Nature: Neutral. Tonifies the Five Zang Organs (Zang-Fu Organs), strengthens sinews and bones, harmonizes the stomach and intestines, treats edema (water qi pathology), and is beneficial for consumption.
Flavor: Pungent, Sweet; Non-toxic. Promotes Lung Qi, relieves cough with rebellious Qi, dissipates firm accumulations in the epigastrium, removes sudden traumatic blood stasis, breaks up masses (Zheng-Jia), regulates menstruation, and alleviates pain. Tao Ren (Persicae Semen) relieves heart pain.
Flavor: Sweet; Nature: Cold; Non-toxic. Primarily treats hot cough, relieves thirst, disperses wind, promotes urination, but excessive consumption damages the Spleen and Stomach (cold injury to the middle).
Flavor: Sweet; Nature: Cold; Non-toxic. Unblocks Qi in the ears and nose, tonifies deficiency and fatigue, addresses intestinal fluid insufficiency, and thickens/enriches Spleen and Stomach Qi.
Flavor: Sour; Nature: Warm; Non-toxic. Primarily treats Bi syndrome caused by dampness and pathogenic factors, cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, and persistent muscle cramps.
Flavor: Sour; Nature: Neutral; Non-toxic. Directs Qi downward, eliminates vexation and heat, calms the Spirit (Shen), stops dysentery, and quenches thirst.
Flavor: Bitter; Nature: Neutral; Non-toxic. Primarily treats falls and trauma, blood stasis, bone pain, eliminates chronic heat, and harmonizes the Middle Jiao.
Flavor: Bitter; Nature: Cold. Excessive consumption causes abdominal distension; patients should avoid eating it.
Flavor: Sweet, Sour; Non-toxic. Primarily treats throat dryness and thirst. Do not eat excessively as it damages Lung Qi; it stops seminal emission.
Flavor: Sweet, Sour; Nature: Warm. Do not eat excessively; it may cause fever, Qi stagnation, and drowsiness.
Flavor: Sour. Do not eat excessively as it injures sinews and bones. Xing Ren (Prunus Armeniaca Seed) is toxic and primarily treats cough with rebellious Qi.
Flavor: Sweet; Nature: Cold. Clears heat from the stomach and intestines, promotes urination, and relieves thirst. Excessive consumption may trigger chronic diseases.
Flavor: Sweet, Sour; Nature: Warm; Non-toxic. Stops vomiting, directs Qi downward, promotes water pathways, and clears heat from masses in the chest.
Flavor: Sweet, Sour; Non-toxic. Relieves nausea. Excessive consumption injures Liver Qi. The skin is very fragrant and delicious.
Flavor: Salty; Nature: Warm; Non-toxic. Primarily benefits Qi, enriches the stomach and intestines, tonifies Kidney deficiency. When stir-fried, it may cause Qi stagnation.
Flavor: Sweet; Non-toxic. Primarily treats pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen, calms the Middle, nourishes the Spleen, assists meridians, and generates body fluids.
Flavor: Sweet. Primarily harmonizes the Middle, benefits Spleen Qi, and improves complexion. Patients with "An Feng" (obscure wind/stroke-related conditions) should avoid it.
Flavor: Sweet; Non-toxic. Primarily treats damp-bi of sinews and bones, benefits Qi, strengthens willpower, and makes one robust and healthy.
Flavor: Sweet; Non-toxic. Consumption makes one robust and healthy, moistens skin, darkens hair, but excessive consumption may stir up wind.
Flavor: Sweet; Nature: Warm; Non-toxic. Treats various types of vertigo due to head wind, disperses water qi, moistens the Five Zang Organs, and prolongs life.