sethson.com » Chinese Herbs

Chinese Remedies and Treatments like Acupuncture, Tui Na and Qigong

Brian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:04:23 +0000

Perhaps the most popular and still respected ancient medical practice in the world is that of the Chinese. They have been practicing medicine including assessment, diagnosis and treatment for centuries. Today, this practice is known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In mainland China and Taiwan, TCM is very much part of their healthcare system; however, in other parts of the world, TCM is considered as an alternative medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on a number of philosophical frameworks such as the yin-yang theory, the five elements and the meridian system among others. TCM is not scientific, though some have tried to link the practice to that of the modern science. It is more focused in listening to what the nature is saying.

Procedural Remedies

Procedural Chinese remedy is the use of other traditional procedures and exercises in the treatment, control or prevention of illnesses. Its main objective is to bring back balance to the body. Some of the common procedures used in TCM are:

Acupuncture – A technique of inserting needles to acupuncture points throughout the body. It is more popularly known for pain management.
Tui Na or massage therapy – Also known as acupressure. Muscles and joints are rubbed, kneaded and pressed to get the body’s energy moving.
Qigong or breathing and meditation exercise – An art of managing one’s breathing to maintain good health. Qigong is mostly for health maintenance though some claim it to have therapeutic properties as well.
Tai Chi Ch’uan or physical exercise – Developed as internal Chinese martial arts but later on evolved to be an exercise routine that promotes health and longevity. Some call this a moving meditation.

Medicinal Remedies

Medicinal Chinese remedy is the use of herbs and spices in treating illnesses. Herbs are the low-growing shrubs while spices come from roots, bark, seeds or flowers of plants. The Chinese have long ago used herbs and spices in the treatment of illnesses. These plants or parts of them are either taken orally or applied directly to the injured or afflicted body parts. Herbs and spices are mostly used in combination and very rarely used alone. Chinese healers follow different concepts which mostly focus on maintaining balance of energy inside the body.

Although Chinese herbology has been an ancient art, it is still widely used today. Of course, the use of traditional chinese herbs and spices have advanced to more than remedial, it is now used for relaxation, fragrance and aesthetics.

Traditional Chinese Herbs Tea, Pills and Oils

Brian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:03:35 +0000

Chinese herbs, by the name itself, are those herbs that originated from China and are used not only in cooking but more popularly for their medicinal properties as well. The earliest known documentation of Chinese herbs dates back from 2700 BC. This manuscript contains at least 300 medicinal plants along with instructions on how to use them. The key to Chinese herbal medicine is in individuality. Each Chinese herbal concoction is designed specifically for an individual patient depending on the symptoms and ailment.

Ways to Use Chinese Herbs

Medicinal herbs are used by the Chinese in different ways. Depending on the illness of the patient, a combination of applications may be selected by the Chinese healer. Here are the three most commonly used applications of Chinese medicinal herbs.

As a tea – This is done by simmering one kind or a combination of various kinds of herbs in water for an hour or more. The water with the extract of the herbs will then be drunk by the person with illness. Drinking the strong tea is usually prescribed to be taken several times a day until the patient feels better.

As a pill – This is mostly done when a combination of more than two kinds of herbs are needed to cure the sickness. The required herbs are sun dried and crushed, and with the help of honey, the crushed dried herbs are bonded together to form a round pill that can be taken with water.

As applied externally – This is mostly done personally by the Chinese doctor or healer. Herbs are placed on the injured or ailing body part of the patient using oil or water and sometimes using bandages to help it stay in place.

Three Major Kinds of Chinese Herbs

Even before, there were a lot of herbs listed as medicinal by the Chinese, and these herbs have different healing effects on sick people depending on the herb’s properties. There are three major categories of Chinese medicinal herbs, namely:

Superior Herbs – Those aimed to nourish the person’s life or health.
Middle Herbs – Those that correct or remedy body constitutions.
Inferior Herbs – Those that drive out a person’s illness or disease.

Today, in the practice of the Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM), herbs are chosen based on their properties and are mostly used in combinations. This is because certain herbs compliment other herbs and most illnesses affect different organs. Very rarely is an herb used alone.

Ancient Chinese Medicine Herbs for Healing and Strength

Brian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:02:35 +0000

The use of Chinese medicine herbs goes more than 2,500 years back, during the time of the Zhou Dynasty. During this period, diseases were known to be works of the devil, and herbs were used to throw away the evil intruders of the body. The popularity of chinese herbs, however, did not weaken through time as many of our modern drugs have been developed from Chinese medicinal herbs and lately more and more people are slowly turning to alternative medicines for help in their afflictions.

