Herbal Medicine Articles Archive
During pregnancy, the focus is often on supporting the health of
the mother as it directly affects the growth and development of the
fetus. But in traditional Chinese medicine, maintaining a woman's
health is also highly emphasized in the postpartum period and the
care a woman receives postpartum often sets the scene for her state
of health far into the future.
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These days, chicken soup has exploded far beyond its historic
confines of folk medicine and Grandma’s version of natural healing.
Entire genres of self-help books promote themselves as supplying
chicken soup-quality wisdom for virtually any topic of modern
life….. chicken soups made with Chinese herbs are arguably the
most delicious illustrations of Chinese medicine’s venerable
tradition of “nourishing life” (yang sheng). Arguably the epitome
of this tradition is the simple but classic ginseng chicken soup,
which provides a delicate flavor and a wonderful boost for both
mind and body.
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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.
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If we think of the Ren vessel/Bao Tai, as a tubular pathway extending from the upper body (Heart and chest) to the womb, physiologically, this tube provides the route for the Heart fire to descend to warm the womb and for the Kidney water to ascend to control, moisten and cool the Heart. This pathway allows the communication and interaction of fire and water between the upper Jiao and womb. We can also see that what travels within this tube is the interaction of fire and water, which is the red blood.
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Historically, Chinese herbal medicine has been very effective against viral infections, even new strains. A handful of Chinese herbs have been shown to have strong neuraminidase inhibitory effects, most notably, ku shen/sophora root and ban lan gen/isatis root . For these substances to be effective, it is important that they are administered at the right phase, with consideration to the patient’s pattern and in conjunction with other herbs in an appropriately matched formula.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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Liquid extracts or granules? 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. There are many factors to consider including potency, patient compliance, convenience, taste, product availability and shelf life. Practitioners that use granules/powders seem to be pleased with the results they get with their patients, but so do those using liquid extracts.
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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!
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