If Liver-Qi is stagnant, what taste may be experienced due to obstructed bile flow?

When Liver-Qi is stagnant, the energy flow within the liver is disrupted, which can lead to an obstruction of bile flow. The liver plays a crucial role in the production of bile, affecting digestion and the overall function of the digestive system.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ system is associated with a specific taste. The liver, when functioning properly, promotes the movement and drainage of bile, which is typically associated with a bitter taste. However, when there is stagnation, bile can become congested, leading to an accumulation that can cause an increased perception of bitterness in the mouth. This is often linked to conditions where the liver is not processing or distributing bile effectively, resulting in a bitter sensation. Therefore, bitterness is considered the taste that represents the dysfunction associated with stagnant Liver-Qi and obstructed bile flow.

The other tastes—sweet, sour, and salty—are associated with different organ systems and conditions, such as the spleen for sweet, the kidneys for salty, and the liver in a different context for sour; none of these would directly relate to the symptoms arising from stagnant Liver-Qi and regarding bile obstruction.