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TCM Food Energetics TCM Dietary Therapy and the Food you Eat
Last Updated: 09/25/2011
Food Energetics

FOOD ENERGETICS

This chart presents a selection of common foods and herbs in terms of their taste, energy, meridian propensity, effect in traditional Chinese medicine, and clinical applications. Foods are categorized into four groups: vegetables; fruits; nuts and grains; and animal meats and seafood. Commonly-used medicinal herbs are listed after the food categories. It is taken in its entirety from a website posting created by the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Fruits   Nuts and Grains   Animal Meats and Seafoods   Medicinal Herbs in Dietary Therapy   Recipes  References

Vegetables

Name

Taste

Energy

Meridian Propensity

Effects

Applications

Garlic

Pungent; Sweet

Warm

Spleen; Stomach; Lung

Strengthen Stomach; Warm the Middle Burner

Abdominal pain; Dysentery; Pertussis; TB

Carrot

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Liver; Lung

Strengthens the Spleen; Reinforces Liver energy; Clears Heat

Indigestion; Blurred vision; cough

Napa

Sweet

Neutral

Stomach; Large Intestine

Promotes urination

Constipation; Ulcers

Cabbage

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Stomach

Nourishes Spleen; Regulates Stomach

Spasm and pain in the upper abdomen; Gastric ulcer

Celery

Pungent; Sweet

Cool

Liver; Stomach; Bladder

Clears Heat; Calms the Liver; Reinforces the Stomach

Hypertension; Dizziness; Headache

Spinach

Sweet

Cool

Large Intestine; Stomach; Liver

Moistens dryness; Nourishes the Liver

Thirst; Dizziness; Constipation

Potato

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Stomach;Large Intestine

Reinforces the Spleen and Stomach

Abdominal pain; Gastric Ulcers

Eggplant

Sweet

Cold

Stomach; Large Intestine

Clears Heat; Cools Blood; Assists bowel motions

Hemorrhoids; Bloody stools

Cucumber

Sweet

Cool

Stomach; Bladder

Clears Heat; Quenches thirst; Relieves edema

Edema; Thirst; Difficult urination

Tremella

Sweet

Neutral

Lung; Stomach

Moistens the Lungs; Nourishes Yin; Produces body fluids

Dry Cough; Thirst; Dry throat

Shiitake Mushroom

Sweet

Neutral

Stomach

Resolves hard masses

Rickets; Anemia; Measles; Cancers

Kelp

Salty

Cold

Liver; Stomach; Kidney

Dissolves Phlegm; Softens hard masses; Relieves edema

Goiter; hernia; edema; carcinomas

Black Fungus

Sweet

Neutral

Stomach; Large Intestine

Arrests bleeding; Cools blood

Hemorrhoids; Discharge of blood from anus

Lettuce

Bitter; Sweet

Cool

Stomach; Large Intestine

Promotes urination

Difficulty urinating; Discharge of bloody urine

Onion

Pungent; Bitter

Warm

Lung; Stomach; Large Intestine

Activates Yang; Dissolves hard masses; Sends Chi down

Chest Stuffiness; Cough; Ulcers

Pumpkin

Sweet

Warm

Spleen; Stomach

Reinforces the Middle Burner; Replenishes Chi

Malnutrition; Cough; Worm infestation

Radish

Pungent; Sweet

Cool

Lung; Stomach

Promotes digestion; Eliminates Phlegm

Respiratory infections, Common cold; flu

Ginger

Pungent

Warm

Lung; Spleen; Stomach

Warms the Lungs; Releases the exterior by inducing sweating

Common cold; Vomiting; Dysentery; Dyspepsia

Wax Gourd

Sweet

Cool

Lung; Intestines; Bladder

Promotes water passage; Eliminates phlegm; Clears Heat and toxins

Diabetes; Thirst; Swelling

Squash

Sweet

Warm

Spleen; Stomach

Heals inflammation; Relieves pain

Bronchiectasis, Pulmonary abscess

Yam

Neutral

Neutral

Lung; Spleen; Kidneys

Tonifies Lung, Spleen, and Kidneys

Diarrhea; Cough; Diabetes

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Fruits

Name

Taste

Energy

Meridian Propensity

Effects

Applications

Pear

Sweet; Sour

Cool

Lung; Stomach

Produces fluids; Eliminates mucus; Lubricates dryness

Cough; Sore throat

Orange

Sweet; Sour

Cool

Stomach; Bladder

Produces body fluids; Induces urination

Difficult urination; Thirst

Tangerine

Sweet; Sour

Cool

Lung; Stomach; Kidneys

Promotes digestion; Strengthens the Spleen

Chest congestion; Vomiting; Hiccups

Peach

Sweet; Sour

Warm

 

