Persian Traditional Medicine considers a person’s temperament, or Mizaj, an important factor when traditionally making decisions related to diet, lifestyle, and health. Among the different types of temperament described in this traditional medical system, Melancholic Temperament is associated with the qualities of coldness and dryness and is traditionally linked to the predominance of black bile.

In this article, we will explore the concept of temperament and take a closer look at Melancholic Temperament, including its traditional characteristics, physical signs, behavioral traits, and the symptoms traditionally associated with black bile predominance. By learning about these descriptions, you may gain a general understanding of whether some of the characteristics associated with a melancholic constitution apply to you. However, these descriptions should not be used for self-diagnosis, as accurately determining a person’s temperament traditionally requires consideration of multiple factors by a qualified Persian Traditional Medicine practitioner.

At ACPFOOD, we are committed to sharing knowledge about Persian Traditional Medicine and the traditional uses of medicinal herbs, spices, seeds, flowers, and other natural products. Understanding concepts such as Mizaj and Melancholic Temperament can provide valuable insight into the principles and cultural heritage of this traditional medical system and the traditional context in which many natural products have been used.

Table of Contents

What Is the Meaning of Temperament?

Temperament, or Mizaj, literally means to blend or combine. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, every compound body is traditionally understood to consist of four fundamental elements: fire, air, water, and earth. The differences in the quantity, proportion, and combination of these elements are traditionally believed to give each body its particular qualities and temperament.

According to this traditional framework, the amount and ratio of the four elements determine the specific qualities of a compound body and distinguish one temperament from another. For example, in Melancholic Temperament, the element of earth is traditionally considered to be predominant over the other elements, giving this temperament its characteristic qualities of coldness and dryness.

It is important to note that the four-element theory is part of the historical framework of Persian Traditional Medicine and should not be interpreted as a modern scientific explanation of human physiology.

Types of Temperaments

According to Persian Traditional Medicine, human temperament is generally divided into two main categories:

Intrinsic (Congenital) Temperament: This refers to the temperament with which a person is traditionally believed to be born. It represents the individual’s natural constitution and is considered the primary temperament when assessing a person’s fundamental Mizaj.
Adventitious (Acquired or Prevailing) Temperament: This refers to changes that may occur in a person’s prevailing temperament after birth. According to Persian Traditional Medicine, various factors can influence these changes, including the season, age, gender, geographical location, diet, lifestyle, and physical or mental conditions.

The distinction between these two types is important because a person’s prevailing condition may change throughout life, while their intrinsic or congenital temperament is traditionally considered their fundamental constitution. Therefore, when determining a person’s basic temperament, Persian Traditional Medicine primarily considers the intrinsic (congenital) temperament.

What Are Humors?

According to the traditional humoral framework 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 a particular temperament, two fundamental qualities, and one of the four classical elements.

The four humors are:

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

In this traditional system, the relative proportion and qualities of these four humors are believed to influence a person’s health, temperament, and certain physical and behavioral characteristics. For example, in Phlegmatic Temperament, phlegm is traditionally considered to be more predominant than in a person with Choleric Temperament. Similarly, in Melancholic Temperament, black bile is traditionally considered to be more predominant than in a person with Sanguine Temperament.

According to traditional humoral theory, maintaining an appropriate balance among the four humors, including their quantity and qualities, is considered essential for maintaining health. A disturbance in this balance is traditionally believed to result in the excessive predominance of one humor over the others and may contribute to illness or other health disturbances. Traditional practitioners therefore sought to restore this balance through approaches such as dietary and lifestyle adjustments and, when appropriate, traditional therapeutic practices.

Note: The concepts of the four humors and their relationship with temperament are part of the historical framework of Persian Traditional Medicine and should not be confused with the modern scientific understanding of bodily fluids, hormones, or immune processes.

Melancholic Temperament (Cold and Dry)

Modification of Melancholic Temperament is considered absolutely necessary in Persian Traditional Medicine, particularly when the qualities of coldness and dryness become excessive. According to this traditional medical framework, an excessive melancholic temperament can lead to significant physical and psychological changes, including excessive weight loss, depression, and a generally weakened condition of the body. The predominance of coldness and dryness is traditionally associated with a dark, dull, and gaunt complexion, as well as a thin and weakened appearance of the face and body.

