Chinese herbs, the herbal medicines prescribed by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine , are a cocktail of herbs (and occasionally a single herb) based on the needs of an individual patient. Used to target a specific illness or condition, Chinese herbs are usually taken twice an hour and typically include the roots, stems, flowers and leaves of plants but also may incorporate animal and mineral ingredients. Chinese herbs are usually taken as a tea, but they also may be given in capsule or tablet form.
History
Early literature suggests Chinese herbs were used as early as the first century. The first known pharmacological manual is Shennong Emperor's Classic of Materia Medica. Later, the tome Yaoxing Lun expounded upon the list of 252 herbal medicines. But it is the Compendium of Materia Medica, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, that has had a particularly profound effect on the world of Chinese medicine, so much so that it is heavily referenced today.
Types
Practitioners of Chinese medicine generally classify traditional Chinese herbs in the following way: The Five Tastes (salty, pungent, butter, sour and sweet, each of which has its own characteristics and functions;: The Four Natures (which rely on degrees of ying and yang, cool to hot); and the meridians (which refer to the parts of the body the herb affects).
Effects
Chinese herbs are used to treat virtually all types of illnesses and diseases, from digestive ailments and psychological problems to digestive issues, immune system disorders, pain, allergies and addiction. Chinese herbs can be used by people of all ages, including children and pregnant women. Traditional medicine has a longstanding history of use; adverse reactions to Chinese medicines are uncommon.
How To Get Them
While Chinese herbs are considered relatively safe and readily can be purchased from herb stores and online, it's a good idea to see a certified herbalist---especially initially---to ensure the safety and specificity of Chinese herbs. Prescribed herbs, obtained from a qualified practitioner, are tailored to an individual, making them more effective than premixed herbs.
Warnings
Using precaution is especially important in the case of pregnant women, children and the elderly. In the case of pregnant women, using the wrong Chinese herbs or too high of a dosage could lead to miscarriage.
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