Traditional Chinese medicine has been using herbs and various other Eastern medical strategies to treat health problems for over two millennium, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Though the herbs often do have health effects, the center says that poor labeling, varying levels of potency and other factors make it unsafe to self treat yourself. If you wish to incorporate traditional Chinese herbs into your lifestyle, consult a medical organization like the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at 866-455-7999, or the Institute of Traditional Medicine at 503-233-4907, to find a qualified practitioner.
Zhi Mu
The underground rhizomes of Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides) are dried, sliced and used to treat various lung, stomach and kidney problems, according to "Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology" by John K. Chen, et al. Chen and his colleagues say past studies of Zhi Mu oral ingestion showed antibiotic effects, as well as lowering of blood glucose levels and the alleviation of various symptoms of rheumatism.
Dang Shen
Chinese practitioners sometimes call Dang Shen (Codonopsis pilosula) a "poor man's ginsensg," according to Purdue University. Daniel Reid, author of "A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs," says this is partially because of the herb's similar appearance to ginseng. It also has the same health effects, albeit weaker. It's typically brewed and consumed for antioxidants and to boost energy for those suffering from fatigue.
Bo He
Bo He, or the common field mint (Mentha haplocalyx), is a relative of peppermint. You can drink it as a warm tea, and Purdue University lists it as a treatment for headaches, throat disorders and the measles.
Ma Huang
Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) dispels cold, reports "Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology." Medical practitioners often mix its dried twigs with other herbs to help soothe sore throats, coughing, wheezing and similar lung disorders, as well as to alleviate body aches and fever.
Go Qi Zi
Go Qi Zi (Lycium chinense), also known as the Chinese wolfberry, is prized for its red-orange berries. The berries are consumed fresh or dried, and Purdue University says it's now common in many American trail mix recipes. Chinese practitioners prescribe the consumption of the berries to help with vision, fatigue and dizziness, according to "A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs." It's also sometimes combined with other herbs as a potent mixture for improving sexual energy.
References
- "A Handbook of Chinese Healing Herbs"; Daniel Reid; 1995
- "Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology"; John Chen, et al.; 2004
- Purdue University: Chinese Medicinal Herbs
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Traditional Chinese Medicine
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