Persian Traditional Medicine considers a person’s temperament, or Mizaj, an important factor when making decisions related to their health, diet, lifestyle, and traditional treatment. Among the four main types of temperament described in this traditional medical system, Choleric Temperament is one of the most well-known and is traditionally characterized by the qualities of warmth and dryness and associated with the predominance of yellow bile humor.

In this article, we will become familiar with the concept of temperament and take a closer look at Choleric Temperament, including its traditional physical, behavioral, and personality characteristics. By learning about these characteristics, you may be able to gain a general idea of whether your own temperament resembles the traditional descriptions of a choleric person. The article also explores the qualities traditionally associated with this temperament and the symptoms associated with yellow bile humor predominance.

At ACPFOOD, we are committed to sharing knowledge about Persian Traditional Medicine and introducing readers to the traditional uses of medicinal herbs, spices, seeds, flowers, and other natural products. Understanding Choleric Temperament and the traditional principles of Mizaj can provide a deeper insight into the holistic approach of Persian Traditional Medicine and its emphasis on maintaining balance between the different qualities and humors of the body. For an accurate determination of a person’s temperament, however, it is necessary to consult a qualified Persian Traditional Medicine specialist.

Table of Contents

What Is the Meaning of Temperament?

Temperament, or Mizaj, literally means to blend or combine. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, each compound body is traditionally understood to be composed of four fundamental elements: fire, air, water, and earth. The differences in the amount, proportion, and combination of these elements distinguish one object or body from another and are traditionally believed to give each one its particular temperament.

The amount and ratio of these four elements determine the qualities of the resulting temperament. Therefore, different proportions and combinations of fire, air, water, and earth are traditionally believed to create different temperaments, each with its own specific qualities and characteristics. This concept of Mizaj forms an important foundation for understanding the physical constitution and individual differences described in Persian Traditional Medicine.

For example, in people with Choleric Temperament, the element of fire is traditionally considered to be predominant over the other elements. Fire is associated with the qualities of warmth and dryness, which are the two fundamental qualities traditionally attributed to Choleric Temperament. These qualities are also reflected in the traditional descriptions of the physical appearance, body structure, energy, and other characteristics of choleric people.

Types of Temperaments

According to Persian Traditional Medicine, human temperament is generally divided into two main categories: inborn (congenital) temperament and acquired (incidental) temperament. Understanding the difference between these two categories is important when studying Mizaj and identifying a person’s fundamental temperament.

Inborn (Congenital) Temperament: This is the temperament with which a person is traditionally believed to be born. It represents their natural and fundamental temperament and is considered the primary basis for identifying their individual Mizaj.
Acquired (Incidental) Temperament: This temperament develops as a result of changes or influences on a person’s inborn temperament. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, these changes can be caused by various factors, including season, age, gender, place of residence, diet, lifestyle, and mental and psychological states. These factors may influence the prevailing temperament of a person and cause it to differ from their original congenital temperament.

Important Note: The main criterion for identifying a person’s fundamental temperament is traditionally considered to be their inborn (congenital) temperament. Therefore, the characteristics and information discussed in the following sections primarily relate to this type of temperament rather than temporary or acquired changes that may occur as a result of environmental, lifestyle, or other factors.

What Are Humors?

According to the traditional humoral theory of Persian Traditional Medicine, the human body is described as containing four fundamental humors, or fluids, which are traditionally believed to be produced and distributed within the body. Each humor is associated with one of the four fundamental elements and with a particular combination of qualities. The balance, quantity, and quality of these four humors are considered important factors in understanding health, disease, temperament, and personality.

The four humors are:

Choler or Yellow Bile — associated with Choleric Temperament, which is hot and dry. Element: Fire
Blood — associated with Sanguine Temperament, which is hot and moist. Element: Air
Phlegm — associated with Phlegmatic Temperament, which is cold and moist. Element: Water
Black Bile — associated with Melancholic Temperament, which is cold and dry. Element: Earth

According to this traditional framework, the humors influence a person’s health, diseases, temperament, and certain aspects of their physical and personality characteristics. The predominance of a particular humor is traditionally associated with the corresponding temperament. For example, in people with Phlegmatic Temperament, phlegm humor is traditionally considered more predominant than in people with Choleric Temperament. Similarly, in people with Melancholic Temperament, black bile humor is traditionally considered more predominant than in people with Sanguine Temperament.