According to Persian Traditional Medicine, if a cold and dry temperament is not properly modified, it may gradually contribute to various physical and mental disorders. Excessive coldness and dryness are traditionally believed to affect the body’s natural balance and can manifest in different ways depending on the individual and the extent of the imbalance. For this reason, paying attention to diet, lifestyle, and the individual’s temperament is considered particularly important for people with a melancholic constitution.

The effects traditionally associated with Melancholic Temperament may include impotence, boredom, hopelessness, lethargy, social isolation, constipation, reduced appetite or anorexia, and continued weight loss. A person may also experience a constant tendency to cry without an obvious reason, increased emotional sensitivity or hypersensitivity, and unexplained physical discomfort or pain. Skin problems such as hives may also occur among the conditions traditionally associated with an excessive cold and dry temperament.

In the traditional understanding of Persian Traditional Medicine, these characteristics can appear together or individually, and their severity may vary from person to person. Therefore, recognizing the signs associated with Melancholic Temperament and taking appropriate measures to modify excessive coldness and dryness are considered important steps in maintaining balance and preventing the progression of related problems.

What Are the Characteristics of Melancholic People?

According to the traditional descriptions of Melancholic Temperament in Persian Traditional Medicine, people with a cold and dry constitution may display a particular combination of physical, behavioral, and psychological characteristics. These characteristics can vary from person to person, but the following signs are traditionally associated with melancholic people:

Dark complexion and freckles: Most melancholic people are traditionally described as having a relatively dark complexion, and dark freckles or spots may appear on their skin.
Dry skin: Their skin is generally considered drier than that of other people of the same age. This dryness may be particularly noticeable when compared with people who have moist temperaments.
Hair distribution: They may have relatively thin or sparse hair on their head while having a greater amount of hair on other parts of their body.
Slim and thin body: Most people with Melancholic Temperament are traditionally described as slim or skinny, with relatively little body fat and a generally thin body structure.
Elongated facial features: Their face and chin are often described as being longer or more elongated than the average facial proportions commonly seen in society.
False appetite and difficulty gaining weight: Melancholic people may experience what is traditionally described as a false or frequent appetite. They may prefer to eat several small meals throughout the day, yet they generally do not gain weight easily. Despite eating relatively frequently, their naturally dry constitution is traditionally believed to make them more prone to remaining thin.
Overthinking and insomnia: They are traditionally described as having many thoughts constantly running through their minds. This tendency toward excessive thinking or overthinking may make it difficult for them to relax mentally, and they may consequently complain of difficulty sleeping or insomnia.
Tendency toward psychiatric disorders: According to traditional descriptions, melancholic people are considered more prone to psychiatric disorders, particularly when coldness and dryness become excessive.
Sensitivity, precision, and obsessive tendencies: They are often described as sensitive and highly precise in their work and daily activities. They may pay considerable attention to small details and sometimes become overly particular or somewhat obsessive about completing tasks correctly.
Interest in thinking and introversion: Melancholic people traditionally tend to be interested in thinking, analysis, contemplation, and spending time with their own thoughts. As a result, they are generally described as more introverted and may prefer solitude or smaller social environments.
Judgmental and touchy nature: They may be more judgmental in their assessment of people or situations and can be sensitive to criticism, comments, or the behavior of others. They may therefore be described as somewhat touchy or easily affected emotionally.
Sensitivity to cold-tempered foods: According to Persian Traditional Medicine, consuming foods considered cold in temperament may make melancholic people feel worse. They may experience increased depression, sadness, lack of cheerfulness, or a generally low mood after consuming excessive amounts of foods with a cold temperament.

Overall, these characteristics are traditionally understood as manifestations of the cold and dry qualities of Melancholic Temperament. The combination of physical appearance, appetite, sleep patterns, thought processes, emotional sensitivity, and lifestyle preferences is traditionally considered when recognizing this type of temperament.

What Are the Symptoms of Black Bile Humor Domination?

According to the traditional humoral framework of Persian Traditional Medicine, excessive predominance of black bile is associated with the qualities of coldness and dryness and is traditionally believed to affect both the physical and mental condition of a person. When black bile becomes dominant, a variety of symptoms and characteristics may appear. These symptoms can differ from one person to another and may involve the digestive system, skin, sleep, emotions, and general physical condition.

