It is a common practitioner’s dilemma: many women show up in our clinics for fertility support, but getting male partners to come for treatment can be a challenge. 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…
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…
While the various types of ginseng have key differences in terms of their nature and medicinal action, they share significant common ground. Overall, ginseng is regarded as an “adaptogen”; it consistently demonstrates a wide range of health benefits across a wide variety of parameters, and is well known for its enhancement of immune function, mental concentration, and exercise capacity. According…
In the process of fermentation, starches and sugars in vegetables and fruits are converted into lactic acid, which is a natural preservative because it inhibits the bacteria that cause foods to rot and putrefy. Lactic acid producing bacteria, or lactobacilli, produce enzymes that enhance digestion, increase vitamin levels, and promote…
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…
Berberis is classified as cold and bitter, but meridians entered were not listed can clear Damp Heat and Heat Toxin, and can be used for hematuria, jaundice, sore throat, red eyes, and diarrhea. It can clear ‘latent heat syndromes’ (Retained Pathogen manifesting with Heat) such as tenesmus due to dysentery,..pharyngolaryngitis, jaundice, and cough due to pathogenic heat in the lungs…
During the SARS outbreak in 2003, Chinese herbs were used to treat infected patients and protect the health care professionals from contracting the virusii. There is much that we can do as Chinese herbal medicine practitioners to help our patients before, during, and after infection. But before a discussion of treatment options, it is essential that we all understand the virus itself and the current epidemiological information…
From special foods, to particular flowers and lucky numbers, the traditional Chinese new year celebration includes a myriad of auspicious symbols for longevity, prosperity, fertility, and all manner of good fortune. Whether hosting a new years party or attending a celebration, you may want to keep these in mind as you offer good wishes for the year ahead…
Starting in the 1970s, there was a reawakening of interest in herbal medicine. This coincided with the counterculture, back-to-the-earth movements and a rejection by some Americans of industrialized medicine… Since that time there has been a growing awareness of many of the dangers of pharmaceutical drugs and the increasing expense of modern medicine.
The Chinese zodiac sign of the Dog is, at its heart, a symbol of intelligence and protection. Strength of character, education, morality, social life, and caring for family and friends are all fundamental issues that we would all do well to attend to and improve upon during this pivotal period. Dogs are good friends, and loyal to those close to them. And dogs can be good communicators, but they need to learn patience and careful listening skills in order to be successful – qualities that we could all use, and this is a year to give them priority…
Like the major aspects of the Monkey personality, the Year of the Monkey is traditionally associated with a spirit of risk-taking, creativity, and dynamic innovation. Monkeys are extremely curious and thirsty for knowledge and have an exceptional memory for retaining all they learn. One of the Monkey’s gifts is agility in problem solving, usually by applying unconventional solutions to old problems. The Monkey often takes risks and succeeds, accomplishing a great deal…
Each lunar year calls us to express the most positive characteristics of the animal of that year, and to be watchful not to embody the less conscious qualities that can arise. In the Sheep year we would do well to slow down, and take time to be aware and responsive of the need that we see around us, in our families, our communities, and the world. We can choose patience and generosity, and let ourselves be guided by our intuition and innate kindness…
