Explore and Analyse the Knowledge of the Bitter in Internal Classic of Huangdi
10.16466/j.issn1005-5509.2025.06.007
- VernacularTitle:《黄帝内经》"苦味"探析
- Author:
Hui HONG
1
;
Haoyi JIANG
;
Li FENG
Author Information
1. 浙江中医药大学基础医学院 杭州 310053
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
bitter;
Internal Classic of Huangdi;
Yin and Yang;
drug properties;
efficacy;
compatibility;
therapeutic principle;
contraindication
- From:
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
2025;49(6):714-719
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
[Objective]To summarize the discussion on the bitter in Internal Classic of Huangdi and further explore and develop the theory of the bitter with later generations of medical practitioners,in order to bring in a new perspective for the further study.[Methods]Sorting out the viewpoints of Internal Classic of Huangdi and elaborating the original meaning of bitter and its derivatives by retrieving the database and combining it with the origin text of Internal Classic of Huangdi,it summarizes the cognition of bitter medicine,function,compatibility and contraindication of prescription and relavant contents of the bitter,making relative theory of bitter move clearly.[Results]Internal Classic of Huangdi deduces that bitter mainly encompasses the bitter of the five flavors,mouth bitterness in pathology,exertion bitterness and disease bitterness,and the bitter of the five flavors is the main content,which mainly includes the attributes of Yin and Yang of the bitterness,the efficacy,the contraindications of the combination of the bitter and the relationship with the five viscera.Bitter is considered as Yin,therefore,it can discharge,lower and be firm;the bitter taste is also produced by fire,so it can dry,warm and emit.The compatibility of bitter taste includes the methods of spicy opening bitter lowering,salty cold and sweet bitter,and bitter hot and sour bland.When combined with the other five flavors,it can benefit the heart,drain the lungs,firm the kidneys,help the liver and strengthen the spleen.[Conclusion]Internal Classic of Huangdi's bitter flavour laid the foundation for the theory of five flavors in later generations.Mastering the medicinal properties and effects of bitter flavour can lead to more appropriate and flexible clinical prescriptions.
