and cinnamon.

Someone has been sweating heavily after exercising outdoors in hot weather. Which flavor's action could help address abnormal fluid loss?

Sour, because it has an astringent action.

Someone has poor appetite and often feels tired after meals. Which flavor is traditionally associated with nourishing and supporting digestion?

sweet

Someone frequently eats lime because they enjoy its sour flavor. Which ZangFu system is Sour traditionally associated with?

Liver/Gallbladder