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We live in a world today that is fraught
with fast lifestyle, which is detriment to health such as fast food
that is loaded with calories and fats, energy saving equipment and
appliances, such that humans are deprived of the opportunity to flex
their muscles at home, unless one signs up for some hefty and
expensive gym or exercise sessions.
Many people today are going for a lot of
supplements to make up for the nutrients that is deemed missing from
their diets and these are usually quite expensive.
The Chinese look to herbs for natural
remedies, and the taste of the herbs tells whether it has cooling or
heating therapeutic properties. There are 5 tastes in Chinese
herbs:
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Pungent - has a spicy taste, has a
warm to hot energy which helps to boost blood circulation, provides
energy, stimulates the fluid and excretions in the body and thus
helps in detoxification as well. Is is best in fighting off
flu, cold, mucus congestions and sore throat. Ginger, pepper,
peppercorns are herbs with this spicy pungent taste.
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Salty - gives cold energy and its
usefulness is in stabilizing and maintaining of fluid balance.
It has properties that help to soften hardened arteries, loosen
bowels, hardened lymph nodes and cysts. However, it has a
negative impact on kidneys, adrenals and bladders as it causes water
retention and high blood pressure. Seaweed is one food that
has salty properties.
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Sour - this provides cooling,
refreshing, drying and binding help in clearing mucus, tightens
muscles, toning the muscles and tissues. Also good in clearing
acne, stretch marks and scars with its binding tightening
properties. Excess usage may lead to stomach ulcers and gives
digestive disturbances.
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Bitter - this has detoxification
value, it is cooling and dry and helps to rid of inflammation.
The bitter taste removes secretions such as diarrhea and pus.
It increase the secretion of bile which speeds metabolism and
regulate bowel movement. Bitter properties helps to rid the
blood of cholesterol. In excess, it will dry up the skin and
cause hair fall. The bitter herbs are rhubarb and apricot
seeds.
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Sweet - the most delightful taste of
all, it gives heat, it tones the body and provides strength and
energy to the weak. Excess intake can give rise to diabetes,
makes one lethargic and slows down metabolism. The foods with
sweet taste are red jujube dates, cinnamon and ginseng roots.
Natural home remedies can be part of the
daily meals in the form of soups, congee, tea as well as dessert.
Following are some home herbal remedies
for some common ailments:
However, remedies are solutions to the results from unhealthy
lifestyle. The right thing to do is to get the fundamentals
right, cultivate healthy eating and living habits, take plenty of
exercise, have a positive attitude and be happy.
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