For thousands of years Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has used medical food therapy to balance Yin and Yang through nutrition. Our doctors are trained in food therapy and are excited to work with owners who wish to implement advanced nutrition either through careful diet selection, supplementation, or home cooking.

Below, you’ll find a sample chart breaking down foods by the 5 Tastes, and how each Taste can be used medicinally:


Tastes TCVM Actions Indications Examples

SOUR

  • Astringent effect
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Urinary leakage
  • Hawthorn
  • Plum
  • Lemon
  • Peach
  • Pineapple
  • Vinegar
  • Tomato

BITTER

  • Eliminate heat
  • Purge intestines
  • Excess heat
  • Heat toxin
  • Damp heat
  • Bitter melon
  • Rhubarb
  • Asparagus
  • Celery
  • Pork
  • Sheep gallbladder

SWEET

  • Tonify
  • Deficiency
  • Soothe the liver
  • Regulate Qi blood
  • General deficiency
  • Soothes acute diseases
  • Regulates internal organ functions
  • Ginseng
  • Banana
  • Corn
  • Egg
  • Carrot
  • Yam
  • Rice

PUNGENT

  • Diaphoresis
  • Activate Qi Blood and Blood
  • Qi-Blood stagnation (pain)
  • Edema
  • Tumors
  • Cloves
  • Chives
  • Fennel
  • Garlic
  • Ginger
  • Nutmeg
  • Radish
  • Pepper
  • Mint

SALTY

  • Soften hardness
  • Purge the intestines
  • Lumps
  • Nodules
  • Masses
  • Cysts
  • Constipation
  • Barley
  • Clam
  • Crab
  • Duck
  • Ham
  • Kelp
  • Pork kidney
  • Oyster
  • Mussel

If you are concerned about your pet’s diet, weight, or lifestyle, feel free to call us, email us, or fill out a contact form.

If you’d like to schedule an appointment, click here!