The common actions of foods refer to the general actions of foods without referring to any specific internal organ. Many actions are familiar to the western reader. As an example, the action called “to relieve asthma” means that it is beneficial to asthma patients; the action called “to check perspiration” means that it can reduce perspiration.
Other familiar actions include: to arrest bleeding, to promote blood circulation, to induce bowel movements, to check urination and so on.
There are also a few actions that are totally unfamiliar to Western readers who do not have backgrounds in Chinese medicine. For instance, what is meant by the terms, “to cool blood” or “to tone up yang”? After reading this book, however, you should have a clear understanding of such actions. Of the large number of actions known in Chinese medicine, less than 100 are commonly used in Chinese diet.