The use of "Pungent Principles" (referring to herbs and substances with a pungent taste or nature, such as ginger, garlic, pepper, and similar ingredients) to address excessive anger is rooted primarily in traditional medicine, particularly in systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda. In TCM, pungent herbs are often believed to have the effect of "dispersing stagnation" and promoting the free flow of Qi (vital energy), which theoretically can help relieve emotional imbalances, including excessive anger or irritability. The rationale is that anger is associated with stagnation or blockage, especially in the Liver meridian, and that pungent foods or herbs can help to move and disperse this stagnation. However, there is little to no direct scientific evidence supporting the idea that pungent herbs specifically alleviate anger. Most of the evidence remains anecdotal or is discussed within the conceptual framework of traditional medicine. Some studies have examined the general mood-modulating or calming effects of certain pungent herbs (for example, ginger's anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties), but these do not directly support the use of "pungent principles" as a category for excessive anger. Therefore, while the practice has a historical and cultural basis, scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence rating is modest.