Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a lot of herbs.
Here are some of the popular ones consumed today.
* Ginseng
It’s known as China’s most important qi tonic. There are three primary types of ginseng:
1. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) helps boost energy levels, cools the body and relieves “heatiness”. It improves the appetite and helps in replenishing body fluids.
2. Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) is refuted as being the warmest in the ginseng family. It helps restore energy, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and aids the body to adapt to its environment.
3. Chinese ginseng is known to warm and strengthen the body’s qi. It also works as an energy booster and prevents tiredness.
* Cordeceps
It helps strengthen the qi and regulates the respiratory and kidney systems. This herb helps calm the mind and boost the immune system. Cordeceps is supposed to increase the number of the Natural Killer Cells, which are responsible for the body defense against viruses and bacteria. Some trials show that the fungus works effectively in the leukemia stricken individuals.
CordecepsImproving sexual function in men and increasing libido by stimulating the production of sex hormones. Cordeceps may also be a means for fighting female infertility.
* Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua)
Ju Hua makes for a popular choice in cooling tea. It helps to disperse wind and heat, alleviate colds of feverish conditions. It also helps reduce high blood pressure.
Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua)* Wolfberry (Gou Qi Zi)
It helps nourish the blood and in lowering blood cholesterol levels. The berries are also combined with Ju Hua as a remedy for liver deficiency and as wash for poor eyesight or eyestrain.
Wolfberry (Gou Qi Zi)* Dang Gui or Chinese angelica
It is known as a gynaecological tonic, ideal for deficient blood syndromes that may lead to menstrual irregularities. It invigorates blood circulation and relieves period pains.
Dang Gui or Chinese angelicaSources: Practical Chinese Medicine by Penelope Ody and Eu Yan Sang brochures
