Cho-Wa tea is an herbal tea blend from Japan that its proponents claim has many health benefits. Most of the claims are not supported by scientific evidence, and there are no viable accounts specifically linking Cho-Wa tea to healing inguinal hernias. Always consult your health care provider before using this or other herbal teas for medicinal purposes.
Definition of Cho-Wa Tea
Although consumed as an herbal tea, Cho-Wa tea is not a single herb but a blend of several plants and mushrooms. It includes shiitake, reishi and maitake mushrooms, lycium and euphoria fruit, as well as the herbs green tea, rhodiola, ginkgo, epimedium, astragalus and licorice. According to the legend behind the tea, it was developed by a Japanese sensei, or master, named Tiger Shogun and was only available to his descendants until recently. It was introduced to Western markets in 2005. Supporters of Cho-Wa tea believe that drinking a cup a day will ward off disease and improve overall quality of life.
Purported Benefits
The many purported health benefits of Cho-Wa tea are borderline miraculous. According to one review, it cures stomach problems, insomnia and joint pain and boosts the immune system. Others claim it may improve mental focus and memory and act as a natural aphrodisiac, metabolism booster and weight-loss aid. While some of the single herbs within this formula have been studied scientifically and have validated health benefits, there are no scientific studies on Cho-Wa tea itself. Most of the evidence supporting its use is purely anecdotal.
Inguinal Hernias
An inguinal hernia is a pocket of soft tissue that protrudes from the intestinal wall into the abdomen. It is usually the result of overexertion, such as with heavy lifting or straining during bowel movements, causing a bulge in a weak point in the intestine. It is more common in overweight men and pregnant women. Inguinal hernias can be painful and will cause discomfort when bending or lifting. They may also rupture, resulting in more serious complications. For this reason, hernias should be treated medically, usually with surgical repair. MayoClinic.com notes that hernia repair is a simple, common procedure. It is unlikely that Cho-Wa tea or any herbal tea can completely heal a hernia.
Warnings
Many unfounded claims have been made about natural formulas with extraordinary healing powers. You should view these with caution. Just because something is natural does not necessarily mean that it is good for you or that it can cure disease. Herbs and other natural remedies do exist that have been found to have healing properties, but many of these are still under investigation. Always check with a health care practitioner before using these, especially to treat a medically diagnosed condition. Natural therapies should be used in conjunction with, and not in place of, conventional medical care.
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