The balance between the four humors, including their quantity and quality, is considered particularly important in Persian Traditional Medicine. When this balance is disturbed, one humor may become dominant over the others, which is traditionally believed to cause disease and other disturbances in the body. Therefore, identifying the predominant humor and restoring its balance with the other humors is considered an important part of the traditional approach to maintaining health and treating illness.

Choleric Temperament (Hot and Dry)

According to the traditional humoral framework of Persian Traditional Medicine, yellow bile is considered the lightest component of blood and is traditionally described as settling on the surface of the blood like foam. Yellow bile humor is associated with the element of fire, and its temperament is hot and dry. It is traditionally described as being yellow in color and bitter in taste. Yellow bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Its main traditional function is to create movement and heat within the body and to support various bodily processes.

Yellow bile is traditionally considered a sharp and burning humor that helps soften the blood and open pathways for the other humors. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, it helps blood flow through narrow arteries and contributes to the digestion of food. It is also traditionally believed to help expel viscous phlegm from the intestines, increase bowel movements, and stimulate the anal muscles, thereby creating the natural feeling and need for defecation.

Yellow bile is also traditionally described as having anti-infective properties and as contributing to increased intestinal motility. It is associated with mental sharpness and is traditionally believed to help the body eliminate waste products through different excretory pathways. Within this traditional framework, yellow bile is also associated with maintaining appropriate levels of triglycerides and cholesterol and with supporting healthy blood pressure. Diabetes is traditionally considered less common among people with a Choleric Temperament.

People with Choleric Temperament are traditionally described as being less tolerant of hot weather, particularly during summer. They may feel more comfortable during winter and may generally prefer lighter clothing even in colder weather. They are also traditionally considered more likely to feel unwell after consuming excessive amounts of foods with a hot temperament. Since Choleric Temperament is characterized by warmth and dryness, people with this temperament are traditionally believed to have a greater amount of yellow bile humor in their bodies compared with people with other temperaments.

The physical appearance traditionally associated with Choleric Temperament includes light yellow or wheat-colored skin. Their skin is generally described as dry, particularly on the face and hands, and may sometimes feel cold and at other times become noticeably hot. Their skin may have either large or small pores. These characteristics are traditionally considered manifestations of the hot and dry qualities associated with this temperament.

Choleric people are traditionally described as having relatively sparse hair on their bodies and may commonly experience hair loss, particularly toward the front of the head. At the same time, the hair on their head may be thick, curly, and brown or black in color. Their body is generally described as slim, with a slightly wide waist and calves, elongated muscles, medium-sized shoulders, and a somewhat prominent abdomen.

Other physical characteristics traditionally associated with Choleric Temperament include semi-prominent or relatively large veins and a reddish-yellow color beneath the nails. Their eyes are usually described as black or dark in color. Together, these physical features are traditionally considered when assessing the characteristics of a person with a hot and dry temperament.

According to Persian Traditional Medicine, whenever yellow bile is produced in greater amounts than the body requires, particularly as a result of excessive consumption of foods with a hot and dry temperament, this humor may become predominant. Similarly, when a person with Choleric Temperament does not sufficiently moderate their hot and dry constitution, yellow bile may become excessive in the body. This excessive predominance is traditionally considered an imbalance that requires attention and modification.

Yellow bile is traditionally believed to be most predominant during the summer season and during younger ages. Therefore, both seasonal conditions and age are considered important factors when understanding changes in yellow bile and the hot and dry qualities associated with Choleric Temperament.

What Are the Characteristics of Choleric People?

