The pear is said to have a sweet flavor and cool nature, according to Chinese traditional medicine.

Benefits: Pears can promote the secretion of body liquids, moisten dryness, clear away heat and reduce sputum. Eating pears while working hard and feeling tired can refresh the people.

The apple also has a sweet flavor and cool nature, according to Chinese traditional medicine.

Benefits: Apples can promote the secretion of body liquids, moisten the lungs, quench one’s thirst and help one’s digestion. There are many sayings about apples’ benefits in China, such as “Eating an apple after meals, even old men can be as strong as young men,” just as the western proverb goes, “An apple a day. Keep the doctor away.”

Olive is neutral in nature and has a sour and sweet flavor, according to Chinese traditional medicine.

Benefits: Olives can help clear the lungs, quench the thirst and relieve internal heat. The benefits of eating olives have been recorded as early as in Bencaoqiuzhen (a medical book written in 1769).

The gingko has a neutral nature and tastes slightly bitter.

Benefits: Gingkoes are good for holding back the Qi in the lungs and relieving the coughs.

The onion, with its warm nature, tastes peppery.

Benefits: Onions are helpful for clearing away internal heat, reducing sputum, and decreasing blood fat and sugar. Research conducted in recent years has shown that onions are good for diabetes patients.

Leaf mustard with a warm nature tastes pungent.

Benefits: It can help keep the stomach warm and clear away coldness.