The same origin of medicine and food is a traditional concept originated from China, which means that many foods can be used as part of daily diet and also have certain medicinal value. The basic introduction of the same origin of medicine and food includes historical origin, TCM theory, dietary application, modern research, and industrial development.

Basic introduction of the same origin of medicine and food:

  1. Historical origin: The concept of the same origin of medicine and food originated from ancient China. This concept believes that food and medicine have the same origin, and many foods have medicinal value and can be used to prevent and treat diseases.
  2. TCM theory: In TCM theory, the same origin of medicine and food is closely related to the “four qi and five flavors” (the cold, hot, warm, and cool properties of food and the five flavors of sour, bitter, sweet, spicy, and salty). TCM believes that by reasonably matching the nature and flavor of food, the balance of yin and yang in the human body can be reconciled to achieve the purpose of health care.
  3. Dietary application: The same origin of medicine and food is widely used in diet therapy. For example, ginger has the effect of sweating and relieving symptoms, and is often used to treat the early stage of a cold; hawthorn helps digestion and is often used to relieve food stagnation. These foods can be selected and matched according to personal constitution and seasonal changes in daily life.
  4. Modern research: Modern scientific research has also confirmed the health and therapeutic effects of medicine and food homologous substances to a certain extent. For example, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in certain foods are beneficial to human health and can prevent a variety of diseases.
  5. Industrial development: The concept of medicine and food homologous has promoted the development of related industries, such as health foods, health products, and medicinal diets. With people’s pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, medicine and food homologous products are becoming more and more popular in the market and have become an important part of the health industry.

Advantages of medicine and food homologous:

  1. Disease prevention: Foods with medicine and food homologous can help prevent a variety of diseases because of their specific medicinal properties. For example, foods rich in antioxidants can reduce the damage of free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
  2. Auxiliary treatment: Some foods with medicine and food homologous can be used as auxiliary treatments to help relieve symptoms or accelerate recovery. For example, ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiemetic effects, which can assist in the treatment of digestive system diseases.
  3. Improve the quality of life: By reasonably consuming foods with medicine and food homologous, people’s quality of life can be improved. For example, foods rich in fiber help maintain intestinal health, while foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help improve cardiovascular health.
  4. Natural therapy: Medicine and food have the same origin, which provides a natural therapy that generally has a lower risk of side effects than drug therapy. This allows people to maintain health by adjusting their diet in daily life.
  5. Cultural inheritance: Medicine and food have the same origin, which is an important part of Chinese traditional culture. It reflects the Chinese nation’s deep understanding of nature and health. By inheriting and practicing the concept of medicine and food have the same origin, the spread and development of Chinese medicine culture can be promoted.

Medicine and food have the same origin is not only a food culture, but also a philosophy of life, encouraging people to achieve a healthy lifestyle by understanding the nature and efficacy of food.