Tea in season
EVERY 5 DAYS IS A PHENOLOGY, EVERY 15 DAYS IS A SOLAR TERM.
hydrate ACCORDINGLY.
hydrate ACCORDINGLY.
Tea/food/CHM formulation
Do you know why authentic Chinese dishes taste good and you feel comfortable after consuming them? That’s because the best traditional Chinese chefs understand how ingredients work together, and take the timing, environment including climate and weather, location, and personal factors into consideration when they plan and cook a dish. The composition of Chinese herbal medicine as well as medicinal foods and drinks follow similar principles.
The primary therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) are based on the properties of each herb and the strategic combination of herbs in formulae. The herbal formulae are constructed according to Chinese medicine theory: the “Traditional Principles for Constructing Chinese Herbal Medicinal Formulae” and the “Principles of Combining Medicinal Substances.”
The primary therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) are based on the properties of each herb and the strategic combination of herbs in formulae. The herbal formulae are constructed according to Chinese medicine theory: the “Traditional Principles for Constructing Chinese Herbal Medicinal Formulae” and the “Principles of Combining Medicinal Substances.”
Synergy: principles of Chinese food, drinks, and herbal formula creation
These principles of formulation detail how and why multiple medicinal herbs with different properties are combined together into a single formula. However, the concept of herbal synergism in CHM still remains a mystery to most people today due to the limitations of scientific exploration up to date, such as lack of proper modern assessment methods designed based on a highly holistic and relational way of thinking. Either traditional or modern studies, when any experimental design is wrong, the rest are all wrong. Unfortunately, that's frequently happening in labs today, check out this video "Why TCM?" if you are interested.
Every herbal prescription formula your receive from Herbal-Pal’s partnering doctors or medicinal dietary recommendation from Herbal-Pal’s health consultant is based on a validated formula or formulae that have been used to treat a variety of diseases for hundreds of years if not thousands of years in China, and more recent decades around the world. So instead of looking at the ingredients like how you read western nutrition, try to think out of box to see how Chinese herbal medicinal formulae are constructed according to Chinese medicine theory. For now, we will simply list facts below without detailing how Chinese foods/drinks/herbs work synergistically within a formula.
If you want to learn more about how anything you eat or drink follows or violates Chinese medicine theory and practice, and how to apply the timeless principles to your daily foods and drinks, please register to receive FREE educational newsletters.
Every herbal prescription formula your receive from Herbal-Pal’s partnering doctors or medicinal dietary recommendation from Herbal-Pal’s health consultant is based on a validated formula or formulae that have been used to treat a variety of diseases for hundreds of years if not thousands of years in China, and more recent decades around the world. So instead of looking at the ingredients like how you read western nutrition, try to think out of box to see how Chinese herbal medicinal formulae are constructed according to Chinese medicine theory. For now, we will simply list facts below without detailing how Chinese foods/drinks/herbs work synergistically within a formula.
If you want to learn more about how anything you eat or drink follows or violates Chinese medicine theory and practice, and how to apply the timeless principles to your daily foods and drinks, please register to receive FREE educational newsletters.
TEA FOR COMMON PROBLEMS IN SUMMER
Qi or Energy Depletion during Dog Days of Summer ("San Fu", a.k.a. "Three Fu's")
The following tea formulae are commonly enjoyed to strengthen the digestive system (called "spleen" in TCM terminology) and get rid of unwanted dampness, help improve immunity, help healing of wounds, and promote the excretion of sepsis from skin ulcers.
That said, people who are often exposed to low temperature air conditioning (AC) are best not to stop ginger and jujube tea after entering San Fu. You can drink ginger and jujube porridge in the morning and cook it with astragalus, arhat fruit (monk fruit) and plum tea during the day.
For people with blood deficiency, drinking astragalus may not be tonic, and they can also drink astragalus and plum tea.
- Huang Qi – Astragalus Congee
- Ginger Jujube Tea
That said, people who are often exposed to low temperature air conditioning (AC) are best not to stop ginger and jujube tea after entering San Fu. You can drink ginger and jujube porridge in the morning and cook it with astragalus, arhat fruit (monk fruit) and plum tea during the day.
For people with blood deficiency, drinking astragalus may not be tonic, and they can also drink astragalus and plum tea.
