Chinese herbs and powders have been in use for 5,000 years, and they are increasingly available in the West. Many have been studied and validated for their effectiveness, especially by scientists in China. However, some of this research does not meet modern scientific standards, according to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Check with your doctor before using Chinese herbs and powders.
History
The tradition of using Chinese herbs and powders began with the legendary emperor Shen Nung Shi in 3000 B.C., according to the website ChinaCulture.org. Shen Nong Shi is said to have personally sampled hundreds of herbs. He then passed along his knowledge to the Chinese people. In the 16th century, herbalist Li Shih-Chen compiled a book with 10,000 herbal prescriptions. Some Chinese herbalists still use the book today. Since the opening of China to the West in 1972, Chinese herbs and powders have spread to all corners of the globe.
Theory
Chinese herbs and powders, unlike Western remedies, are aimed at restoring balance and allowing the patient's life energy to flow freely. A balance is sought between "yin" and "yang," opposing forces found in nature. Chinese herbal remedies treat the patient, not the disease. One patient with a migraine headache might receive a different remedy than another person with the same complaint. Herbal practitioners take the pulse, look at the tongue, observe parts of the body, and sometimes ask seemingly unrelated questions to identify the factors in the body that are unbalanced.
Properties
Chinese herbalists believe that herbs and powders have four basic properties. According to the Alternative Medicine Foundation, they are "nature," "taste," "affinity" and "primary action." "Nature" is the temperature quality of the herb, such as warm or cool. The "taste" of the herb is classified as sour, bitter, sweet, salty or spicy. Different tastes are used to address certain symptoms. "Affinity" refers to the affinity between an organ network and the herb. "Primary action" refers to the herb's ability to move, restrain, expel, or strengthen. Chinese herbs are rarely used as single entities. It is more common to combine them.
Preparation
Chinese herbs and powders are traditionally prepared by an herb preparer who follows a prescription customized for the patient by an experienced herbalist. Herb preparers grind, chop, slice and even cook the herbs according to the prescription's instructions. The preparation doesn't end there, according to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The patient is usually instructed to add water to the herbs and powders at home, boil the concoction in a ceramic pot for several hours, pour off excess liquid, add water again, and repeat the sequence two more times. The patient may be instructed to add other herbs toward the end of the process or boil certain herbs for a longer time.
Warnings
Some herbs and powders used in traditional Chinese medicine are toxic, according to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Some traditional Chinese herbal remedies utilize poisonous ingredients such as arsenic, mercury and coltsfoot, an herb that can damage the liver. Other ingredients used in Chinese herbs and powders can be dangerous in large quantities or in combination with other herbs or pharmaceuticals. Check with a qualified health practitioner before using Chinese herbs and powders.
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