How Chinese Herbs are Used

There are several different ways to categorize the use of Chinese medicinal herbs. They are through the “four natures,” “five tastes” and the “meridians.”

The Four Natures regard the balance of yin (cool) and yang (warm) which ranges from intense cold (extreme yin) to hot (extreme yang). Herbs are categorized as either infuser of coldness or hotness. The patient’s internal balance of yin and yang is considered when choosing the right herb to use. There are times when an herb is strong that another one is needed to offset the effect of the other.

The Five Tastes are pungent, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. Each of these tastes has their own function and quality which are considered in choosing the right herb for the person. Pungent herbs are generally used to generate sweat and revitalize the blood, while sweet herbs harmonize the body system. Sour-tasting herbs are often used as astringent, and bitter herbs are used to drive out heat, while the salty herbs soften hard bodily masses.

The Meridians refer to the organ the herbs are intended for to act upon. Organs are, as well, categorized depending on its use.

A good Chinese herbal healer considers all of the three types of Chinese herbs before prescribing the herbal concoction for the individual patient.

Common Chinese Medicinal Herbs

Most Chinese medicine herbs are used to strengthen the body. There are a lot of Chinese herbs that are still popularly used to this day. One of them is Ginseng which is used for well over 2000 years now. It is known to help boost energy, reduce stress and increase endurance. Another popular herb is the Licorice which is known to neutralize toxins, relieve irritation and help in digestion. Ginger is a highly spicy herb that aids in ventilation of the heart and neutralizes food poisoning among others. Rhubarb is not only an effective laxative but also helps in blood circulation.

Using Natural Herbal Treatments Safely at Home

Brian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:02:01 +0000

Herbal treatment, although has been around for thousands of years, is still currently considered as an alternative medicine. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a widely used alternative remedy in the world with an estimated 80% of world population relying on it. This extraordinary confidence rate has prompted a lot of research companies, both pharmaceutical and medical, to conduct researches that will shed light on how herbal treatment works and what it can do for the future of preventive and therapeutic medicine.

Reasons Why People Turn to Herbal Treatment

It is amazing how, in the world of modern diagnostic tools and treatment programs, loads of people are still turning to alternative medicine specifically herbal medicine or what is sometimes called home remedies. Some of the reasons are:

People are afraid of hospitals. Hospitals are still perceived to be a morbid place. Doctors are still seen as elitist, and hospital bills are expensive.
Prescription medicines are at least twice more expensive than herbal remedies.
Natural products are known to be safer with little or no side effects.
Medical science does not yet have an explanation and treatment for some illnesses.
Cultural influences.

The media is said to have a big role in how people will accept new or even old concepts. This is also true with herbal treatment. A vast collection of texts and documentaries have exposed the benefits of herbal treatments over the centuries, including its influences in the development of today’s modern drugs, giving a promising reputation to herbal treatment.

Safety Reminders in Using Herbal Treatments

Although herbs are all-natural and are generally perceived to be safe, it is still best to follow the following safety reminders in using herbal treatments:

Consult an herbal healer or specialist so a special concoction of herbs and spices can be made for the particular problem or illness.
Even if it is herbal and natural, avoid self-medication.
It should also be noted that in cases when a patient would like to use herbal treatments along with conventional medical treatments, both the medical doctor and the herbal healer should be informed properly to avoid unnecessary negative interactions between the two interventions.
Keep in mind that although herbs are gentler than drugs, its contents can still have an adverse reaction to people who may have allergies or worsen certain conditions not reported to the healer.
Follow directions when taking herbs. Do not continue over long periods of time when it is not advised.

Overview of Ancient Chinese Herbal Remedy

Brian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:00:40 +0000

Chinese herbal medicine goes way back more than 3000 years. Its unbroken tradition makes it one of the great herbal systems of the world up to the present. It has amazingly retained the interest of both traditional and contemporary medical practitioners for its wide range of treatment capabilities. With more and more people opening up to the benefits of herbs for their ailments, herbal remedies have been sustained by research of its every use. Herbal medicine’s effectiveness for centuries undoubtedly made it influential in the Eastern and Western practice of medicine. Today, Chinese herbal remedies still form a great part of its country’s healthcare programs.

