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I ate a lunch dish that was lotus root with a lot of vinegar sauce. It was sour.

According to Aryuveda, the sour taste:

1. Stimulates appetite, digestion and elimination (that includes dispelling of gas).
2. Sharpens the mind and senses.

However, excess of the sour taste:

1. Is weakening.
2. Causes itching, irritation, thirst and blood toxicity.

The sour taste increases Pitta and Kapha. It reduces Vata.

According to Chinese Medicine, the sour taste is astringent and stores （能收，能涩 ）. Medicinals that are designated as sour have the following functions:

1. 固表止汗: e.g. 五味子 for 体虚多汗
2. 敛肺止咳: e.g. 乌梅 for 肺虚久咳
3. 涩肠止泻: e.g. 五倍子 for 久泻肠滑
4. 固精缩尿: e.g. 山茱萸 for 遗精滑精
5. 固崩止带: e.g. 赤石脂 for 崩带不止