Abstract: This article discusses the relationship between the bitter taste of cold-natured traditional Chinese medicine and its active components, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and glycosides, based on the medical practice of traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Yu Yi. It provides a detailed analysis of the mechanism behind bitterness and its therapeutic effects. By deepening the understanding of how bitterness works, the article also explores the mechanism and efficacy of bitter-masking agents in traditional Chinese medicine formulations, making bitter-tasting cold-natured remedies more acceptable to the public.

Key words: Cold-natured traditional Chinese medicine, Bitter taste, Active ingredients, Mechanism of action