Wheat
| Wheat in TCM:Explore the properties of Wheat according to Chinese
Nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Temperature: cool
Channels: SP, HT, KD
Flavors: sweet
Tonifies: yin
Special Properties:
clears heat
In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Wheat is known for its ability to tonify yin. It also helps to clear heat and calm spirit.
In general the ancient Chinese medical texts cite that it enters the Spleen, heart, and kidney. The flavor of wheat is sweet, and it is considered to be cool in temperature.
Please note that in current TCM nutrition we often suggest that people avoid wheat in general (including wheat bread). Gluten has been shown to cause inflammation in many people, and modern day bread may contain GMO additives. Wheat should be avoided or consumed in small amounts, because it causes allergic reaction in some people. Wheat flower should be used immediately after grinding, or else stored in an air tight container and prepared within 2 weeks. Some people who are allergic to processed wheat can handle whole wheat berries (cooked), sprouted wheat, or wheat germs without problems. Avoid wheat during pregnancy or if it causes gas, bloating, phlegm, stomach pain, indigestion, or increased pulse rate.
Traditionally Wheat builds the yin and helps to nourish the heart-mind in cases of palpitations, insomnia, irritability, menopausal difficulty, and emotional instability. Wheat is mildly astringent and can be used for juvenile bed wetting, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, and mild diarrhea.
"Charred wheat, ground to a flower and mixed with sesame oil, can be applied to treat burns" (HWWF 481).
Wheat absorbs more minerals from the rich soil than other grains, but in depleted soils it has little benefit compared to other grains. The over consumption of refined wheat and rancid wheat is most likely responsible for the allergies that many experience from eating wheat products.
|