Salmon (Wild Caught)

Wild-caught salmon is a moistening, warming, and deeply nourishing food that supports the brain, heart, hormones, and skin. Rich in omega-3s, vitamin D, and high-quality protein, it rebuilds tissues, calms inflammation, and enhances vitality. Best suited for catabolic and thermic types in need of insulation and core strength.

Monograph of

Salmon (Wild-Caught)

• Family

  Animal-derived (cold-water fish species)

• Taste

  Sweet

  Slightly salty

  Mild astringency when grilled or smoked

• Season

  Traditionally fished in spring through fall, depending on region

  Consumed fresh, frozen, canned, smoked, or dried year-round

• Qualities

  Heavy

  Moistening

  Warming

  Stable

  Slightly unctuous and building

• Suitability

  Excellent for catabolic and thermic types needing nourishment and insulation

  In anabolic or damp constitutions, best eaten grilled or paired with bitter/drying herbs

  Highly beneficial during recovery, postpartum, or cold climates

• Indicated Tissue States

  Tissue states show what’s happening at the tissue level — whether things are too dry, too tense, too inflamed — and what foods or herbs can help fix that. Wild-Caught Salmon is best indicated for tissue states involving:

  Dry / Atrophy – deeply replenishes tissues and core fluids

  Cold / Depression – warming and rebuilding

  Wind / Tension – stabilizing, grounding

  Use cautiously in Damp / Relaxation or congestive liver/lymph states

• Affinities

  Affinities are the targeted tissues that a substance acts on after the release of chemicals. Wild-Caught Salmon has an affinity for:

  Brain and nervous system

  Cardiovascular system

  Reproductive system

  Skin, hair, and connective tissue

  Blood and core vitality

• Chemical Constituents

  Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA)

  Vitamin D, B12, selenium, iodine, phosphorus, iron

  Astaxanthin – potent antioxidant pigment

  High-quality protein (complete amino acid profile)

• Nutritional Value

  (per 3 oz cooked wild salmon)

  Calories: ~175 kcal

  Protein: ~22g

  Fat: ~10g (mostly omega-3s)

  Vitamin D: ~100–150% DV

  B12: ~120% DV

  Selenium: ~50% DV

  EPA + DHA: ~1.2g

• Preparation Methods

  Best grilled, baked, steamed, or lightly pan-seared

  Avoid over-frying to preserve omega-3s and delicate oils

  Traditionally paired with lemon, dill, ginger, or mustard seed to enhance digestion

  Smoked salmon can be beneficial in small amounts but high in sodium

Note: To find out which foods and dosages are best suited for your body type, please take the Body Type Quiz to detect any current imbalances and consult a traditional whole-person health practitioner (like myself) for personalized support and recommendations.

Medicinal Actions of

Salmon (Wild-Caught)

• Nervous system

  Neuroprotective – EPA and DHA support brain development, repair, and cognitive clarity

  Mood stabilizer – helps regulate serotonin and dopamine balance

  Nerve sheath builder – omega-3s and B12 support myelin production

• Circulatory System

  Anti-inflammatory – omega-3s reduce arterial inflammation and stiffness

  Cholesterol balancer – raises HDL and reduces triglycerides

  Blood pressure regulator (mild) – supports vascular relaxation and flow

• Digestive System

  Easy to digest – suitable for weak or recovering digestion

  Digestive restorative – warming, moistening, and supportive for malnourished states

• Immune/Lymphatic

  Immune modulator – regulates inflammation and supports immunity in chronic illness

• Skin/Integumentary System

  Skin clarity enhancer – omega-3s reduce inflammation and dryness

  Hair and nail nourisher – supports shine, strength, and growth

  Wound healing support – amino acids and trace minerals accelerate repair

• Liver/Detoxification System

• Endocrine/Energy System

  Adrenal support – provides essential fats for stress recovery

  Thyroid supporter (mild) – iodine and selenium nourish thyroid function

• Muscuskeletal System

  Tissue builder – high-quality protein rebuilds muscle and fascia

  Joint soother (mild) – omega-3s support lubrication and reduce stiffness

  Bone strengthener (mild) – phosphorus and vitamin D aid mineralization

• Reproductive system

  Fertility tonic – omega-3s improve sperm and egg quality

  Hormonal balancer – nourishes glands and supports estrogen/progesterone synthesis

  Semen builder – moistens and tonifies reproductive fluids

• References

  USDA Nutrient Database

  Journal of Nutrition – Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammation

  Bauman College – Food as Medicine Curriculum

  Herbal Academy – Animal-Based Foods and Vitality

  Weston A. Price Foundation – Traditional Uses of Fish and Organ Meats