Bitter

Bitter is the flavour of the Heart

Bitter flavour food is the flavour of the Heart. Bitter flavour enters the Heart, Small Intestines, San Jiao and Pericardium meridians, all the fire organs. The taste correlates to summer, joy and laughter and when the fire element is balanced, we experience happiness and act on our life plans. Because the fire element correlates to the heart, we can make meaningful relationships and nurture the ones we have.

Bitter foods are used in TICM to cool heat in the body especially the heart by descending heat downwards and out. They also reduce fever, dry fluid, drain dampness and create bowel movements.

They help the following symptoms such as anxiety, inflammation, infections, high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure, candida, ulcers in the mouth, excess mucus, swelling, insomnia, heart palpitations, red face, emotional, cysts, constipation. •

Bitter foods include: asparagus, bitter melon, cauliflower, chamomile, coffee, dandelion, endives, ginseng, green tea, kale, lettuce, romaine lettuce, scallion.

Tip: don't overeat bitter foods if you have osteoporosis or have warm/Yang deficiency.