Chinese Herbology, along with acupuncture, are some of the most powerful strategies for abundant health in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ancient Chinese, along with many other ancient peoples, mastered the art of tapping into plants for holistic health benefits. However, many of the most powerful plants in the world have not gained much spotlight. We’re here to change that!
Suan Zao Ren
Life is riddled with times of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, mother nature left us with a solution. The thorny wild Jujube tree may look a little rough around the edges, but its seeds are a powerful herb that benefits restless individuals.
The herb was originally native to Southern and Western regions of Asia. There the delicate shrub has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. The species features over 400 cultivars - plants of the same species that have similar features but also have a uniqueness when propagated.
The herb may be very beneficial for treating insomnia. The ancient Chinese taught that the herb is beneficial for nourishing the blood, therefore calming the nervous system for a deep, rejuvenating sleep.
Warning: It’s a tranquilizing herb! You don’t want to take it before a task that requires a lot of focus, such as driving or working out. Utilize it for what it is - a relaxant.
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi, also known as the Schisandra berry, is a miraculous herb for the human body. Often used for therapeutic purposes, its English translation is “five-flavor berry”. That’s right, the berry packs a tasty punch for all parts of the taste buds: sour, bitter, sweet, salty, and savory.
According to Ancient Chinese Medicine, the berry acts as a magnet that focuses the qi into the lungs and heals the kidneys. This makes it great for treating conditions related to the lungs, such as a bad cough or asthma.
Psychologically speaking, Wu Wei Zi also packs a punch for the mind and soul. It supports the calming of a frazzled and unfocused mind. If you find that your emotions have been a little stirred up lately, give Wu Wei Zi a shot and lay your thinking mind to rest.
Bai Zhu
A member of the sunflower family, Bai Zbu originates from the southeastern provinces of China. Well respected amongst practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is often referred to for strengthening the spleen and amping up Qi.
A few of Bao Zhu’s benefits:
Boost the immune system
Calms the nerves
Supports emotional wellbeing
It’s worth noting that what the Ancient Chinese referred to as the “spleen” was not actually what we know of as the spleen today. Rather, they meant the digestive system. Furthermore, they believed that we digest not only what we eat, but also the input that our five senses digest.
According to Chinese Medicinal theory, a chaotic flow of Qi in the body can cause frazzled nerves. Bai Zhu, combined with other Chinese Medicinal Herbs, may help to counteract the Qi imbalance in the body.
Panax Ginseng
Ginseng - that word probably sounds familiar to you! Both American and Asian Ginseng boasts a myriad of incredible proven health benefits. There are 11 different varieties of the ginseng plant, each yielding an abundance of healthful goodness.
While a lot of ginseng’s scientific benefits remain inconclusive, study after study is backing up its ancient proponents.
Here are a few probable benefits of Panax Ginseng (and other ginsengs):
Reduces inflammation
Improves brain health
Improve erectile dysfunction
Boost the immune system
May fight cancer cells
Quite a powerful root! How do you consume it? It’s safe to be consumed in both its raw or steamed form. One of the most popular ways is to tea it up. Just add hot water and steep it for a few minutes.
Crow Dipper (Pinellia)
There are many names for Pinellia, but one of the most common names is Crow Dipper. Native to Japan and China, it is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Ban Xia. The plant’s tubers are grown and cultivated to be used as medicine. The herb features a beautiful sphere-shaped white or yellow appearance.
Medicinal target? Tubers aim at the spleen, lung, and stomach meridians. Therefore the herb works well for clearing up phlegm in the chest, alleviating stomach problems, and can even be used to treat insect and animal bites.
Word of caution: Crow Dipper is toxic in its raw form and requires processing to transform into a medicine.
Recap
The Ancient Chinese were medicinal masters that cracked the code of herbal medicine. Thanks to their thousands of years of studying holistic well-being, we now get to benefit from their wisdom.
If you’re new to Traditional Chinese Medicine and don’t know exactly which herbs to use, contact Dr. Hilary or Roisin here to book an appointment to get an individualized plan for optimizing your health.
Don’t forget to do your homework and find a reputable herbal company that only puts out natural, science-backed supplements. Check out our partner Dao Labs to find the right Chinese herbal supplement that you need for an area of health that needs improvement. They do an awesome job putting out quality supplements for Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Note: Want to learn about some more epic herbs? Check out our blog here.