Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was developed over 3,000 years ago and it is still used today as a holistic approach to healing and health. TCM goes beyond just treating symptoms, and into the heart of the matter while balancing the natural energy through the body’s natural pathways. While diet, cupping, acupuncture, tui na, and gua sha are all staples, herbs are mainstream of TCM. By a combination of several herbs, formulas are created to match a patient’s individual health, symptoms, needs, and can be taken orally as teas, tinctures, or capsules.
A sample of the most fundamental herbs include:
Agastache Rugosa (huòxiāng): Used to relieve the exterior from an invasion of cold and dampness, harmonize the middle warmer, and transform dampness obstructing the stomach and spleen. It may be used to ease abdominal bloating and pain, loss of appetite, morning sickness, and vomiting.
Ardisia Japonica (zǐjīn niú): Used to expels phlegm, invigorate the blood, and clear some infections. It may be used as a cough suppressant, alleviate bruising, regulate menstrual flow, and elevate jaundice and difficulty urinating.
Astragalus Membranaceus (huángqí): Used to rebalance and replenish qi of stomach and spleen as well as nourishing and toning the qi and blood. It may be used as an anti-inflammatory, immune stimulant, to improve kidney function, cardiac health, and blood sugar levels.
Camellia Sinensis (chá shù): Used to move the qi down if it’s stuck and cools internal heat. It may be used to aid fatigue and constipation, fight hunger, improve longevity, clear skin fungus, and clear phlegm.
If you’re interested in learning more about how TCM uses herbs, and how they could help you, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.