Key Points

The old vinegar in the kitchen, with its rich color and fragrance, is not only a common condiment but also a medicinal guide in traditional Chinese medicine, believed to have various health benefits such as activating blood circulation, improving digestion, and treating skin conditions.

Author: Tang Yulan, a Practicing Chinese Medicine Physician (Apprenticed) (Practice License Number: 341431381000002) This article is written by Dr. Tang Yulan, based on classical Chinese medical theories and clinical experience, and is intended for popular science reference only. The qualifications can be publicly verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.

In every kitchen, there is a bottle of vinegar. The old vinegars are deep and rich in color, with a fragrance mixed with acidity, and many people like to add a few drops to their cooking. But do you know that this ordinary condiment is often used as a "medicinal guide" in clinical Chinese medicine? "Compendium of Materia Medica" records: "Vinegar, disperses blood stasis, treats jaundice, and opens the stomach Qi." It is sour and sweet, with astringent properties, which can soften the liver and regulate the Qi, and is beneficial for digestion and absorption.

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The Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective on Vinegar

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In traditional Chinese medicine, vinegar is considered to have a variety of health benefits. It is believed to have the ability to activate blood circulation, relieve pain, and improve digestion. The sour taste of vinegar is thought to help stimulate the appetite and improve the function of the spleen and stomach. Additionally, vinegar is often used in external applications to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

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The use of vinegar in Chinese medicine is not limited to internal applications. It is also commonly used in external therapies, such as compresses and soaks. For example, a vinegar soak can be used to treat joint pain and arthritis. The acidic nature of vinegar is thought to help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

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While vinegar has many potential health benefits, it is important to use it properly. Excessive consumption of vinegar can lead to stomach upset and other digestive issues. It is also important to ensure that the vinegar used in Chinese medicine is of high quality and free from impurities.

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