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Herbal Medicine

Discussion of Huang Qin (Scuttellaria baicalensis)

By Clinical Perspectives , Herbal Medicine

The approach of this article is to examine the uses of Huang Qin as they developed over time from the uses and functions listed in the Shen Nong Ben Cao and implied in the works of Zhang Zhong Jing.  Our method is to discuss each of the functions mentioned above and to explore how these root functions gave rise to branch uses. Lastly, we include a translation of a section of the Huang Qin entry…

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New Perspectives on the Treatment of Male Fertility

By AOM Research, Clinical Perspectives , Herbal Medicine, Internal Medicine

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…

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The Art of Ginseng: Chicken Soups for All Seasons

By Dietary Therapy, Health Preservation, Herbal Medicine

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…

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Using Chinese Herb Liquid Extracts

By Clinical Perspectives , Herbal Medicine

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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Berberis

By Clinical Perspectives , East/West Integration, Herbal Medicine

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…

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Chinese Herbal Medicine and the Novel H1N1 Virus

By Clinical Perspectives , East/West Integration, Herbal Medicine

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…

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