Herbal Remedy and Modern Pharmacology

A lot of researches prove that the known pharmacology of a plant component and its traditional medicinal use often coincide. In fact, there are a large number of modern drugs that have been developed from traditional chinese herbs. Examples of these are – Chinese Ephedra which is being used in drugs to treat asthma and hay fever, Schizandra Fruits and Licorice roots used in hepatitis drugs, and various Chinese trees and shrubs being made into anticancer supplements.

However, the use of plants as herbal remedy is quite different from the modern medicine or pharmaceutical drugs. Aside from the fact that herbal medicines are all natural and does not contain any other artificial compounds, its primary aim is to balance internal body energy to enhance self-healing instead of treating symptoms as what modern pharmacology does. Herbal medicine is also prescribed in combination to balance the different components of the herbs as mutual synergy of herbs is believed to enhance its usefulness. And because herbal remedies do not contain synthetic components, it is a lot safer to use.

Using Herbal Remedies

There are several ways that herbs can be administered for remedies. In the olden days, herbs are directly ingested, especially the fruit, flowers and seeds. Leaves are chewed thoroughly to release its healing power inside a person’s body. Whole, crushed or oil extracts of herbs are applied directly on to external wounds. These days, the most common way is by drinking hot-water extract (tea) of herbs or by making a pill of the herbs and taking it with water. Lately, however, the use of herbs in aromatherapy is slowly making its way back. A lot of people have sworn to the relaxing effects of inhaling vapors of various herb plants such as chamomile.

About Natural Herbs and Spices for Cooking and Health

Brian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 07:00:10 +0000

Herbs and spices have been used since time immemorial by the great ancient civilizations of the world. But the Chinese can claim to have been the culture that was able to document well its uses and properties, specifically its healing powers with medical texts on herbs and spices dating back to more than 3000 years. However, it was during the dawn of civilization when the value of herbs and spices was realized. The search for spices had brought forth wars and discovered many a country along the way. Today, some herbs and spices have become a common commodity with households possessing spice racks of dried spices or a garden of fresh herbs.

Medicinal Use of Herbs and Spices

The medicinal properties of herbs and spices have been discovered first long before their other uses. Herbs which are low-growing shrubs and spices which mostly come from bark, roots, seeds, flowers, and fruit have been used to cure different diseases during the olden time. Most women in the ancient family would know how to treat simple ailment with common herbs and spices. For unusual sicknesses however, an herb doctor will be called. Nowadays several herbs and spices have been used in the development of some modern pharmaceuticals.

The most common herbs and spices that are still being used to treat common illnesses are – Ginger for treatment of sore throat or aid in digestion, Ginseng to boost energy and reduce stress, Licorice to treat inflammation and muscle spasm, and Rhubarb for intestinal infection.

Cooking with Herbs and Spices

There has been a lot of research that proves that the proper use of herbs and spices in cooking may prevent certain diseases such as some kinds of cancer, heart ailments and hypertension. The use of herbs and spices in preparing food moderates the dietary levels of fat, sodium and sugar. It also adds flavor and zest to otherwise blunt cooking.

Using herbs and spices in cooking is an art of combining flavors. Depending on the cultural background of the dish being cooked and the guest to whom the dish will be served, the use of spices varies. It is important to remember though that herbs and spices should enhance and not overpower the flavor of the dish. As a start, it is best to take note that strong and pungent spices should be used in small quantity while mild and delicate ones may be used in greater amounts until one finds the flavor that one is looking for.

Best Health Benefits from Herbal Tea and Infusion

Brian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:58:53 +0000

Herbal tea, also known as Tisanes or herbal infusion, was started in China and dated back to thousands of years. Unlike ordinary tea, Tisanes is not made from Camellia Sinensis (tea bush) but with fresh or dried fruit, flower or leaves that are dropped to a pot of hot water to seep for several minutes and drained while bark, roots and seeds are boiled over the fire. It can be taken as is or may be sweetened if so desired. Herbal teas started as a medicinal drink but are still being considered as a good supplement to prevent diseases.

Taking herbal tea is not only a good caffeine-free substitute drink; it can also be a pleasant way to wrap up a hectic day.

