For thousands of years, Chinese herbs have been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions. Chinese herbalism contains 50 fundamental herbs, the staples of plant-based medicine. Herbs can have the same side effects and problems as traditional medication so it is important to talk with your doctor before beginning any herbal treatment plan.
Wu Wei Zi
One of the 50 fundamental herbs, wu wei zi is botanically known as Schisandra chinensis. It functions as an astringent, expectorant, sedative and aphrodisiac. You take it to regulate the cardiovascular system and for asthma, insomnia, dry coughs, urinary disorders and involuntary ejaculation. According to Plants for a Future, the fruit contains lignans that protect the liver and is 76 percent effective as a hepatitis treatment.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba has been used in Chinese medicine for dementia, memory boosting, sexual dysfunctions, tinnitus, multiple sclerosis and leg pain from narrow arteries. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, sates that it functions as a memory enhance and is funding research on multiple sclerosis, asthma and insulin resistance using ginkgo as a treatment. Side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset.
Huang Qi
Another of the 50 fundamental herbs, huang qi root stimulates the immune system and lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. Plants for a Future refers to studies with chemotherapy patients and results showing huang qi may help patients recover faster. Western research shows the root of huang qi may stimulate interferon production and boost immune functions in cancer patients.
Dong Quai
Dong quai functions as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and "women's ailments" treatment. You use it for high blood pressure, nerve pain, headache, fatigue and to recover from childbirth. It typically is combined with other herbs. According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, ongoing research on dong quai is to determine its function on angina, arthritis, menstruation issues and kidney disease. Side effects include laxative effects, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bloating and upset stomach.
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