According to the traditional descriptions of Choleric Temperament in Persian Traditional Medicine, people with a hot and dry temperament may display a distinctive combination of physical, behavioral, emotional, and personality characteristics. The following features are traditionally associated with people who have a predominance of yellow bile humor:

Thin but large-boned body: Choleric people are traditionally described as relatively thin while having a large-boned body structure and large, prominent joints.
Warm and dry skin: Their skin is generally described as warm and dry when touched, reflecting the hot and dry qualities traditionally associated with Choleric Temperament.
Slightly yellowish complexion: Their skin color may have a slightly yellow or wheatish tone, and the sclera, or whites of the eyes, may also appear somewhat yellow.
Thick and dark hair: They are traditionally described as having thick, black hair, which may sometimes be curly or wavy.
Greater tendency toward baldness: Because of the traditionally associated qualities of high heat and dryness, Choleric people are considered more prone to hair thinning and baldness, particularly as they age.
Dry mouth and increased thirst: Dryness may manifest as a dry mouth accompanied by frequent or excessive thirst.
Sensitivity to heat: People with Choleric Temperament are traditionally considered sensitive to hot weather and may feel particularly uncomfortable during the summer.
Itching and hives after very hot foods: They may experience itching, skin irritation, or hives after consuming excessive amounts of foods traditionally classified as having a very hot temperament.
Preference for sour foods: Choleric people are traditionally inclined toward sour foods and flavors, such as vinegar, tamarind, lemon, and similar foods.
Preference for cold-temperament foods: They may also enjoy foods traditionally classified as having a cold temperament, including cucumber, lettuce, and watermelon, particularly because these foods are traditionally considered helpful for balancing excessive heat.
Less desire for sweets: Compared with some other temperaments, Choleric people are traditionally described as having relatively little desire for sweet foods.
Full and strong pulse: Their pulse is traditionally described as full, strong, and powerful.
Prominent hand vessels: The veins and blood vessels on their hands may be relatively prominent and easily visible.
Quick anger with rapid recovery: Choleric people are traditionally described as becoming angry quickly. However, their anger may also subside relatively quickly, meaning that they may not remain angry for a long period.
High energy and activity: They are generally described as energetic, active, lively, and physically and mentally dynamic.
Smart, shrewd, and talkative: Choleric people are traditionally considered intelligent, sharp-minded, perceptive, and talkative. They may quickly understand situations and express their thoughts openly.
Agile and fast: They tend to be agile and quick in performing tasks and may complete activities rapidly and efficiently.
Precise, organized, and sharp-sighted: People with Choleric Temperament are traditionally described as precise, well-organized, detail-oriented, and observant. They may pay close attention to their surroundings and notice small details easily.
High sexual desire with variable potency: They are traditionally described as having high sexual desire, although their sexual potency may vary.
Fast and loud speech: Choleric people may speak frequently, rapidly, and loudly. Their energetic nature is traditionally reflected in the speed and intensity of their speech.
Light sleep: They generally do not require long periods of sleep and are traditionally described as light sleepers who may wake easily.
Tendency toward constipation: Constipation is traditionally considered relatively common among people with a hot and dry temperament, which is associated with the dryness characteristic of Choleric Temperament.
Strong memory and learning ability: They are traditionally described as having a strong memory and a high capacity for learning, understanding, and retaining information.
Strong social relationships: Choleric people generally have strong social relationships and may communicate actively and confidently with others. Their talkative and energetic nature can contribute to an active social life.
Hasty and restless nature: They are traditionally described as hasty, impatient, and restless. Their high energy and tendency to act quickly may sometimes make it difficult for them to remain calm or wait patiently.

Overall, these characteristics reflect the traditional understanding of Choleric Temperament as a hot and dry temperament. In Persian Traditional Medicine, a person’s Mizaj is traditionally assessed by considering a combination of physical characteristics, bodily functions, preferences, behavior, emotional tendencies, sleep patterns, digestion, and other individual signs rather than relying on a single characteristic alone.

What Are the Symptoms of Yellow Bile Humor Domination?

