FIRE ELEMENT – Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium, & Triple Burner

Governs: Passion, joy, circulation, mental clarity
Emotions: Anxiety, restlessness, over-excitement
Common Imbalances: Insomnia, heart palpitations, poor circulation, mental overstimulation

✔ Best Foods for Balance:

• Cooling & hydrating foods (to prevent excess heat)

• Cucumbers, watermelon, hibiscus, celery, berries, green tea

✔ Top Herbs:

• Hawthorn berry (Heart circulation & emotional balance)

• Holy basil (Calms the nervous system)

• Chamomile (Great for soothing stress & digestion)

✔ Daily Practices:

• Avoid excessive caffeine & stimulants

• Incorporate cooling teas like hibiscus & peppermint

• Focus on mindfulness practices like deep breathing

EARTH ELEMENT – Spleen & Stomach

Governs: Digestion, nourishment, groundedness
Emotions: Worry, overthinking, lack of focus
Common Imbalances: Bloating, sluggish digestion, sugar cravings, fatigue

✔ Best Foods for Balance:

• Warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest

• Root vegetables, pumpkin, millet, ginger, turmeric, lentils

✔ Top Herbs:

• Ginger (Warms digestion & improves circulation)

• Licorice root (Balances blood sugar & adrenal health)

• Astragalus (Boosts immune function & digestion)

✔ Daily Practices:

• Avoid cold/raw foods if digestion is weak

• Chew food thoroughly & eat in a relaxed state

• Incorporate warm herbal teas (ginger or cinnamon)

METAL ELEMENT – Lungs & Large Intestine

Governs: Breath, immunity, boundaries
Emotions: Grief, sadness, rigidity
Common Imbalances: Allergies, respiratory issues, skin problems, constipation

✔ Best Foods for Balance:

• Pungent foods to open the lungs & move Qi

• Radishes, garlic, onions, pears, white mushrooms, almonds

✔ Top Herbs:

• Elderberry (Supports lung health & immunity)

• Licorice root (Soothes throat & strengthens lungs)

• Mullein (Clears lung congestion)

✔ Daily Practices:

• Practice deep breathing exercises

• Reduce dairy & mucus-forming foods

• Drink warm honey-ginger tea for respiratory health

WATER ELEMENT – Kidneys & Bladder

Governs: Resilience, longevity, deep energy reserves
Emotions: Fear, insecurity, burnout
Common Imbalances: Adrenal fatigue, low back pain, cold extremities, poor hydration

✔ Best Foods for Balance:

• Mineral-rich, hydrating foods that nourish the kidneys

• Seaweed, black beans, bone broth, dark leafy greens, miso, blueberries

✔ Top Herbs:

• Ashwagandha (Supports adrenal health & stress resilience)

• Goji berries (Nourish the kidneys & blood)

• Nettle (Mineral-rich & supports kidney function)

✔ Daily Practices:

• Stay hydrated with warm teas & broth-based soups

• Avoid excessive salt & caffeine

• Incorporate more rest & relaxation

WOOD ELEMENT – Liver & Gallbladder

Governs: Growth, movement, vision, decision-making
Emotions: Anger, frustration, irritability
Common Imbalances: Stagnation, PMS, headaches, eye issues, poor digestion

✔ Best Foods for Balance:

• Sour & bitter flavors (to support liver detox)

• Leafy greens, citrus fruits, beets, apples, artichokes, dandelion greens

   

✔ Top Herbs:

• Milk thistle (Liver detox)

• Dandelion root (Bile flow & digestion)

• Schisandra (Supports stress adaptation & detox)

✔ Daily Practices:

• Drink warm lemon water in the morning

• Eat more raw or lightly cooked greens

• Use bitter herbal teas for digestion