Herb samples from categories of Chinese Herbs Tonifying Herbs: Herbs that Tonify the Yin (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Chinese herbs have been approved as a remedy for almost every sort of ailment and disease. Apart from that, the best remedy with the least side effects is the herbal treatment. It is naturally effective and over the years Chinese herbs have proved to be a great medication.
Cancer has always been regarded as a common problem and as several diseases in the Chinese medical literature. It is one of the most growing diseases among people nowadays. The cure for cancer is carried out in four steps. In the first step, the process of cancer is stagnated. The selection of herbs is also based on the area where a tumour has developed. Antitoxic herbs are given to reduce the toxicity level of the medication and chemotherapy. In the second stage, the immune system is strengthened through herbs.
Since the body is already weak with cancer-curing medicines so these herbs help in the digestion process of the medication and help strengthen the immune system. The last process involves taking herbs that help in avoiding the reoccurrence of cancer. These herbs affect the root cause and help the patient in leading a healthy tumour free life.
Chinese herbs are so complex and numerous in types that an experienced herbologist should be consulted before use. The ingredients of the herbs of anti-breast cancer medicine are Oldenlandia (20 %), Taraxacum (20 %), Scutellaria (20 %), Aurantium (20 %), Curcuma (20 %), for stomach cancer the herbs are oldenlandia (40 %) and Imperata (30 %) or use Scutellaria (15%) and Imperata (15%), for liver cancer its oldenlandia (30 %), Scutellaria (30 %), phragmites (10 %), Peonae alba (30 %). Chinese herbs provide a cure for stomach, ovary, lung, liver, and Esophageal and Colon cancer. In short Chinese herbs provide a great long lasting cure for cancer.
The Pen ts'ao, 1249 C.E. Printed with woodblock, this illustrated book discusses Chinese herbal medicine.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In Chinese medicine, everything has a place and a structure in order to help with healing. All of these are natural approaches to bringing holistic health in an individual. One of the concepts that Chinese medicine uses in relation to this is herbal remedies. By combining a variety of elements, there is the ability for the herbs to help in healing everything.
The basis behind herbal remedies is to combine a series of herbs in order to bring about the desired effect. Usually, there will be a formula of four herbs used in combination with each other. This is done in order to treat secondary illnesses that may have been affected by the primary illness. It also helps to balance and strengthen the body while it is healing.
When Chinese medicine begins to divide the various herbal remedies, they will do so by a hierarchy. At the top of this hierarchy is the emperor herb. This will be used to cure the major illness that is taking place. Underneath this is the ‘ministers’ of the herbal remedy. This is used to treat any secondary illnesses that are taking place. After this, herbal ‘assistants’ will be used to support the other two herbs. The last set of herbs will be the messenger herbs, which will tell the primary and secondary herbs where to go and how much of an effect to take on the body.
The herbal remedies that are placed together after this will be divided by the specific symptoms that are being seen. Like all other parts of Chinese medicine, these will first be found through the five elements and how they relate to the body. For example, some herbs will be spicy in order to relate to areas of the body that need this extra element to begin a better flow of Qi.
The last part of herbal medicine from ancient Chinese remedies is to determine the type of energy that is needed by a person. This is found by diagnosis and examining the Qi that is in a person. After this, a specific mixture of these four hierarchies will be mixed together in order to help change the energy flow that is in someone.
By examining the Qi and finding respective remedies through herbs, one is able to find the best solutions using a holistic method. This allows one to benefit from the use of Chinese medicine and herbs in order to fight off an illness or a block of energy in their system.
An Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Rishikesh. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
What is Ayurveda and Its Importance?
Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means 'the science of life'. ayur means "life" and veda means "science. India system which largely depends on plant support to form major Chunk of its medicine. Most of the herbs, spices, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian homes where 'home remedies' are popular. Even certain family members in some family are adept at curing even intricate disorders by simple and cost-effective formulations which, at times, have shown marvelous and astounding results.
All over the world today we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete, that is not merely some curious form of folk healing but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer, for it has many thousand-year-old clinical traditions and a comprehensive natural method of treatment ranging from diet, herbs, and massage.
With Ayurveda, we learn the right diet for our individual type, how to improve our immune system, the keys to right use of sexual energy and rejuvenation, and a conscious way of life that can lift us to a new level of awareness in all our endeavors.
Without such natural wisdom as Ayurveda, we may find ourselves not only unhealthy but unhappy and spiritually confused.
Ayurveda Principles and Theory
Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves round imbalance and vitiation of three humors (Doshas).
Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements which underline all living systems. these elements are constantly changing and interacting and can be simplified into three Vitiations (Doshas). When these doshas remain under harmony and balance, the health of body does not get disturbed but, when their balance gets disturbed, a diseased state sets in.
The three doshas are vata (Wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) and due to predominance of the one dosha, a person's personality is determined that is ' Vata-Prakriti', 'Pitta- Prakriti' or 'Kapha Prakriti'
Vata formed from ether and air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance.
Pitta formed from fire and water, governs "all heat, metabolism, and transformation in the mind and body
Kapha formed from earth and water, cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure
Each person has an individual blend of the three doshas, with one or sometimes two doshas predominating.
Common Herbs used in Ayurvedic Medicines
Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) - The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any naturally occurring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens the heart, normalizes cholesterol, prevents cancer, builds up and sustain defense mechanism, improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body.
Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than an orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625mg - 1814mg per 100gms. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and hemoglobin. A research team discovered that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminum and nickel.
Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera)- Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well-known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility.
Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The strong anti-stress actions increase memory and learning capabilities. It has also found to be useful in Rheumatic and Arthritic disorders like pain, swelling etc
Summing up, it is a strong Aphrodisiac and has Immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and anti-stress properties which clearly shows why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic.
Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) - It is a cardiac tonic of high quality. Terminalia arjuna, is known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart ailments since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain, and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and possibly hypercholesterolemia.
"Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy." Result of Clinical Research Conducted.
Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart seem to be the primary benefits of Terminalia Arjuna.
Brahmi (Bacopa, Gotu Kola) - Brahmi is known as "the food for the brain". Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It promotes a calm, clear mind, and improves mental function.
Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus and for an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety.
As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion, and Attention Deficit Disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain Brahmi, as do many of the long life promoting compounds.
Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu, Guggul, Commiphora Mukul) - Modern Research shows that it is the prime Ayurvedic herb for treating obesity and high cholesterol. Studies show that Guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids and that it also protects against cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu was seen to lower body weight in these clinical studies.
Guggulu also as anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pains.
Karela (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Momordica Charantia) - At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar lowering actions in bitter Mellon. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes.
It could probably reduce the patient's intake of antidiabetic drugs. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins which are thought to repress the AIDS virus.
Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica) - Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier, good for all skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is as effective on an external application as through internal indigestion.
In Ayurveda, it has been safely used for over five thousand years and is a good immunity booster to prevent colds, fevers, infections and various skin diseases.
Shilajit (Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum) - Shilajit is one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. it is an aphrodisiac, anti-aging herb and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems.
The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize he regenerating effects. It is also used to treat impotence and infertility. it is well known that Shilajit would return the libido of people to a level of teenagers.
There is a folk saying by the indigenous people who live in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong as a rock. It is an adaptogen, (Rasayna), that helps to combat immune disorders, urinary tract disorders, nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction.
Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata, Salai Guggul) - Modern Research indicates that the Boswellia herb may assist in treating joint mobility, pain, and maybe a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract in knee osteoarthritis.
Boswellia has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders and best for treating Back Pain, Knee Pain, Joint Pain, and Arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) - Triphala has got the properties of three famous nutrients: amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that it is milder in action and more balanced than any of the three alone.
It has cleansing and detoxifying action. Used regularly it is good for gentle, slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humors with continued use.
As a daily supplement Triphala is hard to beat; that' s why in India they say "even if your mother leaves you, everything will be fine if you have Triphala"
Tulsi (Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum) - Its very name Holy Basil certifies to its sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshipped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu’s house.
Holy basil is also a major ingredient of many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it is a good stress reliever, and modern research has found it to be good for Respiratory problems, Cold, Fever and all types of a Cough.
Many diseases or medical conditions that erupt in our life are mainly because of the unhealthy diet and high consumption of saturated foods. Pre-menstrual syndromes have also found their inception because of this very change in our nutrition.
The premenstrual syndrome is defined as faulty function of the ovaries related to the women's menstrual cycle. It affects the physical and emotional state of the women. It sometime interferes with the daily activities as well due to hormonal fluctuation in the body. The emergence of syndrome takes place approximately two weeks before which then decays as the periods start.
The resulting pain and disturbances can be relieved with the usage of Chinese herbal medicines. As being effective in many other cases, these herbs have also proved their worth in this aspect of medicine as well.
The herb named Ba Ji Tian or Morinda root is very effective with respect to the problems associated with reproductive, urinary and menstrual disorders like this very syndrome in women. Primarily, water retention is the main problem associated with women in PMS which occurs due to deficiency of potassium. But morinda root contains high concentration of potassium which is essential for balancing the salt level in the body. Besides, it also regulates the fluid in our bodily tissues and improves the lymphatic functions.
Furthermore, it also contains Linoleic acid and Flavone glycosides. The former helps in converting essential fatty acids in to GLA thus resulting in lesser production of PGE2 and reducing the uterus pain and cramps whereas the latter improves the muscles of the large intestine in moving the stool thereby reducing the risk of constipation as well. The Morinda root contains carotene, vitamin A and C which are very essential for nourishing the immune system for fighting against the irregular cell growth in case of tumours, cancer and endometriosis. They also guard against infections and inflammations including the women reproductive system.
Various diseases exist throughout the world which do not have a specific cure procedures or definite medications. Rather many alternative therapies are used to lower the effect of the symptoms and relieve the pain resulting from them. Chinese herbs are one of the many herbal medicines that are used for the similar procedure.
Over the years the use of these herbs has increased to treat Psoriasis and nourish up a healthy heart. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that results in thickening of the skin along with redness and scaling as well. In this condition, the cells in the outer layer multiply very rapidly, causing the thickness of the skin. Furthermore they stick to one another more strongly and for longer period than the normal cells do thus resulting in the scaling of the skin. The redness and scaling of the skin depends upon the part of the skin involved.
The Chinese herbs help the patients by reducing the symptoms of the disease which encourages them to continue the medication course. The diagnosis outline of the herbs which is carried out by a professional doctor, also known as “Heat in the Blood”, is focused on the redness of the skin. The doctor first determines the main pathology of the said condition so that the diagnosis and treatment are in order and the side-effects can be avoided as much as possible.
Moreover, the doctor observes the features of the scales and patches as the patients are treated individually and the condition of the disease varies between being mild or severe amongst a group of affected ones. Though the herbs are easily available with description on web, it is recommended to consult a good doctor to ensure
maximum treatment rather than using them on your own.
Besides, in case of healthy heart, the laboratory tests carried out in many countries indicate that the herbal formulas used in Chinese medications help in the large production of nitric oxide which generates relaxation in our blood vessels. This consequence allows the blood to flow more easily through the entire circulatory system. Also nitric oxide helps prevent blood clots and plaque from clogging the arteries whilst also keeping the blood pressure in check and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
