• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.121-141
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• 2022

Objectives : This paper aims to examine the Yin-Yang characteristics of bland taste. Methods : Medicinals including bland taste were searched in herbology textbooks and mainly in the Bencaogangmu, of which major discourses were analyzed to examine the Yin-Yang characteristics of bland taste. Results & Conclusions : Most medicinals with bland taste were sweet-bland-cold, holding properties of cooling heat, stimulating urination and detoxification. These properties could be explained in relation to the Triple Burner's metabolism of Qi and fluids, as they stimulate perspiration and urination, improving the flow of fluids which in turn supports production of Original Qi, by working on the TB's Qi circulation system. In the bland taste discourse, it was understood that bland taste moves the Qi system and produces fluids, by first ascending then descending. Zhudanxi and the Neijing have opposing views on whether bland taste is Yin or Yang, but both saw blandness to have both Yin and Yang qualities. Characteristics of the bland taste could be better understood in relation to the Triple Burner. The phrase 'bland is attached to sweet taste[淡附于甘]' refers to the likeliness between the two tastes in that bland taste has the Central Earth qualities, integrating others and concealing itself in its blandness, its taste unspecific, mild and unstimulating thus communicating the Qi within the entire Triple Burner from Upper to Middle to Lower, as does sweet taste.