The symptoms traditionally associated with Black Bile Humor Domination include:

Depression: A persistent feeling of sadness, heaviness, or lack of enthusiasm may be associated with black bile predominance.
Influx of negative thoughts: The person may experience frequent negative, pessimistic, or disturbing thoughts that are difficult to stop.
Excessive frustration and anxiety: Increased anxiety, worry, frustration, and mental tension may occur.
Vindictiveness: A person may become more likely to remember unpleasant experiences and hold resentment toward others.
Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or insufficient sleep may be experienced.
Hemorrhoids: Hemorrhoidal problems are traditionally included among the physical manifestations associated with black bile predominance.
Varicose veins: The appearance or worsening of varicose veins may be associated with this condition in traditional descriptions.
Varicocele: Varicocele is also included among the conditions traditionally associated with black bile domination.
Bloating: Digestive discomfort and abdominal bloating may occur.
Stomach pain: The person may experience recurring stomach discomfort or abdominal pain.
False appetite: A person may feel hungry or have an appetite even when the body does not require a substantial amount of food.
Blood concentration: Traditional descriptions may include increased concentration or thickness of the blood.
Dry skin: The skin may become noticeably dry as a manifestation of the dry quality associated with black bile.
Dry eyelids: Dryness around the eyelids and eyes may also occur.
Constipation: Difficulty with regular bowel movements is another commonly described symptom.
Psoriasis and dark blemishes on the skin: Skin conditions such as psoriasis and the appearance of dark spots or blemishes are traditionally associated with black bile predominance.
Stretch marks: The appearance of stretch marks may be included among the physical signs associated with black bile domination.
Darkening of the skin: The complexion may become darker or duller.
Disturbing nightmares: A person may experience frightening dreams involving black colors, smoke, fumes, destruction, or situations in which they feel unable to move.
Fear during sleep: Feelings of fear, anxiety, or terror may occur during sleep.
Cowardice: Increased fearfulness and difficulty demonstrating courage are traditionally associated with excessive black bile.
Dreams of jumping from a height: Recurring dreams involving jumping or falling from a high place may be included among the traditional descriptions of black bile domination.
Obsessive-compulsive tendencies: Obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors may be associated with excessive black bile in traditional descriptions.
Mistrust and suspiciousness: The person may become excessively suspicious of others and have difficulty trusting people.
High levels of anxiety: Persistent or heightened anxiety may become more noticeable.
Anemia: Anemia is also included among the physical conditions traditionally associated with black bile predominance.
Weak hair: The hair may become weak, thin, or more fragile.
Greenish or black urine: Changes in urine color, particularly a greenish or dark appearance, are traditionally described among some signs associated with black bile domination.

Understanding these signs within the traditional framework can help explain why black bile humor domination has an important place in the discussion of Melancholic Temperament. In Persian Traditional Medicine, identifying the predominant humor and its associated qualities is traditionally considered an important step toward choosing appropriate dietary, lifestyle, and therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion

Melancholic Temperament, traditionally characterized by the qualities of coldness and dryness, is one of the four major temperaments described in Persian Traditional Medicine. According to this traditional framework, the predominance of black bile can influence different aspects of a person’s physical and mental condition and may be associated with characteristics such as a slim body, dry skin, excessive thinking, sensitivity, constipation, sleep difficulties, and various other symptoms. For this reason, recognizing the signs of Melancholic Temperament and maintaining balance between the body’s humors are considered important principles in Persian Traditional Medicine. Traditional approaches emphasize paying attention to a person’s individual temperament, diet, lifestyle, seasonal conditions, and daily habits when seeking to maintain or restore balance.

By understanding the principles of Mizaj and the traditional characteristics of black bile predominance, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the holistic approach that has been developed within Persian medical heritage over centuries. ACPFOOD is proud to share knowledge about Persian Traditional Medicine and the traditional uses of medicinal herbs, spices, seeds, flowers, and other natural products, helping make this valuable traditional knowledge more accessible to people around the world.

If you’d like to have more information about our products and their traditional uses and benefits in Persian Traditional Medicine, please CLICK HERE.

Melancholic Temperament: Characteristics, Symptoms & Traditional Approaches