Acupuncture and herbal medicine are two forms of traditional Chinese medicine that are often administered together. While acupuncture treats energy flow blockages along the body's meridians, Chinese herbs are used to pinpoint particular conditions and work in tandem with improved energy flow to treat both physical and mental illnesses. There are hundreds of herbs used in different preparations and formulations.
Gingko
Gingko is used in herbal medicine in conjunction with acupuncture to treat memory problems and disorders of the circulatory system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies have shown that it may be effective in treating dementia and intermittent claudication, or poor circulation in the legs. Because gingko treats circulatory disorders by dilating the blood vessels and making blood platelets less sticky, people taking blood-clotting medications should consult a physician before using gingko.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is used in herbal medicine to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia because it is thought to elevate mood, promote calmness and feelings of well-being. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is some controversy surrounding the use of kava kava because it may cause liver damage. However, there is some question as to whether kava kava on its own causes liver damage or whether the damage is caused by kava kava being used with other herbs at the same time. While some countries have taken it off the market, it is still available in the United States, although it comes with a warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the risk of liver damage associated with products containing the herb.
Saw Palmetto
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than 2 million men in the United States take saw palmetto to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, and its symptoms which include frequent urination and trouble beginning and maintaining urination. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies show that saw palmetto is effective in treating the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia; however a "well-conducted study" published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" showed that saw palmetto was no more effective than a placebo.
Reishi
Reishi has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Its Chinese name means "herb of spiritual potency", and it is often used to regulate qi, or energy flow, in the body and to treat conditions that result from qi blockages, including fatigue and insomnia. Reishi's active ingredients include sterols, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, coumarin and mannitol. According to Acupuncture Today, reishi also contains ganoderic acids, which may help lower blood pressure and levels of bad cholesterol--LDL--in the blood. Reishi also contains triterpernoids, which have been shown to reduce the stickiness of blood platelets lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease.
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