Tradition
Persian Medicine 101: The Wisdom Behind Mizaj
A short introduction to the four temperaments and how traditional Persian medicine still influences kitchens today.
8 min read
Reviewed by Holistic Health AI Editorial Team Last updated Reviewed for educational accuracy
Traditional Persian medicine (Tibb-e-Sonati) is rooted in the work of Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and others who systematized the theory of mizaj — the body's individual constitution.
The four temperaments
Sanguine (warm-moist), Choleric (warm-dry), Melancholic (cool-dry), Phlegmatic (cool-moist). Each is associated with characteristic strengths and tendencies.
Foods are classified too
Watermelon is cool-moist; ginger is hot-dry. The traditional principle: 'eat the opposite of your imbalance' to restore equilibrium.
Why it still matters
The concept of personalization — that the same food doesn't work for every body — is now mainstream nutritional science.
