What about Chinese Herbs?

What is Chinese Medicine? 

Chinese herbology is one of the oldest systems of herbal medicine in the whole world. The popularity of Chinese medicine comes from the fact that it has been and is being used to fight diseases, alleviate pain and help re-establish the body’s natural balance and normal functions. As a thriving alternative system of healing, Chinese herbs have no side-effects and are often more effective than mainstream medicines.

Chinese herbs consist of plant and animal substances that are mixed in particular dosages to treat disorders. The herbs are mixed and matched according to their medicinal properties and other characteristics to produce a medicine that is potent and effective. Each herb has its own set of medicinal qualities that are either enhanced or reduced when used in combination with others.

Are Chinese Herbs Different to Normal Herbs? 

Are Chinese herbs different from the everyday herbs we know? Not exactly. The advantage of Chinese herbology is that it is a much researched and a well developed science. Since this stream of medicine is still rigorously followed in China, the system is continually evolving and developing. But there are many herbal traditions practiced in a number of ancient cultures. For instance, Ayurveda is another form of alternative healing system that is almost completely dependent on the power of herbs for treating symptoms. The Native American herbology and the Unani system of herbal medicine are some other examples.

Classifying Herbs 

Most of these traditional systems make use of medicinal properties of the herbs that are easily found in that terrain and geographical location. Various systems of herbology classify the herbs in a different manner. For instance, Western herbology classifies herbs according to their therapeutic properties. In Chinese herbology, herbs are classified according to their taste and their energies. Japanese herbal systems are quite similar to the Chinese. Ayurveda classifies herbs according to their doshas or humours.

Colors are used to nourish the heart. In Western medicine, Hawthorne flower and berry are considered to be excellent cardiac tonics and astringents. The only difference in the system is that the approach of the various forms of treatment may vary.

Every system of healing has an underlying principle. This is what makes it unique. While the herbs used are the same, every system recognizes one or two particular use of the herb and combines it with other herbs to enhance that particular use.

Origins of Herbal Medicine 

Some believe that all systems of natural herbal healing originated from one place – India, in the form of Ayurveda. This system then extended throughout the world and adapted itself to the changing mores, cultures, values and availability. While some systems changed drastically, others remain almost unchanged.

All herbal healing systems, whether it is Chinese, Indian or Irish depend on one basic entity – energy. This energy may be called ‘Yin/Yang’ or ‘Qi’ or ‘Prana’. The basic action of the herbs is to restore the body to its natural and inherent balance. Herbs thus aid the body by enhancing its healing capabilities.

If we were to explore the herbs used in Chinese medicine, we would find that certain herbs like the Ginseng and Alfalfa are found both in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in western medicinal practices. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs with a bitter taste and a fiery red.