Promotes Blood circulation; Produces fluids; Lubricates intestines

Cough; Hernia pain

Strawberry

Sweet; Sour

Cool

Lung; Spleen

Moistens the Lung; Strengthens the Spleen

Dry cough; Sore throat; Indigestion

Apricot

Sweet; Sour

Neutral

Lung; Stomach

Produces body fluids; Moistens the Lungs

Thirst; Asthma

Plum

Sweet; Sour

Cool

Liver; Stomach

Clears Liver Heat; Produces body fluids

Liver disease; Diabetes

Hawthorn

Sweet; Sour

Warm

Spleen; Stomach; Liver

Promotes digestion; Improves circulation

Indigestion; Abdominal swelling

Apple

Sweet, Sour

Cool

Spleen; Stomach

Produces body fluids; Reinforces the Spleen

Debility; Indigestion; Loss of appetite

Banana

Sweet

Cold

Stomach; Large Intestine

Strengthens Stomach; Promotes body fluids; Moistens dryness

Dry throat; Thirst; Constipation

Grape

Sweet; Sour

Neutral

Kidney; Liver; Stomach

Tonifies Chi and Blood; Produces body fluids

Cough; Palpitations; low Energy

Pineapple

Sweet; Sour

Neutral

Stomach; Bladder

Induces urination; Promotes digestion; Produces body fluids

Edema; Indigestion; Diarrhea; Vomiting

Cherry

Sweet; Sour

Warm

Spleen; Liver

Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; Nourishes Liver and Kidneys

Loss of appetite; Waist or knee soreness

Lemon

Sour

Cold

Stomach; Lung; Liver

Produces body fluids; Relieves Heat

Cough; Indigestion; Diabetes

Tomato

Sweet; Sour

Cool

Stomach; Liver

Clears Heat; Produces body fluids; Nourishes Yin

Dry throat; Blurred vision; Bleeding gums; Nasal Bleeding

Watermelon

Sweet

Cold

Stomach; Heart; Bladder

Clears Heat; Induces urination; Relieves thirst

Urination difficulty; Sore throat; Mouth canker sores

Lychee

Sweet; Sour

Warm

Spleen; Stomach; Liver

Produces body fluids; Nourishes blood

Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Palpitations; Dizziness

Grapefruit

Sweet; Sour

Cold

Stomach; Lung

Promotes body fluids; Restores appetite

Indigestion; Poor appetite; Vomiting

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Nuts and Grains

Name

Taste

Energy

Meridian Propensity

Effects

Applications

Almond

Sweet

Neutral

Lung; Spleen; Large Intestine

Moistens the Lungs and Intestines; Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach

Cough; Difficulty breathing; Constipation

Longan

Sweet

Warm

Heart; Spleen

Tonifies the Heart and Spleen; Nourishes the Blood

Insomnia; Forgetfulness; Palpitations; Nervousness

Sunflower Seed

Sweet

Warm; Neutral

Spleen; Large Intestine

Stops diarrhea; Facilitates eruption of rash in measles

Constipation; Diarrhea with discharge of blood

Walnut

Sweet

Warm

Kidney; Lung; Large Intestine

Lubricates Intestines; Tonifies Lung and Kidney

Asthma; Cough; Seminal emission; Impotence; Constipation

Peanut

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Lung

Strengthens Spleen Chi; Moistens the Lungs; Dissolves Phlegm

Dry cough; Upset stomach; Beriberi

Pine Nut

Sweet

Warm

Lung; Large Intestine

Nourishes deficiency; Moistens the Lungs; Lubricates the Intestines

Dry cough; Constipation

Lotus Seed

Sweet; Astringent

Neutral

Spleen; Heart; Kidney

Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; Nourishes the Heart; Calms the mind

