| Most of the herbs mentioned here originated in Asia and China. In traditional chinese medicine they are used to treat 'empty' diseases, to restore 'qi' energy and tonify the organs, having a balancing effect on yin and yang rather than affecting only one. They are thought to strengthen the immune system, improve memory and alertness, enhance sexual performance, promote healing and stimulate the appetite. In the West, the most important Chinese herbs are ginseng, ginkgo, astragalus, shizandra, reishi mushroom, baical scullcap and tea. |
Rebecca Wood
See book keywords and concepts |
 Ayurvedic and traditional chinese medicine have the most sophisticated and time-proven pharmacopoeias in existence.
Reclaiming this wisdom and weaving it in with contemporary knowledge of nutrition enables us—from a biochemical vantage—to select foods that encourage healthful metabolic processes. Here is an overview of how to determine a food's specific medicinal value. (Refer to the bibliography for sources of more detailed information concerning traditional chinese medicine and Ayurveda. |
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 It is not used by traditional chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners as a specific curative agent, but is used to strengthen various organs, glands, and energy systems, so that they can cure disease. In traditional chinese medicine, it is considered effective for relieving fatigue, impotence, and the general effects of aging.
Ginseng is an adaptogen—a compound that helps the body to adapt to physical and psychological stressors. It does this, according to the Western interpretation, by heightening the productivity of the adrenal glands. |
Rebecca Wood
See book keywords and concepts |
| It remains a critical tenet in traditional chinese medicine as well as in Ayurvedic medicine.
While all systems agree that garlic is heating and watermelon cooling, exceptions occur, arising from each one's scope. For example, in traditional chinese medicine the overall effect of radishes is considered cooling. But in Ayurvedic medicine, radishes increase agni, or digestive fire, and are therefore considered warming. Both are correct within context. For consistency, I follow the traditional Chinese medical way of evaluating thermal properties. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
See book keywords and concepts |
 In traditional chinese medicine, elecampane root (Tumuxiang) is indicated for distending pain in the chest, hypo-chondrium and epigastrium, for vomiting and diarrhea, and other conditions [21].
Side effects: The alantolactones irritate the mucous membranes. They are sensitizing and, as moderate allergens, they occasionally bring about contact dermatitis [13—15, among others]. |
| Besides the ginsenosides, it should be noted that the peptidoglycans have hypoglycemic action and that the antiphlogistic effects of the polyacetylenes and some of the polysaccharides may contribute towards the overall effectiveness of a ginseng extract. In traditional chinese medicine (TCM), ginseng root is indicated for physical exhaustion, general weakness with irritability and insomnia in chronic diseases, impotence or frigidity, and other conditions [22]. |
| In the west, it is used almost exclusively in the form semi-purified and standardized extracts.
In traditional chinese medicine, an infusion is prepared at a dosage of 3—6 g dried leaf for asthma.
Phytomedicines: Numerous ginkgo extract products, indicated for treatment of cerebral or peripheral vascular disorders, are available on the market. They are uniformly dosed to contain 40 or 80 mg standardized extract per dose, and the drug-to-extract ratio as well as the extraction solvent is declared on the label. |
| Galangal rhizome is used in traditional chinese medicine to promote digestion and to relieve epigastric pain, vomiting, belching and acid regurgitation [7]. It is also used in Japanese Kampo medicine [8] to alleviate abdominal pain, vomiting, hiccups, and diarrhea [9].
Making the tea: Pour boiling water over 0.5—1 g of finely cut or coarsely powdered dried rhizome. Steep in a covered cup for 5—10 min and then pass through a tea strainer. Drink one cupful, one half-hour before meals. 1 teaspoon = about 2 g.
Tea preparations: None in Europe. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 He was especially intrigued by a group of herbs that were considered "elite" or "kingly" in ancient healing disciplines. In traditional chinese medicine, for example, these herbs were known to increase physical and mental endurance, reduce fatigue, improve resistance to disease, and enhance longevity.
Despite thousands of years of use by inhabitants of China, Korea, Japan, Siberia, Russia, and parts of Europe, these herbs had never been scrutinized in the lab. So in 1948, Dr. Lazarev and his protege, Dr. |
Michael Tierra
See book keywords and concepts |
 Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was even younger in this country, having just been introduced in the West because of the interest of a few Americans. Ayurvedic medicine from India was only beginning to be introduced. Michael had studied all of these, along with Native American herbology from the Karok Indians in Northern California.
Through the study of these various ancient traditional systems of healing, Michael discovered the importance of a theoretical foundation for the application of natural medicines. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Since then, 1 have been a clinical practitioner and devoted lifetime student of traditional chinese medicine.