"Toxic Fire" caused by Overheating
Ancient people considered Summer Time to belong to "Fire" (of the Five Phases defined by TCM), and when the fire gets way too abundant to the point of excessive in our bodies, the fire becomes "toxic fire".
"Toxic Fire" has a characteristic: it must be reflected somewhere in the upper part of the body.
1. First of all, it could be seen from the head, such as red eyes, acnes on the face, sore mouth and tongue, dry mouth and dry tongue, etc.
The tip of the tongue is the most obvious.
Summer fire is dominated by heart fire and in TCM, tongue is the seedling of heart. Stick out your tongue in the mirror: If the tip of the tongue is super red, this implies the existence of "heart fire".
2. There is also unknown annoyance.
When the fire is very strong, it will make people feel very upset. I'm upset and can't sleep, so some friends are prone to insomnia when it's hot.
3. No matter how hard the “heart fire” is, it will cause less urine, and the color will turn yellow or even red.
"Toxic Fire" has a characteristic: it must be reflected somewhere in the upper part of the body.
1. First of all, it could be seen from the head, such as red eyes, acnes on the face, sore mouth and tongue, dry mouth and dry tongue, etc.
The tip of the tongue is the most obvious.
Summer fire is dominated by heart fire and in TCM, tongue is the seedling of heart. Stick out your tongue in the mirror: If the tip of the tongue is super red, this implies the existence of "heart fire".
2. There is also unknown annoyance.
When the fire is very strong, it will make people feel very upset. I'm upset and can't sleep, so some friends are prone to insomnia when it's hot.
3. No matter how hard the “heart fire” is, it will cause less urine, and the color will turn yellow or even red.
Seasonal Points based on Solar Terms in Early Summer (a.k.a. Summer):
Beginning of Summer | 立夏 | 05.05 - 05.19
Lesser Fullness | 小满 | 05.20 - 06.04
Grain in Ear | 芒种 | 06.05 - 06.20
Summer Solstice | 夏至 | 06.21 - 07.05
Lesser Heat | 小暑 | 07.06 - 07.21
Seasonal Points based on Solar Terms in Late Summer (a.k.a. Long Summer, Zhang Summer)
Greater Heat | 大暑 | 07.22 - 08.06
Beginning of Autumn | 立秋 | 08.07 - 08.21 which reflects the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
Beginning of Summer | 立夏 | 05.05 - 05.19
Lesser Fullness | 小满 | 05.20 - 06.04
Grain in Ear | 芒种 | 06.05 - 06.20
Summer Solstice | 夏至 | 06.21 - 07.05
Lesser Heat | 小暑 | 07.06 - 07.21
Seasonal Points based on Solar Terms in Late Summer (a.k.a. Long Summer, Zhang Summer)
Greater Heat | 大暑 | 07.22 - 08.06
Beginning of Autumn | 立秋 | 08.07 - 08.21 which reflects the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
tea for Common problems in spring
Whooping cough
The following tea formulae are commonly enjoyed when there's heat-induced cough, usually accompanying yellow phlegm:
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To further prevent or heal whooping cough in late spring to even later summertime (April - June), drink this tea in addition to whatever medicine your doctor prescribed to you:
Note that the formula in this tea has a cooling effect, and is NOT suited to coughs caused by Yin-syndrome: for example, most common symptoms include bubbling phlegm, thin white phlegm, and sniffing. For those cases, there are other formulae great to use based on differential diagnosis. This tea intends to be seasonal for common "upper firing up" symptoms in the spring.
Springtime Fatigue (in Chinese: 春睏 Pinyin: Chunkun）
Though some people feel frisky and energized, "spring feverish" in spring, others feel tired and sleepy as the rest of the world is waking up. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a term for this, "chun kun", or spring sleepiness.
Getting more sleep alone won't help, but boosting your Yang Qi/energy and getting your Qi moving will help. If you have screened out original diseases and this is a functional health issue, the following tea, listening to faster music, and breathing some aroma sharp and invigorating can help.
Getting more sleep alone won't help, but boosting your Yang Qi/energy and getting your Qi moving will help. If you have screened out original diseases and this is a functional health issue, the following tea, listening to faster music, and breathing some aroma sharp and invigorating can help.
