Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is an herb-based approach to healing. It is closely associated with the Tao philosophies of the East, which has led to some TCM pharmacies using names such as "East Tao." In China, TCM herbal remedies receive mainstream attention, as in the H1N1 virus outbreak of 2009. The Chinese Health Department formally announced in May 2009 that some herbs more effectively treat the virus than anti-viral medication. Always discuss herbal remedies with your doctor, and do not stop taking prescription medications without her advice.
Chai Hu
Chai Hu was among the many herbs cited in the May 2009 announcement by the Chinese Health Department. According to those officials, Chai hu primarily treats respiratory symptoms associated with influenza illness, including cough and nasal congestion, sore throat and fever. According to the East Tao Herb Pharmacy, Chai Hu is primarily composed of roots from the bupleurum plant, which is native to East Asia. Chai Hu is sometimes just one part of a complex herbal blend that contains other herbs, such as Bai Shao Yao, or white peony, Zhi Ke, or bitter orange peel, and Chuan Lian Zi or chinaberry. The East Tao Herb Pharmacy further notes that Chai Hu may also treat depression, bloating and stomach pain.
Gan Cao
Gan Cao, or licorice root, is an East Tao herb. Like Chai Hu, it is reported to relieve respiratory symptoms such as those associated with influenza. It is often combined with Chai Hu in herbal blends that may also treat liver function.
Golden Rose
Golden Rose is an East Tao Chinese herbal blend that consists of 14 ingredients. Among these are sophora root, phellodendron, astragalus root, sanguisorba and black cohosh. This remedy may treat vaginitis and related symptoms.
Zi Cao
Some Chinese herbs may be appropriate for topical ailments, such as skin irritation, rash or itching. The East Tao herb Zi Cao is one of these, and you can combine it with many other herbs to increase its effectiveness, according to the East Tao Herb Pharmacy. Zi Cao is lithospermum, a weed plant of Europe. A Zi Cao herbal blend adds to this herb 11 other plant compounds, including safflower, dittany, salvia root, Chai Hu and forsythia. Among its primary uses is the medical condition eczema.
Herbs for Digestive Symptoms
The Chinese Health Department listed several herbs in its May 2009 announcement regarding H1N1 remedies. For digestive symptoms, the herbs include apricot seed, rhubarb root, gypsum, cornu rhinoceri and ephedrae.
Member Comments