Herbs are a major component of traditional Chinese medicine. The TCMpage website reports that traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, has a history of 2,000 to 3,000 years and that "in TCM, the understanding of the human body is based on the holistic understanding of the universe as described in Daoism, and the treatment of illness is based primarily on the diagnosis and differentiation of syndromes."
Cinnamon, ginger and ginseng are among the most common cheap Chinese herbs used in traditional remedies. Scientific research on these herbs is limited. Consult your physician before taking an herbal supplement.
Cinnamon
Herbalists prepare the twigs and bark of the cinnamon tree for use in traditional remedies. Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D, representing the Institute for Traditional Medicine, says that "cinnamon twig is used when the peripheral circulation is poor and cinnamon bark is used when the entire body is cold." The Holistic Online website reports analgesic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of cinnamon and includes treating bronchitis, headaches and indigestion among the uses of the herb. Due to a lack of scientific evidence, the specific health benefits of cinnamon can not be concluded. Discuss cinnamon with your doctor, especially people with bleeding disorders.
Ginger
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners use the rhizome of the ginger plant for its medicinal value. According to Dharmananda, "this herb is highly spicy and is said to benefit digestion, neutralize poisons in food, ventilate the lungs and warm the circulation to the limbs." The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that many digestive, antinausea and cold and flu dietary supplements sold in the United States contain ginger as an ingredient. Although there are few side effects linked to ginger when it is taken in small doses, discuss ginger supplements with your doctor. More research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of ginger for health-related conditions.
Ginseng
Ginseng root is a common herbal supplement in traditional Asian medicine. "The root has long been cherished as a disease-preventive and a life preserver," claims Dharmananda, adding, "it calms the spirit, nourishes the viscera and helps one gain wisdom." The modern uses of ginger in Asian medicine include normalizing blood pressure, regulating blood sugar, resisting fatigue, increasing oxygen utilization and enhancing immune function. The risks of excessive use of ginseng include nervousness and a hormonal imbalance in women, indicates Dharmananda. Consult your health-care provider before using a ginseng supplement, especially people with high blood pressure and pregnant or lactating women.
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