This tea helps your mind and body refresh during spring, and is particular suitable for those who tend to feel drowsy during this time window in spring. Please check out the description of the ingredients towards the bottom of this page:
bamboo shavings, chen pi (X-year-old dried orange peel), malt, mulberry leaves.
Seasonal Points based on Solar Terms in Spring
Beginning of Spring | 02.04 - 02.18
As its name suggests, Beginning of Spring lifts the curtain of winter for spring. After that everything turns green and full of vigor; people clearly see that the daytime becomes longer and the weather warms.
Rain Water | 02.19 - 03.05
Rain Water signals the increase in rainfall and rise in temperature. With its arrival, lively scenery starts blossoming: the river water unfreezes, wild geese move back from the south to north, and trees and grass turn green again.
Insects Awakening | 03.06 - 03.19
Insects Awakening alludes to the fact that winters’ sleeping insects and animals are awakened by spring thunder. It is the key time for spring agricultural activities.
Spring Equinox | 03.20 - 04.04
On the day of the Spring Equinox, sun is directly above the equator. After the day, the sun moves northward, resulting in gradually longer day time in the Northern Hemisphere and longer night in the Southern Hemisphere.
Clear and Bright | 04.05 - 04.19
Fresh Green is also a traditional Chinese festival - Tomb-Sweeping Day. From that day on, temperature continues to rise and rainfall increases, making it a crucial time for plowing and sowing in the spring.
Grain Rain | 04.20 - 05.04
Grain Rain originates from the saying that goes "rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains," which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops
Beginning of Spring | 02.04 - 02.18
As its name suggests, Beginning of Spring lifts the curtain of winter for spring. After that everything turns green and full of vigor; people clearly see that the daytime becomes longer and the weather warms.
Rain Water | 02.19 - 03.05
Rain Water signals the increase in rainfall and rise in temperature. With its arrival, lively scenery starts blossoming: the river water unfreezes, wild geese move back from the south to north, and trees and grass turn green again.
Insects Awakening | 03.06 - 03.19
Insects Awakening alludes to the fact that winters’ sleeping insects and animals are awakened by spring thunder. It is the key time for spring agricultural activities.
Spring Equinox | 03.20 - 04.04
On the day of the Spring Equinox, sun is directly above the equator. After the day, the sun moves northward, resulting in gradually longer day time in the Northern Hemisphere and longer night in the Southern Hemisphere.
Clear and Bright | 04.05 - 04.19
Fresh Green is also a traditional Chinese festival - Tomb-Sweeping Day. From that day on, temperature continues to rise and rainfall increases, making it a crucial time for plowing and sowing in the spring.
Grain Rain | 04.20 - 05.04
Grain Rain originates from the saying that goes "rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains," which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops
Grain Rain (Chinese: 谷雨), as the last term in spring, starts on April 20 and ends on May 5 this year. Grain Rain originates from the old saying, "Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains," which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops. The Grain Rain signals the end of cold weather and a rapid rise in temperature.
READ MOREQing Ming, commonly translated as Clear and Bright or Fresh Green (Chinese: 清明), the 5th solar term, starts this year on Apr 5 and ends on Apr 20.
READ MOREFalling on March 20 this year, the Spring Equinox, or Chunfen in Chinese, is the fourth solar term of the Chinese agricultural calendar. And for the climate variation from year to year, we are ending the 1st Qi of Renyin and at the start of 2nd Qi of this year (3/20/2022-5/20/2022).
READ MOREAwakening of Insects signals a rise in temperature and increased rainfall. As the third solar term in the lunar year, its name alludes to the fact that animals sleeping in winter are awakened by spring thunder and that the earth begins to come back to life. It is the key time for spring agricultural activities.
READ MOREGrain rain
Grain Rain (Chinese: 谷雨), as the last term in spring, starts on April 20 and ends on May 5 this year. Grain Rain originates from the old saying, "Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains," which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops. The Grain Rain signals the end of cold weather and a rapid rise in temperature.
QING MING (FRESH GREEN, CLEAR BRIGHT)
Qing Ming, commonly translated as Clear and Bright or Fresh Green (Chinese: 清明), the 5th solar term, starts this year on Apr 5 and ends on Apr 20.
