Ancient Chinese medicine used many herbal remedies to treat medical ailments. These remedies were passed down through generations, and eventually Western medicine began clinically testing these herbs to define what they could and could not treat. Before starting any type of medicine, herbal or traditional, check with your doctor. Although Chinese medicine has been right on many occasions, there are times where it misses the mark.
Lotus
Lotus has been used in Asia for bleeding disorders and for gastrointestinal issues. The ailment treated depends on the part of the plant used. Leaves are for diarrhea, flowers for cramps, fruit for agitation, seed for lowering cholesterol and stamens for urinary frequency. According to Wellness.com, side effects include gas, gastrointestinal irritation and constipation. If you have stomach swelling and constipation, you should not take it.
San Qi
The first recorded uses of san qi are shown from the sixteenth century in Chinese herbal medicine. It functions as an analgesic, antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory. It is used for wounds, bruises, nose bleeds, angina, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease, according to Plants for a Future.
Danshen
In traditional Chinese medicine danshen is used for heart and blood vessel conditions. In Western medicine it was looked at in the 1980s as a stroke or coronary artery disease treatment, and in the 2010s it is looked at for aiding liver disease. Clinical trials, according to Medline Plus (a service of the National Institutes of Health), have focused on animal studies and more human trials are needed. Side effects include risk of bleeding, itching, lowered appetite and stomach discomfort.
Dong Quai
Known as Chinese angelica, dong quai has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It was used historically for women's ailments. According to Medline Plus, clinical trials are testing dong quai for its effectiveness as an angina remedy and for arthritis, painful menstruation or lack of menstruation and for kidney disease. Side effects include risk of bleeding, sun sensitivity and increased blood glucose levels. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, burping, bloating and loss of appetite.
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