In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – represent cycles of nature as well as inner balance. Each element is linked to organs, colors, and flavors. By choosing foods wisely, we can strengthen specific elements and harmonize body and mind.
Wood – Green & Sour
- Organs: Liver & Gallbladder
- Color: Green
- Flavor: Sour
- Nourish with: Sauerkraut, lemon, leafy greens, parsley
- Balance tip: Sour foods stimulate Liver Qi when weak. Too much can aggravate irritability.
Fire – Red & Bitter
- Organs: Heart & Small Intestine
- Color: Red
- Flavor: Bitter
- Nourish with: Berries, pomegranate, beetroot, chicory, green tea
- Balance tip: Bitter cools excess heat and clears the Heart. Use moderately if Fire is already strong.
Earth – Yellow/Orange & Sweet
- Organs: Spleen & Stomach
- Color: Yellow, orange, brown
- Flavor: Mild-sweet
- Nourish with: Pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, millet, chickpeas
- Balance tip: Natural sweetness strengthens digestion. Refined sugar, however, weakens the Earth element.
Metal – White & Pungent
- Organs: Lung & Large Intestine
- Color: White
- Flavor: Pungent
- Nourish with: Radish, ginger, garlic, onion, pears
- Balance tip: Pungent foods open the lungs. If overheated, choose milder options like pear instead of chili.
Water – Black/Blue & Salty
- Organs: Kidneys & Bladder
- Color: Dark (black, blue)
- Flavor: Salty
- Nourish with: Black sesame, kidney beans, seaweed, walnuts, blueberries
- Balance tip: Naturally salty foods nourish the Kidneys. Too much table salt, however, is depleting.
When we consciously eat according to colors and flavors, we support the natural rhythm of the Five Elements. Food becomes more than fuel – it becomes medicine for body, mind, and spirit.