The following are common tea formulae for the solar term "Qing Ming / Clear Bright":
Spring Equinox
Falling on March 20 this year, the Spring Equinox, or Chunfen in Chinese, is the fourth solar term of the Chinese agricultural calendar. And for the climate variation from year to year, we are ending the 1st Qi of Renyin and at the start of 2nd Qi of this year (3/20/2022-5/20/2022).
The following are common tea formulae for the solar term "Spring Equinox". It is also great for functional drowsiness in spring:
Awakening Insects
Awakening of Insects signals a rise in temperature and increased rainfall. As the third solar term in the lunar year, its name alludes to the fact that animals sleeping in winter are awakened by spring thunder and that the earth begins to come back to life. It is the key time for spring agricultural activities.
The following are common tea formulae for the solar term "Awakening Insects":
Rain Water
"Rain Water" (every year around 2/19 - around 3/5), and for the climate variation from year to year, we were in the 1st Qi of Year of Renyin (1/20/2022 - 3/19/2022).
The following are common tea formulae for the solar term "Rain Water":
TCM Summary for Each Ingredient
Click "Play" on the upper left corner to see the summary below. More details are included after the videos on this page.
Credits Source: Me & Qi. Image ownership belongs to the original creator/publisher. Please contact us to remove in case there's copyright issue.
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Rose flowers's main actions according to TCM: Regulates Qi and reduces Stagnation of the chest and Liver. Removes Blood Stagnation.
In TCM, rose flowers are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that regulate Qi' category. Herbs in this category typically treat a TCM condition called 'Qi Stagnation'. Concretely it means that Qi is blocked in the body's Organs and Meridians, most typically the Stomach, Liver, and to a lesser extent, the Lungs. In modern medicine terms, Qi Stagnation often translates into psychological consequences such as depression, irritability or mood swings. It's also frequently associated with conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, the development of breast swellings as well as various digestive disorders.
In TCM, rose flowers are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that regulate Qi' category. Herbs in this category typically treat a TCM condition called 'Qi Stagnation'. Concretely it means that Qi is blocked in the body's Organs and Meridians, most typically the Stomach, Liver, and to a lesser extent, the Lungs. In modern medicine terms, Qi Stagnation often translates into psychological consequences such as depression, irritability or mood swings. It's also frequently associated with conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, the development of breast swellings as well as various digestive disorders.
Chrysanthemum flowers’s main actions according to TCM: Relieves the Exterior and clears Heat. Relieves Wind-Heat from the Liver channel and clears the eyes. Cools Heat of the Liver and Kidney due to Yin Deficiency. Relieves patterns of Liver Yang rising.
In TCM, chrysanthemum flowers are plants that belong to the 'Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior' category. Herbs that release the Exterior aim to to treat the early stages of diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the throat or the skin. TCM believes that External diseases such as colds or allergies can only invade the body if the External environment overwhelms our Wei Qi (the TCM version of the immune system). In order to counteract this invasion Cool/Acrid herbs aim to induce sweating by dilating our capillary pores so that they release more sweat. The belief is that this will expel the disease from the body and stop it from invading further.
As suggested by its category, chrysanthemum flowers are plants that are Cool in nature. This means that chrysanthemum flowers tend to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Depending on your condition chrysanthemum flowers can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Chrysanthemum flowers also taste Bitter and Sweet. Bitter ingredients like chrysanthemum flowers tend to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
Chrysanthemum flowers are thought to target the Liver and the Lung. In TCM the Liver is often referred to as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.
In TCM, chrysanthemum flowers are plants that belong to the 'Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior' category. Herbs that release the Exterior aim to to treat the early stages of diseases that affect the upper respiratory tract, the eyes, the ears, the nose, the throat or the skin. TCM believes that External diseases such as colds or allergies can only invade the body if the External environment overwhelms our Wei Qi (the TCM version of the immune system). In order to counteract this invasion Cool/Acrid herbs aim to induce sweating by dilating our capillary pores so that they release more sweat. The belief is that this will expel the disease from the body and stop it from invading further.
As suggested by its category, chrysanthemum flowers are plants that are Cool in nature. This means that chrysanthemum flowers tend to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Depending on your condition chrysanthemum flowers can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Chrysanthemum flowers also taste Bitter and Sweet. Bitter ingredients like chrysanthemum flowers tend to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
Chrysanthemum flowers are thought to target the Liver and the Lung. In TCM the Liver is often referred to as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.