According to the traditional humoral framework of Persian Traditional Medicine, excessive predominance of yellow bile humor is associated with an increase in the hot and dry qualities of the body. When yellow bile becomes excessive or its balance with the other humors is disturbed, various physical, digestive, emotional, and mental symptoms may traditionally appear. The following signs are traditionally associated with Yellow Bile Humor Domination:

Yellowing of the sclera, tongue, and skin: The whites of the eyes (sclera), tongue, and skin may become yellow, resembling the appearance of jaundice.
Dry mouth and nose: Excessive dryness may be experienced in the mouth and nasal passages.
Excessive thirst: The person may experience frequent or intense thirst, which is traditionally associated with increased dryness and heat.
High body temperature: A noticeable increase in body heat or a persistent sensation of internal warmth may occur.
Pimples and acne: Pimples and acne may appear, particularly on the head, face, and other areas of the skin.
Dry skin and eczema: The skin may become excessively dry and may be accompanied by irritation or eczema.
Heartburn: Burning sensations in the stomach or chest and frequent heartburn may occur.
Nausea and vomiting: Digestive discomfort may include nausea and episodes of vomiting.
Decreased appetite: The person may experience a reduction in appetite or less desire to eat.
Pins and needles sensation: A feeling of tingling, pins and needles, or unusual sensations throughout the body may occur.
Fast pulse: The pulse may become faster and more noticeable.
Quick anger and rapid recovery: People experiencing yellow bile predominance may become angry quickly but may also return to a calmer state relatively quickly.
Joint stiffness: Stiffness or reduced flexibility in the joints may be experienced.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or generally poor sleep may occur.
Bitter taste in the mouth: An unpleasant or persistent bitter taste may be noticed in the mouth.
Dreams involving heat, fire, and the sun: Traditional descriptions associate yellow bile predominance with dreams involving hot environments, fire, the sun, or other images related to heat.
Roughness of the tongue: The tongue may become rough or lose its usual smooth texture.
A sensation of trembling: The person may feel internal trembling or shaking in different parts of the body.
Aggression and irritability: Increased irritability, aggression, fussiness, or a tendency to become easily annoyed may occur.
Excessive sweating: The person may experience increased sweating, particularly in warm conditions.
Itchy skin: Skin itching or a persistent urge to scratch may develop.
Alopecia areata: Hair loss in localized, round or irregular patches may be included among the traditionally described signs.
Dandruff: Excessive dryness of the scalp may be accompanied by dandruff or flaking.
Turbidity of urine: The urine may appear cloudy or less clear than usual.
Pain in the temples: Headaches or pain concentrated around the temples may occur.
Infertility: Infertility is included among the conditions traditionally associated with excessive yellow bile humor.
Poor eyesight: Weakness or reduced clarity of vision may be experienced.
Delirium: Confusion, disorientation, or delirious states may occur.
Delusions and negative thoughts: The person may experience unusual beliefs, delusional thoughts, or persistent unpleasant and negative thoughts.
Vertigo: Dizziness or a sensation that the surroundings are spinning may occur.

Within the traditional theory of humors, these symptoms are understood as possible manifestations of excessive yellow bile and an increase in the hot and dry qualities associated with Choleric Temperament. Persian Traditional Medicine traditionally considers the overall combination of symptoms, physical characteristics, lifestyle, diet, environment, and individual temperament when assessing such an imbalance rather than relying on a single sign alone.

Conclusion

Choleric Temperament, traditionally characterized by warmth and dryness, is one of the four main temperaments described in Persian Traditional Medicine. According to the traditional humoral framework, it is associated with the predominance of yellow bile humor and is traditionally linked to a particular combination of physical, behavioral, emotional, and personality characteristics. Choleric people are often described as energetic, active, intelligent, precise, organized, quick-moving, and confident, while they may also be sensitive to heat, prone to restlessness, and inclined to become angry quickly. Excessive predominance of yellow bile humor is traditionally associated with various physical and mental symptoms, particularly those related to increased heat and dryness in the body.

Understanding Choleric Temperament and the traditional principles of Mizaj can provide valuable insight into the holistic approach of Persian Traditional Medicine, in which balance between the body’s qualities and humors is considered important for maintaining health. Diet, lifestyle, season, age, environment, and other individual factors are traditionally taken into consideration when attempting to maintain or restore this balance. ACPFOOD is pleased to share information about Persian Traditional Medicine and the traditional uses of medicinal herbs, spices, seeds, flowers, and other natural products, helping readers around the world become more familiar with this rich medical heritage.

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Choleric Temperament: Characteristics, Symptoms & Traditional Approaches