Loss of appetite; Leukorrhea; Seminal emission; Restlessness; Insomnia

Ginkgo Nut

Sweet; Bitter

Neutral

Lung; Spleen; Kidney

Consolidates the Lungs; Nourishes the Spleen

Difficult breathing; Cough; Profuse leukorrhea; Frequent urination; Incontinence

Mung Bean

Sweet

Cool

Heart; Stomach

Clears Heat; Detoxifies; Induces urination

Edema; Diarrhea; Drug poisoning

Soya Bean

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Stomach

Strengthens the Spleen; Removes Dampness; Detoxifies

Edema; Beri-beri; Children's Malnutrition; Poisoning

Wheat

Sweet

Cool

Heart; Spleen; Kidney

Nourishes the Heart; Strengthens the Spleen

Hysteria; Dry mouth; Diarrhea

Barley

Sweet

Cool

Spleen; Stomach; Bladder

Strengthens the Spleen; Regulates the Stomach

Loss of appetite; Diarrhea; Thirst

Glutinous Rice

Sweet

Warm

Spleen; Stomach; Lung

Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; Nourishes Lung Chi

Frequent urination; Excessive perspiration; Diarrhea

Millet

Sweet; Salty

Cold

Spleen; Stomach; Kidney

Nourishes the Spleen and Kidney; Relieves thirst; Induces urination

Vomiting; Loss of appetite; Difficulty urinating

Corn

Sweet

Neutral

Stomach; Bladder

Strengthens the Stomach; Regulates the Middle Burner

Loss of appetite; Edema; Difficult urination

Pea

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Stomach

Strengthens the Spleen; Relieves edema; Produces body fluids

Dry throat; Thirst

Sesame

Sweet

Neutral

Liver; Kidney; Large Intestine

Nourishes the Liver and Kidneys; Moistens intestinal dryness

Constipation; Dry skin; Grey hair

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Animal Meats and Sea Foods

Name

Taste

Energy

Meridian Propensity

Effects

Applications

Chicken

Sweet

Warm

Spleen; Stomach

Nourishes the Spleen; Tonifies the Kidneys; Nourishes Chi and Blood

Weakness after childbirth or surgery; Chronic illness; Frequent urination

Duck

Sweet; Salty

Neutral

Spleen; Lung; Kidneys

Nourishes Yin; Facilitates water passage; Removes dampness

Cough; Dry throat; Edema

Pork

Sweet; Salty

Neutral

Lung; Spleen; Liver

Nourishes Yin; Moistens dryness; Tonifies Blood

Dry cough; Dry mouth; Emaciation; Constipation

Mutton

Sweet

Warm

Spleen; Kidney

Warms the Middle Burner; Tonifies Chi and Blood

Chronic weakness; Abdominal pain; Lumbago

Beef

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Stomach

Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; Tonifies Chi and Blood

Underweight; Diabetes; Edema; General weakness

Rabbit

Sweet

Cool

Spleen; Stomach

Strengthens the Spleen; Nourishes the Chi

Loss of appetite; Fatigue; Thirst

Carp

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Stomach

Facilitates water passage; Promotes milk secretion

Edema; Beriberi; Jaundice; Cough

Crab

Salty

Cold

Liver

Promotes Blood circulation; Disperses Blood stasis;

Traumatic injuries; Bone fracture; Tinea; Jaundice

Clam

Sweet; Salty

Cold

Liver; Kidneys

Clears Heats; Nourishes Yin; Nourishes the Liver

Dizziness; Blurred vision; Thirst

Mussel

Salty

Warm

Liver; Kidney

Nourishes the Liver and Kidney; Tonifies the Blood and Essence

Night Sweats; Lumbago; Impotence; Dizziness; Headache

Shrimp

Sweet

Warm

Liver; Kidney

Nourishes the Kidney; Tonifies Yang

Impotence; Lack of milk after childbirth

Catfish

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Stomach

Strengthens the Spleen; Nourishes the Chi; Induces urination

Lack of milk after childbirth; Edema

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Medicinal Herbs in Dietary Therapy

