Chinese Herbal Medicine
June 4, 2008
Chinese Herbal medicine is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also includes the practice of acupuncture, and Tuina (massage). Herbal medicine has been used in China for centuries and is backed by a long and rich history of development, use and research.
Chinese herbal medicine is unique in that the diagnosis and treatments are based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine. The common cold, for example, may be diagnosed as “wind-cold invasion” and herbs, which dispel wind, and warm cold may be prescribed. Herbs administered within Chinese herbal medicine are usually raw and cooked into a tea, in a powder form and taken with hot water or in a pill form.
While a Western doctor sees a cold as a cold, a CTM practitioner looks at his overall health and well-being. The latter finds out if his patient’s Yin and Yang and his other vital forces are in balance, or if he is deficient in one or the other. In CTM theory, Yin and Yang are the two opposing principles in nature, the former female and negative, the latter male and positive.
Chinese herbal medicine is a health care system that has been around since ancient times. It is also known by the acronym CHM. As the causes of illness that afflict mankind have evolved in time, CHM has also undergone developments continuously. Along with modern medicine, state hospitals in China use herbal medicine for various ailments and diseases.
All forms of diseases can be treated by Chinese herbal medicine. The traditional view in Chinese herbal medical system is to prevent diseases before they occur.
The majority of the world population uses Chinese herbal medicine since ancient times and it still is the most extensively used medical system. In comparison to commonly produced pharmaceutical drugs, Chinese herbal medicine rarely gives an adverse reaction.
Depending upon the disease’s severity the duration of the medication is expanded to get the best results and cure. Allergies, digestive disorders, respiratory conditions pertaining to respiratory tracks, immune system disorders, pain, problems due to psychological disorders, children’s diseases and gynecological problems can be effectively treated using Chinese herbal medicines.
A popular saying about Chinese herbal medicine answered the question “What to Expect from a Doctor of Chinese Medicine” with “Above all else, do no harm”
Among all the medical systems of the world, Chinese herbal medicine is the most highly developed. Over thousands of years, the experience of countless administrators of the system ensured its popularity.
Chinese herbal medicine consists of animal, mineral materials and plant species. They are prescribed in the form of formulae – a combination of herbs – than individually. The combination of herbs enhances the medicinal effects. Combining different herbs also neutralizes unwanted side effects. The formulae in a Chinese herbal medicine consist of herbs of principal, assisting and directional functions, which are combined, with herbs to reduce the side effects and induce the digestion of the principal herb.
Tang (decoctions of the boiled teas), San (milled powders), Pign (pills), Wan (tablets) are some of the methods of ingestion of the Chinese herbal medicines. Poultices, soaks, plasters, washes, ointments and fumigants contain the herb for an effective cure.
Garlic is used as a carminative, aphrodisiac, expectorant, and stimulant. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, hypolipidemic, anticoagulant, hypoproteinemic, hypocholesteremic, antibacterial, antifungal, antihypertensive and hypoglycemic action. It increases prothrombin time and fibrinolytic action.
Garlic or Allium Sativum is a nerve stimulant and revigorating tonic that has been known for its value in cases of sexual weakness.
Tulsi has antioxidant properties, and helps boost the body’s ability to fight off damaging free radicals, which have been linked to disease and aging. It is an adaptogen that helps the body fight the effects of ongoing stress and also balances the mind, nerves and emotions.
It is known to maintain the health of the throat chest and lungs. In fact, it helps protect the entire respiratory tract.
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