Many of my Western herbalist colleagues, knowing that I had learned a great deal about Western herbs and Native American plants in my early studies, have asked me why I have focused so much of my attention on an ethnic healing system that is so culturally distant from my own and relies on plants and other materials from animals and minerals from distant shores. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Traditional Western herbalists and practitioners of traditional chinese medicine consider the dried root of this plant a blood purifier. Some research shows that it stimulates the flow of bile, one of the key digestive substances the liver produces. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500supplements for cervical Dysplasia
Often, women with cervical dysplasia are deficient in several nutrients. If you are at risk, check whether you're getting enough of the following daily nutrients, or consult your doctor about fashioning a supplement regimen.
þ Vitamin A (5,000 to 10,000 IU)
þ Riboflavin (1. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Two examples are Traditional Chinese Medicine's use of licorice root to "harmonize" formulas and Ayurveda's combining of three fruits (triphala) to create a balanced tonic effect. In fact, because each of the individual tonic fruits in triphala work a bit more on Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, this is an excellent example of a well-constructed formula.
The areas of antagonism, additivity, synergy, and dosage are exciting ones for the future of herbal medicine. |
| Our discussion of traditional chinese medicine (TCM) will explore some of the concepts regarding causative factors, which are clinically very useful and are simple enough to begin to apply right away.
• Our discussion of Western medicine will examine blood testing, a practice of great value in understanding your health.
• Our discussion of Ayurveda will show you how these ancient truths are still relevant and valuable to modern medicine. I will go out on a limb here and reveal some evidence that may shock you into seeing the world in a different light. |
Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| High-quality ginseng is very prized among practitioners of traditional chinese medicine. A Chinese emperor once paid the equivalent of thirty thousand dollars for one particularly well-developed root. In recent years, roots have sold for up to ten thousand dollars in America. Though it's ridiculous to pay this much for ginseng, these high prices illustrate the herb's allure.
Ginseng became a major commodity in Europe in the late 1600s, after the King of Siam gave a gift of ginseng to Louis XIV. In America, ginseng was a popular medicinal tonic as early as the mid-1700s. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
See book keywords and concepts |
| A controlled clinical trial of patients with persistent tinnitus compared Western medicine (WM) with traditional chinese medicine (TCM). Control subjects received a prescribed oral WM (Valium, nicotinic acid, vitamin B, Lidocaine, etc.), and WM-TCM patients received the same medication along with TCM herbs. The effectiveness of the WM treatments significantly increased with concomitant TCM treatment (Yang DJ, 1989). |
Michael Tierra
See book keywords and concepts |
| Contact them for a list of schools of traditional chinese medicine (TCM).
347
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
601 Valley Street, suite 105
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 298-0126
Referral line: (206) 298-0125
Fax: (206) 298-0129
The AANP is the unifying professional association for naturopathic medicine.
American Botanical Council Mark Blumenthal P.O. Box 201660 Austin, TX 78720-1660 Phone: (512) 331-8868 Fax: (512) 331-1924
Publishes HerbalGram in association with the Herb Research Foundation, as an educational project. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| The codification of the knowledge and wisdom of traditional chinese medicine (TCM) evolved from the socialist and naturalist philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism as a tempering reaction to a prolonged period of feudal strife called the Warring States (481-221 b.c.).
There are several philosophies that are central to the practice of TCM. The philosophy of yin-yang dates back to somewhere between 1000 and 700 b.c. and represents opposite but complementary forces that exist throughout the universe. |
Michael Tierra
See book keywords and concepts |
| One possible error in their use, both in traditional chinese medicine and by many in the West, is to boil or cook. It has been demonstrated that the active constituents of these plants are better extracted in a cool-water infusion. Soak the loquat leaves, apricot seeds, or wild cherry bark overnight in cool water. The active ingredients leach out and will yield an almondlike scent and flavor, which is the amygda-lin. This can then be lightly warmed or mixed with honey or brown-sugar syrup. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| I believe, like Chinese people and others around the world, that traditional chinese medicine, especially acupuncture and Chinese herbalism, is a treasured gift from the ancient world that comes to us at a time when such practical wisdom is so desperately needed. Beyond obvious cultural differences, traditional Chinese herbal medicine is not so unlike the ancient traditional medicine of the West represented by the Greco-Roman teachings of Hippocrites and Galen. |
| In recent years, they have subjected its theories, along with the various plants, minerals, and animal parts used in traditional chinese medicine, to scientific scrutiny and research. As a result, the world is coming to acknowledge that there is a genuine pharmacological scientific basis to the efficacy long claimed for most of these traditional herbs, as well as for the other substances traditionally used. Further, these approaches and treatments, in most cases, offer a safer and more inexpensive alternative to what is currently the trend in contemporary medicine. |
| Beyond this, it should serve as a useful guide to the appropriate treatment and use of Chinese herbs and formulas for many common diseases and conditions and as a reference for the increasing numbers of Westerners who are undergoing treatment by traditional chinese medicine doctors and practitioners.