Name

Taste

Energy

Meridian Propensity

Effects

Applications

Chinese Ginseng

Sweet; Bitter

Warm

Spleen; Lung; Heart

Tonifies Chi; Nourishes the Lung and Spleen

Breathlessness; Palpitations; Collapse

Condonopsis Root

Sweet

Neutral

Lung; Spleen

Tonifies the Middle Burner; Nourishes the Blood and Lung

Breathlessness; Palpitations; Chronic illness

American Ginseng

Sweet; Bitter

Cool

Lung; Stomach

Tonifys Chi; Produces fluids; Moistens Lung; Clears Heat

Dry mouth, Thirst, Fatigue

Astragalus

Sweet

Warm

Lung; Spleen

Tonifies the Spleen; Raises the Yang; Augments the Protective Chi

Profuse sweating; Fatigue; Diarrhea; Prolapsed anus

Dioscorea

Sweet

Neutral

Kidney; Lung; Spleen

Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach; Nourishes Lung Chi and Kidneys

Diarrhea; Cough; Frequent urination

Schisandra Fruit

Sour

Warm

Heart; Kidney; Lung

Nourishes Chi; Produces fluids; Calms the Heart

Cough; Dry mouth; Chronic diarrhea; Sweating

Dang-Kuei

Sweet; Acrid; Bitter

Warm

Heart; Liver; Spleen

Tonifies Blood; Regulates menses; Moistens the Large Intestine

Irregular periods; Dizziness; Constipation

Rehmannia

Sweet

Warm

Heart; Liver; Kidney

Nourishes Yin; Tonifies Blood

Back pain; Irregular periods; Dizziness

Fo-Ti

Sweet; Bitter; Astringent

Warm

Liver; Kidney

Tonifies Liver and Kidney; Nourishes the Blood

Dizziness; Hair loss; Back pain; High cholesterol

Lycium Fruit

Sweet

Neutral

Liver; Lung; Kidney

Nourishes the Liver and Kidneys

Dizziness; Ringing in Ears; Back pain; Diabetes

Asparagus Tuber

Sweet; Bitter

Cold

Lung; Stomach

Nourishes Yin; Clears Heat; Moistens Lung; Produces fluids

Fever; Cough; Diabetes; Sore throat; Constipation;

Ophiopogon Tuber

Sweet; Bitter

Cold

Heart; Lung; Stomach

Nourishes Yin; Moistens Lung; Calms Heart

Cough; Dry tongue; Constipation; Irritability

Lily Bulb

Sweet; Bitter

Cold

Heart; Lung

Moistens the Lung; Clears Heat; Stops cough; Calms the Spirit

Cough; Sore throat; Insomnia; Irritability; Restlessness; Palpitations

Licorice

Sweet

Neutral

Spleen; Stomach; Lung

Tonifies the Spleen; Moistens the Lung; Clears Heat

Lassitude; Loose stools; Cough; Breath shortness

Eucommia Bark

Sweet; Sour

Warm

Kidney; Liver

Tonifies Liver and Kidneys; Strengthens the sinews and bones; Calms the fetus

Back pain; Abortion; High blood pressure; Restless fetus

Chinese Caterpillar Fungus

Sweet

Warm

Lung; Kidney

Tonifies the Yang; Nourishes the Kidneys; Nourishes the Lung Yin

Impotence; Sore lower back; Chronic cough; Consumptive cough

Chrysanthemum Flower

Sweet; Bitter

Cold

Liver; Lung

Disperses the Wind; Clears the Heat; Clears the Liver and eyes

Fever; Headache; Blurry vision; Dizziness; Deafness

Honeysuckle Flower

Sweet

Cold

Lung; Heart; Stomach

Clears Heat and toxic substance

Fever; Sore throat; Boils; Carbuncles

Fritillaria

Bitter; Sweet

Cold

Heart; Lung

Clears Heat; Transforms phlegm; Dissipates nodules

Cough; Wheezing; Nodules; Sore; Swelling; Scrofula

Job's Tears

Sweet

Cool

Spleen; Lung; Kidney

Strengthens Spleen; Eliminates Dampness; Clears Heat

Immune Deficiency; Cancer

Notoginseng

Sweet; Bitter

Warm

Liver; Stomach; Large Intestine

Stops bleeding; Transforms blood stasis; Reduces swelling

Vomiting blood; Nosebleeds; Blood in the urine or stool; Traumatic injuries

Citrus

Acrid; Bitter

Warm; Aromatic

Lung; Spleen; Stomach

Regulates the Chi; Dries dampness; Transforms phlegm

Epigastric distention, fullness; bloating; Belching; Nausea; Vomiting

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Classical Chinese Dietary Therapy Recipes

Classical Chinese dietary recipes are a treasure of traditional Chinese medicine. These tasteful and delicious recipes have helped the Chinese population maintain their health and wellness for several millennia. There are thousands of dietary therapy recipes recorded in the literature, but here we will present just six simple examples.

