The spicy (or pungent) flavor is a huge category and they range from cool pungent’s to hot pungent’s. With good reason–pungent’s are powerful movers–literally. Their scent, temperature and flavor ‘disperse and create flow’ stimulating our body on many levels to promote circulation and breaking up stagnation. Are they a part of your diet?

Pungent disperses and moves Qi and Blood

Let it flow. Appropriate amounts of pungent move the Qi and relieve Lung congestion and digestive fullness (bloating, feeling stuffy). They invigorate and ‘spice up’ or lives and personalities. The flavor ranges hot to cool. Small amounts of ginger used regularly tonify and strengthen the digestion (warming), while large amounts of ginger induce sweating can bring on the sweating to move out a cold invasion (hot). More on that below.

Hot Pungent’s Include

black pepper
cayenne
chili pepper
cinnamon
curry
horseradish
hot peppers
garlic
ginger
Korean ginseng
sassafras
wasabi

The moderate regularly use of spice and pungent foods in the diet to create a deep overall warmth that strengthens, tonifies, supports and moves out phlegm. No flash of fire here to push excess out. Consider the difference between an applesauce with a bit of nutmeg and ginger compared to a hot curry that makes your sinuses run immediately.

Warm Pungent’s Include

basil
bell peppers
brussel sprouts
cabbage
juniper
lavender
onions
parsnips
radish
rosemary
sage
savory

Neutral Pungent’s Include

daikon radish
coriander
sweet potatoes
taro
turnips

Are used to help move out excess heat such as Summer heat (heat stroke) and fevers. They also cool patterns of Liver Yang rising and clear the sinuses. When would you choose cool pungent’s over hot? Simple, do you have fever or chills? If you have a fever–use cool pungent’s. If you have chills–use warm to hot pungent’s.

Cool/Cold Pungent’s Include

blackberry leaf
chamomile
hibiscus
lemon balm
mints (save peppermint that is slightly warming)
purslane
spearmint
thyme
watercress
wintergreen

The trick with pungent’s and spices are to use them, but don’t abuse them. Try and get a bit of spice into your system every day. That can be a little peppermint tea, or adding Herbs de Provence to your saute or soup, or a pinch of cinnamon to your oatmeal. If you run cold, use moderate amounts of warming spices, if you run hot, use more from the cooling category.

720 Fusion Fresh

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