Restorative Chinese Herbs

Restorative Chinese Herbs
Photo Credit Chinese tea with mint image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com

Chinese herbs have been used for centuries for their vast medicinal properties. Many have been known to promote overall health and improve a number of sicknesses, injuries, and chronic conditions. Even life expectancy is believed to increase with regular usage of Chinese herbs. Several of the substances are also famous for their particular restorative properties.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba comes from one of the most ancient types of trees in China. The herb can be useful in reversing memory loss, treating depression, and aiding the elderly against disorientation and vertigo, according to the Natural Herbs Guide website. Ginko's strong antioxidant power also may protect against mental deterioration as bodies age. Ginkgo Biloba has also been proven to soothe leg cramps.

Chinese Ginseng

Ginseng has quickly become one of the most popular Chinese herbs in modern times. According to the Mayo Clinic website, the herb works as a great immune system booster, even improving the effect of antibiotics in those suffering from acute bronchitis. Antioxidant effects in ginseng may also aid in fighting heart disorders such as heart disease and may improve red and white cell counts. The Mayo Clinic reports that some studies have also found that ginseng can fight the onset of certain cancers.

Thunder God Vine

Thunder God Vine, another traditional Chinese herb, is used to treat a variety of conditions, particularly autoimmune diseases, according to The National Center for Alternative and Complementary website. It is is primarily known for its power to improve the immune system, but also works to treat illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus. Thunder God Vine, also called lei gong teng, has also been shown to have anti-cancer effects.

Astragalus

Chinese astragalus has thousands of plant species, but two primary types have been linked to improving health. Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus were used for hundreds of years in China before becoming popular in the U.S. in the 1980's. Conditions treated with the two types of Astragalus: chronic hepatitis, the common cold, and respiratory infections. The herb has also been used in conjunction with other healing herbs as a therapy for cancer, and is known to enhance and support the immune system.

References

Article reviewed by Veronique Von Tufts Last updated on: May 13, 2010

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