TCM Basics 101: Supermarket Herbs - Mandarin Orange
TCM Nature: Warm
TCM Taste: Sour, Bitter, Sweet, Aromatic
TCM Meridian Affinity: Lung, Spleen, Stomach
Benefits:
· Stimulates Qi and support the digestive and respiratory systems
· Relieves nausea and vomiting
· Relaxes muscle spasms, abdominal cramps
· Improves blood and lymph circulation
· Facilitates healthy bowel movements
· Calming
· Boosts energy
· Brightens skin
· Minimizes stretch marks
Spirituality:
The appearance of the Mandarin Orange is like that of the Sun. Sun being aligned with Yang energy, it hence also signifies that Mandarin Orange is a symbol of abundance and happiness.
Mandarin Oranges are not only used as decorations, but given as gifts when visiting family and friends as a symbol of sharing abundance and good fortune. Read on another Supermarket Herb Pumpkin that symbolises prosperity and abundance.
Mandarin oranges, often called Christmas oranges, are also a Christmas tradition in Canada, the United States, and Russia.
In European holiday tradition, Saint Nicholas is said to have put gold coins into the stockings of three poor girls so that they could afford to get married. Over time, the Japanese tradition of giving mandarins as holiday gifts merged with the European story and mandarins became a symbolic representation of the gold coins, and again a symbol of good fortune and wealth.
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