Common Herbs Used in Herbal Tea Preparation

herbal medicine has been a practice of balancing body energy through a variety of herbs and spices with different healing or balancing properties. Herbal tea can be prepared from a single herb or in combination of several kinds depending on the individual need of a person. Some of the most popular kinds of herbs used as tea are:

Chrysanthemum flower – reduces fever.
Ginger – treats cold and flu symptoms and aids in alleviating menstrual cramps.
Ginseng – energizer and believed to treat diabetes.
Rosemary – relieves cold symptoms and headaches.
Sage – alleviates cough and relieves congestion.
Thyme – improves general immune system.

Benefits of Herbal Tea

Aside from its primary healing properties, drinking herbal tea is proven to soothe and calm the mind, relax nerves, stimulate thinking, manage weight, and increase blood circulation. Some people drink herbal tea simply for their tastes. Consumption of herbal tea also proves to enhance immune system as some tea concoctions contain vitamins and minerals needed by the body. During the World War II, rosehip tea has become an important vitamin C supplement for most people.

Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of herbal tea:

Drink freshly brewed tea. The medicinal and therapeutic\benefit of herbal tea diminishes over time during storage.
Let tea concoction or tea bags seep for at least five minutes to release most oxidant, minerals or vitamins of the tea.
Drink several cups of tea spread out during the day.
Avoid instant or bottled tea as they contain very little of its natural benefits.
Although herbal teas are generally safe to drink, it is best to consult with a doctor if it can be taken with prescribed medications.

History and Use of Herbal and Botanical Medicine

Brian — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:41:29 +0000

The use and study of herbs is called herbology, while herbal medicine is sometimes referred to as botanical medicine. In any way, herbal medicine is an ancient science that is known to have started in China. It uses the medicinal characteristics of herbs and spices to cure different ailments. Innate properties of plants are used to supply the body the needed help to self-heal. It works generally slower than conventional drugs, but it can be beneficial especially for the prevention of illnesses.

Herbal medicine has sustained its presence in the world despite the emergence of modern medicine. It is an all-natural and safe cure with little or no side effects especially for long standing ailments. These days, more and more people are developing an affinity to herbal medicine not only to cure diseases but to improve quality of life by preventing illness, maintaining health and providing long life.

History of Herbal Medicine

Since prehistoric times, people have depended on nature to save them from the various diseases that were known to be the work of the devil. Herbal medicine started through the practice of observation of animal food preferences when they are ill and by continuous trial and error. The collected medical information on the properties of shrubs, flowers, berries, roots, and bark and how they treat ailments has formed the first herbal medicine system. This traditional herbal system has played a large part in the development of the modern pharmaceuticals.

Use of Herbal Medicine in Modern Times

Herbal medicine has come to be known as alternative medicine. It has its own diagnosis system that determines the treatment for each individual patient. In the world of modern and sophisticated medicine and pharmacology, herbal medicine still maintains its own spot in the medical world. This is mainly due to the healing success of popular herbs such as chamomile for calming hyperactive kids, rhubarb for intestinal infection, ginger for digestion, and ginseng for stress reduction among the few. The herbs being used in herbal medicine today are mostly those that have been tried and tested to work over the centuries.

Herbal medicine is still part of the health care program of mainland China and Taiwan while the World Health Organization has estimated that around 75% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicine. Science is now trying to find out the secrets and full potential of these herbs, especially with the emergence of new diseases.

sethson.com » Chinese Herbs

Chinese Remedies and Treatments like Acupuncture, Tui Na and Qigong

Procedural Remedies

Medicinal Remedies

Related Posts

Traditional Chinese Herbs Tea, Pills and Oils

Ways to Use Chinese Herbs

Three Major Kinds of Chinese Herbs

Related Posts

Ancient Chinese Medicine Herbs for Healing and Strength

How Chinese Herbs are Used

Common Chinese Medicinal Herbs

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Using Natural Herbal Treatments Safely at Home

Reasons Why People Turn to Herbal Treatment

Safety Reminders in Using Herbal Treatments

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Overview of Ancient Chinese Herbal Remedy

Herbal Remedy and Modern Pharmacology

Using Herbal Remedies

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About Natural Herbs and Spices for Cooking and Health

Medicinal Use of Herbs and Spices

Cooking with Herbs and Spices

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Best Health Benefits from Herbal Tea and Infusion

Common Herbs Used in Herbal Tea Preparation

Benefits of Herbal Tea

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History and Use of Herbal and Botanical Medicine

History of Herbal Medicine

Use of Herbal Medicine in Modern Times

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