Neutral

Neutrality is the absence of notable heat or cold, tension or looseness and excessive dryness or dampness within the tissues of the body. It can be found when metabolism and activity is within a normal range, without the pronounced excitation of heat, or depletion of cold.

Instead of indicating vitality, neutrality describes a state that is mainly balanced or mild, and therefore symptoms tend to be less extreme in nature. Characteristics include a tendency towards average health indicators such as sustained energy levels and moderate temperatures. Neutral herbs can be mildly nourishing and restorative to organ function without stimulating strong change in temperature or tissue states.

Examples of neutral herbs include fu ling (Poria cocos), nettle (Urtica diocia) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium).