Acrid can also be described as the flavor of pungent or spicy. This flavor can have a burning or numbing effect. Acrid is the flavor of Metal. Just like the Metal element, the flavor Acrid stimulates blood circulation and removes blockages in the body. Acrid also helps the body vent out harmful influences. The flavor of Acrid resonates with and benefits the Colon and Lungs. However an excess of Acrid foods can irritate the intestines.

Acrid is classified as yang in nature and it can alleviate physical discomfort of the muscles and skeleton from injury or overuse or to soothe discomfort from stagnations in Blood and Qi. The flavor Acrid can also improve the circulation to the brain and help increase alertness. The flavor Acrid commonly has an impact on the nose, dispersing congestion and mucous in the nose and upper respiratory system.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Lungs are related to the emotion Grief and taking Acrid flavor foods more can help ease the uneasy feeling of Grief in the body and mind as it opens up the Lungs and airways and allow more oxygen into the body which helps to uplift mood and energy.

Some of the examples of herbs that have the flavor of Pungent or Spicy are Japanese Ardisia, Silvery Wormwood Leaf, Benzoin, Star Anise.

Some of the examples of foods that have the flavor of Pungent or Spicy are onions, scallions, radishes, ginger, wasabi or dry mustard, garlic and horseradish.

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Further Reading:

Everything you need to know about Acupuncture

TCM Wellness Women’s Health

TCM Wellness Nervous System Disorders Management

TCM Wellness Digestive Health

Acupuncture Slimming

TCM Pain Management

Everything you need to know about Dampness

Weight Gain from Digestion Induced Dampness

What is Phlegm

Colours of Phlegm