Behavior Modification in Dogs and Cats with Chinese Herbs

Robert J. Silver reminds us that archeological evidence indicates that early hominids observed animals using plants for food and medicines, and emulating their use of these plants was the beginning of the art and science of herbal medicine for humans. Our domestic animals have lost much of their herbal instinctual knowledge. Dr. Silver believes in view of this historical perspective, it is appropriate that we humans give back to them the benefits that we have learned from their ancestors by practicing herbal medicine on animals.  Read more...

 

Modified Opening Through Stasis Decoction

By way of introduction, I’d like to write a bit about women’s physiology and the tubular quality of the Ren vessel and the Bao Tai. Though I have not heard of these pathways written or spoken of as “tubular” per se, thinking of them in this way has helped me to visualize and understand women’s physiology, patho-physiology and the use of herbs in formulas.   Read more...

 

Chinese Medicine and the H1N1 Virus

There is much concern about the possibility of an H1N1 flu pandemic this winter. Though many key clinical and epidemiological questions remain, overall, we know more now than we did in the spring of 2009 about the virus.   Read more...

 

Wu Wei Zi: A Great Herb, A Little Caution

Wu wei zi (schisandra) is one of the most interesting herbs in common use by physicians of Chinese medicine. It would be surprising to find it missing in any Chinese herbal shop. Its listing in the Shennong Bencao Jing as well as in twelve formulas from the Shanghan Zabing Lun (the combined Shanghan Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue), firmly anchors wu wei zi as a stalwart component of the Chinese herbal tradition…  Read more...

 

Clinical Materia Medica: Berberis

Jeremy Ross's new book reveals the unique character of 120 individual herbs and in this selection, he presents details on Berberis. Honoring three traditions, Chinese medicine, Western herbal practice, and modern pharmacological and clinical research, his perspective is essential for current practitioners seeking to bring the long history of herbal wisdom to contemporary clinical situations.  Read more...

 

Bone Broth for Health Building: Nourishing the Liver and Kidneys

Winter is the ideal time for nourishing the Kidneys, and soup is the perfect winter food. Bone broth is prepared in cultures around the world as both a tasty, healthful soup and an easily digested medicinal food. The prolonged cooking of bones in water results in a broth rich in nutritional constituents that promote strength, tonify blood, nourish in times of sickness and rehabilitation, and help to prevent bone and connective tissue disorders.   Read more...

 

Using Chinese Herb Liquid Extracts

Now that many Chinese herbalists are moving away from using raw, bulk herbs when prescribing for their patients, the question often arises as to what other forms of herb administration are available and how they compare  Read more...

 

Planting Herbs for Food

Shan Yao, or Chinese wild yam (Dioscorea opposita, Dioscorea oppoistifolia, Dioscorea batata) is both a nutritious food and a medicinal herb, tonifying the Spleen, Lung and Kidney qi. The dried herb can be bought and used in cooking or in raw herb formulas, but you can also find the fresh tubers in many Asian grocery stores. Better yet, grow the hardy, easily propagated perennial in your garden!  Read more...

 

Chinese Herbs Containing Gluten and Potential Allergens

There are a few herbs containing gluten that may be problematic for patients with food sensitivities. As herbalists, our recommendations are often dependent on the degree to which an individual patient seeks to avoid exposure to a certain food.  Read more...

 

New Perspectives on the Treatment of Male Fertility

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine reports that the male factor is responsible for one-third of fertility problems in this country, and male and female factors together are responsible for another third of fertility problems.  Read more...