Symptom checker

Craving For Sour Foodsaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 1 cause Herbal Formulas Icon 2 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 3 herbs

Symptom family: Dietary Cravings and Sensitivites

Root Causes of Craving For Sour Foods in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Craving for sour foods according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Liver
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Sour Foods

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach Desire for sour foods, Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Lack of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Sour Foods

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach Desire for sour foods, Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Lack of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Sour Foods

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach Desire for sour foods, Belching, Abdominal distention, Upper abdominal distension, Depression, Irritability, Dry mouth, Lack of appetite, Craving for sour foods, Dry throat, Acid reflux... see more Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Zuo Jin Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Craving For Sour Foods

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address craving for sour foods, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that clear heat

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause craving for sour foods, such as Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Craving For Sour Foods Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach
Zuo Jin Wan Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach

Formulas that promote Qi movement

These formulas are suitable for some craving for sour foods-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach.

One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Heat

These formulas are suitable for some craving for sour foods-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation invading the Stomach.

One such formula is Zuo Jin Wan, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Craving For Sour Foods

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address craving for sour foods, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness

Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Craving for sour foods can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.

One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for sour foods, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.

Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness

Craving for sour foods can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.

One such herb is Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for sour foods, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.

Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness

Craving for sour foods can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.

One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for sour foods, like Zuo Jin Wan.