Ginseng/Lotus Seed Soup

Chinese Ginseng 10g
Lotus Seed 10g
Rock Sugar 60g

Preparation: Soak the Chinese ginseng and lotus seeds for 6 hours. Add the rock sugar. Steam boiling for 3 hours. Drink the liquids and eat the ginseng/lotus seeds.This recipe is to tonify the Qi and strengthen the Spleen. It can apply to general weakness from chronic illness, profuse sweating, loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea.

Chicken/Astragalus/Angelica Soup

Chicken 200g
Astragalus 30g
Angelica 10g
Onion 20g
Ginger 20g
Salt 10g

Preparation: Cook and stream/boil for two hours.

This recipe to nourish the Qi and Blood. It can apply to fatigue, general weakness of body and any situation after serious blood loss.

Double Ear Soup
Tremela 20g
Wood-Ear 20g
Citrus 5g
Rock Sugar 30g

Preparation: Add sufficient water to cook for three hours.
This recipe is to enhance the vision and reduce cholesterol. It can be used for high cholesterol, coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis.

Fried Celery/Shiitake Mushroom

Celery 500g
Shiitake Mushroom 500g
Olive Oil 2 tsp
Salt 20g
Sugar 3g
Preparation: Soak and soften the dry shiitake mushrooms. Cut the celery and mushrooms.

This recipe has the function of reducing blood pressure and protecting the liver. It is a wonderful recipe for high blood pressure, hepatitis and coronary heart disease patients.

Wax Gourd/Job's Tear Soup

Wax Gourd 400g
Job's Tear 50g
Preparation: Cook for half an hour. Add sugar or salt.

This recipe has the function of clearing heat, strengthening the Spleen and inducing urination. It can be used for skin rashes, difficult urination, thirst and anxiety.
Steamed Fritillaria/Pear
Fritillaria 12g
Pear 2
Rock Sugar 20g

Preparation: Peel the pears and take the kernels out from the pears. Mix the fritillaria and rock sugar together. Steam two hours with low flame.

This recipe has the function of moistening and nourishing the Lungs and transforming phlegm. It can be used for chronic cough, thirst, and sore throat.

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References

The Tao of Nutrition, by Maoshing Ni, The Shrine of the Eternal Breath of Tao, 1987.

Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine, by Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold, Ballantine Books, New York, 1991.

Chinese Dietary Therapy, by Liu Jilin and Gordon Peck, Churchill Liverstone 1995.

Eating Your Way to Health: Dietotherapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine, by Cai Jingfeng, Foreign Language Press, Beijing, 1996.

Chinese Herbs with Common Foods, by Henry C. Lu, Kodansha International, Tokyo, 1997.

Chinese System of Food Cures: Prevention & Remedies, by Henry C. Lu, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. New York, 1986.

Chinese Dedicated Diet, ed. Zhang Enqin, Publishing House of Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 1988.

Staying Healthy with the Seasons, by Elson M. Haas, Celestial Arts, Berkeley, California, 1981.

A Diet for All Seasons, by Elson M. Haas, Celestial Arts, Berkeley, California, 1995.

Chinese Healing Foods, by Rosa LoSan and Suzanne LeVert, Pochet Books, New York, 1998.

The Tao of Balanced Diet: Secrets of A Thin & Healthy Body, by Stephen Chang, Tao Publishing, San Francisco, 1987.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, by Dan Bensky & Andrew Gamble, Eastland Press, Seattle, Washington, 1993.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, by Dan Bensky & Randall Barolet, Eastland Press, Seattle, Washington, 1991

Healing with Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern Nutrition, by Paul Pitchford, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, 1993.

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