Four Attributes and Five Flavors

This refers to the medicinal properties and tastes of traditional Chinese medicine. The "four attributes"- also known as the "four natures"— refers to the four different properties of medicines: cold, hot, warm and cool. Cold and cool medicines are often effective in alleviating internal heat and inflammation, and include ingredients such as gypsum and chrysanthemum. Hot and warm medicines are often used to remove coldness and improve the immune system, and include ingredients such as ginseng and dried ginger. There are also mild medicines.

In TCM theory, cool and cold medicines are used to remove heat, while hot and warm medicines treat coldness. The "five flavors" refers to pungent, sweet, bitter, sour, and salty. Their medical functions also vary.

Portions of this article are based on information from Traditional Chinese Medicine in Stories, published by Sinolingua Co., Ltd in 2022.