Salty is the flavor of Water. It expels, relieves accumulations, softens nodules and guides energy or qi to the Kidneys, offering strength and affects the Urinary Bladder and Kidneys. The flavor of salty is associated with water and also Winter season. Animal products are usually considered salty and supportive to the Kidneys by supplementing Kidney essence and Kidney Yang. In this way, the salty taste can increase yang in the body, balancing the yin nature of the water element.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are related to the emotion Fear. Salty flavor foods can help in anchoring, grounding, settling, calming and soothing the mind and spirit and support mental health concerns such as anxiety, schizophrenia, Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors.

Some of the examples of herbs that have the flavor of Salty are Bupleurum, oyster shell, cinnamon twig.

Some of the examples of foods that have the flavor of Salty are kelp, sea salt, anchovies, miso, brine pickles, umeboshi plum.

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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