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(The generation of Yin is rooted in the Five Flavors. The Five Zang organs of humans can be injured and depleted by flavors. Those who are good at health preservation prioritize a bland diet.)

[Water]
Well water drawn at dawn is best. Its bland flavor is greatly beneficial to humans. It serves as a daily necessity, yet people rarely count its merits; however, it cannot be lacking for a single day. Among various spring waters, rainwater is considered the finest.

[Salt]
Excessive consumption injures the Lung. It disperses blood and damages tendons, causing the complexion to turn dark.

[Paste (Jiang)]
Brewed from pure soybeans. It should not be boiled with crucian carp, as consuming them together may cause sores to develop.

[Liquor/Wine]
Its flavor is acrid (Pungent). Excessive consumption leads to a soft body and confused spirit, indicating its toxicity. Only drinking a few cups slightly can ward off wind-cold, unblock blood vessels, and strengthen the Spleen and Stomach. If consumed excessively on a regular basis, it will smoke the Heart Spirit, generate phlegm and stir up fire, even damaging the intestines and rotting the stomach, harming the spirit and shortening longevity. Any herbal drug toxicity or all kinds of toxins that enter the body via liquor are difficult to treat, because liquor can guide toxins into the meridians. Nighttime drinking should not be excessive. When sleeping and lying down, heat becomes stagnant, injuring the Heart and eyes. The night air is convergent, while liquor disperses; this harms one's clarity and purity. Food and drink accumulate in the Middle Jiao, stagnating dampness and generating phlegm, while also assisting fire and stirring desires. Consequently, lack of caution leads to disease. In summary, one must absolutely avoid getting heavily drunk.

[Vinegar]
Excessive consumption damages the Spleen and Stomach and ruins the complexion. Applied externally to carbuncles and swellings, it can reduce them. Geckos have a strong preference for vinegar. It must be stored tightly sealed. If touched or sucked by a gecko, its poison can be fatal.

[Tea]
Its clear and light qi can resolve the miasma and pestilential qi of mountainous regions, the toxicity of river and lake mists, and the heat from roasted five-spice foods. It is suitable to drink in moderation. Drinking too much depletes body fat. The greatest taboo is drinking tea on an empty stomach, which severely injures Kidney Qi. Morning tea and evening meals should both be consumed in small amounts. Rinsing the mouth after eating strengthens the teeth.

[White Sugar]
Moistens the Five Zang organs. Excessive consumption generates phlegm.

[Red Sugar]
Also known as Sha Tang (Sand Sugar). Excessive consumption damages teeth and hair, causes infantile malnutrition (Gan syndrome), and emaciates muscles. It causes heart pain and parasitic infestation. Children especially should avoid it. Consuming it with crucian carp leads to Gan syndrome. Consuming it with bamboo shoots generates phlegm. Consuming it with Malva verticillata (Kui vegetable) causes flowing abscesses (Liu Nong). It can eliminate stale blood. For postpartum women, it should be taken hot with boiling water.

[Maltose (Yi Tang)]
Promotes appetite and strengthens the Stomach when eaten. Excessive consumption induces Spleen Wind and damages teeth. It is contraindicated for those with damp-heat and fullness in the Middle Jiao.