A Taoist diet revolves around seasonal foods and herbs.
Alternative medicine is becoming increasingly popular in the West. Approximately 38 percent of American adults try nontraditional health methods such as acupuncture and herbal supplements, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. People can experiment with alternative medicines at home by changing their diets and consuming herbs under Chinese and Taoist traditions.
Diet
A garden is a great way to gain access to .
In traditional Taoist teachings, a healing diet is given to a sick person to treat the cause instead of the symptoms of the illness. A diet with seasonal fruits and vegetables, nuts, herbal teas and warm foods is ideal. Foods to be avoided include citrus fruits, red meat and dairy products.
Herbs
Shitake mushrooms give an earthy taste to salads.
There is an endless amount of herbs to choose from the Chinese Taoist tradition. One widely used herb is jujube. It helps with digestion and is often combined with other herbs and foods for its sweet flavor. Green tea and gingko energize and help with concentration. Shitake mushrooms have anti-bacterial benefits and also lower blood pressure.
Herb Options
Jujubes in tea form.
Herbs are commonly consumed through capsule or supplement form. Sites such as ChineseHerb.com sell traditional Chinese herbs in capsule form for specific health concerns from diabetes to lack of energy. Otherwise, they are consumed in their natural form. Licorice root and lily flowers are dipped in hot water for tea, while fennel seed and maitake mushrooms can be eaten in salads.
Tags: Chinese Taoist, seasonal foods, Shitake mushrooms