Jasmine flower’s main actions according to TCM: Regulates Qi and calms the spirit.
Jasmine flowers also taste Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like jasmine flowers tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such jasmine flowers are thought to target the Spleen, the Stomach and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluid metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Liver is often referred to as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Jasmine flowers also taste Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like jasmine flowers tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such jasmine flowers are thought to target the Spleen, the Stomach and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluid metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Liver is often referred to as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
X-Year Old Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)'s main actions according to TCM: Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs.
In TCM, tangerine peel are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that regulate Qi' category. Herbs in this category typically treat a TCM condition called 'Qi Stagnation'. Concretely it means that Qi is blocked in the body's Organs and Meridians, most typically the Stomach, Liver, and to a lesser extent, the Lungs. In modern medicine terms, Qi Stagnation often translates into psychological consequences such as depression, irritability or mood swings. It's also frequently associated with conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, the development of breast swellings as well as various digestive disorders.
Furthermore, tangerine peel are plants that are Warm in nature. This means that tangerine peel tend to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Depending on your condition tangerine peel can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Tangerine peel also taste Bitter and Pungent.Bitter ingredients like tangerine peel tend to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Pungent ingredients tend to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.
Tangerine peel are thought to target the Spleen and the Lung. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.
In TCM, tangerine peel are plants that belong to the 'Herbs that regulate Qi' category. Herbs in this category typically treat a TCM condition called 'Qi Stagnation'. Concretely it means that Qi is blocked in the body's Organs and Meridians, most typically the Stomach, Liver, and to a lesser extent, the Lungs. In modern medicine terms, Qi Stagnation often translates into psychological consequences such as depression, irritability or mood swings. It's also frequently associated with conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, the development of breast swellings as well as various digestive disorders.
Furthermore, tangerine peel are plants that are Warm in nature. This means that tangerine peel tend to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Depending on your condition tangerine peel can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Tangerine peel also taste Bitter and Pungent.Bitter ingredients like tangerine peel tend to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Pungent ingredients tend to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.
Tangerine peel are thought to target the Spleen and the Lung. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.
Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru)’s main actions according to TCM: Clears Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs. Clears Heat in the Stomach and stops vomiting. Cools the Blood and stops bleeding.
In TCM, bamboo shavings are plants that belong to the 'Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough' category. In TCM Phlegm is a condition of Stagnation of Fluids which tends to start in the Spleen and then goes to the Lungs. If this overly accumulates it thickens and becomes pathological Phlegm. Phlegm, being a form of Stagnation, often starts as being Cool and transforms to Hot as the condition progresses. The herbs in this category are Cold in nature so they treat the later stages of the Stagnation: Hot and Dry-Phlegm with symptoms such as cough, goiter or scrofula.
As suggested by its category, bamboo shavings are plants that are Cool in nature. This means that bamboo shavings tend to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition bamboo shavings can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Bamboo shavings also taste Sweet. Sweet ingredients like bamboo shavings tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
Bamboo shavings are thought to target the Gallbladder, the Stomach and the Lung. Similar to but much broader than the meaning in modern medicine, in TCM the Gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the Liver. It also controls the emotion of decisiveness. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.
In TCM, bamboo shavings are plants that belong to the 'Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough' category. In TCM Phlegm is a condition of Stagnation of Fluids which tends to start in the Spleen and then goes to the Lungs. If this overly accumulates it thickens and becomes pathological Phlegm. Phlegm, being a form of Stagnation, often starts as being Cool and transforms to Hot as the condition progresses. The herbs in this category are Cold in nature so they treat the later stages of the Stagnation: Hot and Dry-Phlegm with symptoms such as cough, goiter or scrofula.
As suggested by its category, bamboo shavings are plants that are Cool in nature. This means that bamboo shavings tend to help people who have too much 'Heat' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Cold in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition bamboo shavings can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Bamboo shavings also taste Sweet. Sweet ingredients like bamboo shavings tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
Bamboo shavings are thought to target the Gallbladder, the Stomach and the Lung. Similar to but much broader than the meaning in modern medicine, in TCM the Gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the Liver. It also controls the emotion of decisiveness. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.