Thursday, January 17, 2008

Herbal Medicine Chinese

The Chinese have been treating illnesses and disease with herbs as far back as the 3rd century BC; the same tradition is widely used today. Herbal medicine is based on the theory of Yin and Yang where everything has an equal, for example for good there is bad, light there is dark. This theory correlates to the body in that elements in the body are out of harmony and body may lack vitality.

What illnesses or Ailments can Chinese Herbs be used for?

There are a multitude of ailments and illness for which Chinese herbs may be used, the length of treatment will depend entirely on the person and the stage or severity of there illness.

The beauty of Chinese medicine is that it can be used on people of any age and with adjustments for the amount consumed it can be used for children and even pregnant women. The herbs are available to be taken in many different ways but the most commonly used method is boiling dried herbs to make a tea for drinking.
The Herbs
Alfalfa has been commonly used by the Chinese as a treatment for kidney stones and to aid the relief of swelling and fluid retention, alfalfa is also well known for its cleansing merits and will aid the digestive, glandular and systems.

Angelica Root can help with problems due to respiratory disease and also problems with the digestive system.

Bilberry is beneficial for the eyes particularly for eyestrain and glaucoma; it is also used in the treatment of thinning the blood.

Black Walnut hulls hold a substance which helps to rid the body of parasites and is also commonly used in the treatment of ringworm and other skin problems.

Burdock is a natural aid in the cleansing and detoxification of the body it is particularly useful for those suffering skin ailments and is used to help bring relief to joints. Burdock can also be used to treat respiratory infections.

Catnip is an excellent remedy for the nervous system with its calming properties; it is also used in treatment of the digestive system. It is also thought to help relieve symptoms of colds and flu.

Chamomile is perhaps best known in the tea form it will relieve symptoms relating to the stomach and nervous system and also will help relieve menstrual discomfort.

Comfrey is thought to be one of natures greatest all round healers; it is excellent for strengthening the respiratory system.

Dandelion is one of the herbs used in medicine that everyone has heard of and is commonly used purifying the blood, it also used for problems occurring with the circulatory system.

Echinacea is said to boost the nervous system and is also useful in the treatment of respiratory infections.

Garlic is another well known treatment used to help maintain a healthy blood pressure and boost the body’s ability to resist illness. It is also mother natures antibiotic.

Ginseng naturally boosts the immune and circulatory systems.

Hops are a natural remedy for insomnia and will also give a boost to the nervous system. It is also considered to help in the aid of relaxation.

Licorice is known for it’s powerful expectorant properties and as such aids the respiratory system. It also is similar to cortisone and helps the body cope with stress.

Peppermint holds the ability to calm nerves and also the stomach.

Safflower is used to aid the respiratory system and is particularly useful in assisting easier removal of phlegm.

Thyme holds powerful antiseptic properties and is also used as an all round general tonic and particularly useful for anaemia and bronchial ailments.

White Oak is said to aid in the strengthening of injured areas of the body and has powerful astringent properties it will also soothe a sore throat.

Yellow Dock Root is particularly noted for its high content of iron and so will help in purifying the blood; it will also help with gallbladder and liver problems.