THE WAY OF
CHINESE HERBS
ONE
9
A PHILOSOPHY OF BEING
YIN AND YANG: Ql, BLOOD, AND ESSENCE
Legend describes how Emperor Shen Nung (3494 B.C.), the "divine farmer" revered as the founder of agriculture, out of his compassion for the sick set forth to discover the healing properties of plants. |
Michael Tierra
See book keywords and concepts |
| In traditional chinese medicine theory, the toxins of the blood are considered excess "heat," and toxin-producing infections are called hot diseases. The site of the body most responsible for the purity of blood is the small intestine, which must separate useful nutrients from the totality of substances ingested. Secondary organs affecting blood purity include the liver, kidney and colon.
There are several ways to purify the blood:
1. directly neutralize acids with the strong alkalinizing effect of some herbs (e.g., dandelion and slippery elm);
2. |
| Apricot seed (KU XING REN) Prunus armeniaca Family: Rosaceae Part Used: Kernel
Energy and Taste: Mild energy with sweet taste Systems Affected: Lungs, large intestines Properties: Expectorant, Demulcent, Lung nutritive Dose: 3-5 grams
Notes: The apricot kernel, while highly regarded as an anti-cancer source of laetrile, seems to be used only as a nutritive tonic for the lungs in traditional chinese medicine. It is not recognized for any of its purported anti-carcinogenic characteristics. |
| In traditional chinese medicine (TCM), barley is used to drain dampness, meaning it has mild diuretic properties. Dampness is one of the symptomatic issues of arthritic conditions and cancer. Coix, a type of
*The pH of blood is 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. The body must maintain this balance; any slight variation higher or lower can result in severe sickness and death. Brown rice has a pH similar to that of blood—around 7.4 to 7.5—which is why it is considered the most balanced food. barley, is used for a variety of cancers, but especially cancer of the breast, larynx, uterus, and stomach. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| In America today, the training of a traditional chinese medicine (TCM) doctor in most schools lasts 3 or 4 years. Presumably, that will increase in years to come. In China, however, the training is in both Western and traditional medicine and takes at least 8 years. So what makes up the extensive training of a TCM doctor in China? A good part of it involves the study of materia medica and classical formulas, but most important are the infinite subtleties of traditional diagnosis. Without a sound diagnosis, treatment will be hit-or-miss. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
See book keywords and concepts |
 The latter forms are most likely to be available from practitioners of traditional chinese medicine (TCM). You should not use the tincture for diabetes control, since this form does not lower blood-sugar levels. For people with diabetes, it is likely that long-term results will be better if bitter melon is combined with the herb gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre). If you are taking insulin or medication to reduce blood sugar, bitter melon might amplify the effect, and you may need to reduce your dose of medication. |
J. E. Williams, O.M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 The most promising work with Chinese herbs and HCV is by Qingcai Zhang who was trained as a medical doctor in China and who now practices traditional chinese medicine and acupuncture, along with extensive clinical Due tO tk high incidence oj Viral'hepatitis research, in New York City. Dr. Zhang's work
B in China, traditionaf Chinese medicine ™th AIDS and HCV Patients over a Period of
..... . . |
Paul Pitchford
See book keywords and concepts |
 Soy oil has the disadvantage of being difficult to digest and is regarded as slightly toxic by traditional chinese medicine.
5. For general use in cooking, the unrefined monounsaturated oils generally are more healthful than the polyunsaturated oils. They are also recommended above saturated ones such as clarified butter or coconut oil, for individuals who have too much stored fat and cholesterol—most of those who eat substantial amounts of animal products. People in this group include some ovo-lacto-vegetarians.
6. |
| When the stomach is distressed, traditional chinese medicine teaches that its normally descending energy tends to "ascend," with signs of belching, vomiting, or heartburn; salt can help to reverse this condition, although too much salt can worsen it. The best use of salt is in combination with food near the beginning of a meal; its application as an after-dinner digestive aid is a special use. Legumes are best eaten before grains, not only because of their higher protein content but because they are generally prepared with more salt to aid in their palatability and digestion.
Rule 3. |
Email this page to a friend
