Chinese herbs and remedies

Chinese remedies consist of a wide variety of thousands of wild flowers and herbs.These herbs were combined into complicated recipes and formulas for a large variety of medications.Every region of China had it's own set of local herbal remedies and secrets, which did not spread outside it's borders.Until recently Chinese herbs were unknown to the rest of the world, and though many are very effective medications, others are poisonous and risky to take without medical advice.According to Chinese clinical studies, these herbal formulas that have been perfected over the centuries, can greatly increase the effectiveness of modern drug treatments, reduce their side-effects, and sometimes replace them completely.

Coptis- A bitter underground stem usually combined with other bitter-tasting herbs such as phellodendron, scutellaria and gardenia. -This herb was highly valued as a hard duty anti-microbial herb with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for treating gastrointestinal problems, gall bladder inflammation, abdominal cramping, and to control excessive bleeding.In addition, the roots have been used in preparations to relieve high fevers, sore throats, used externally for canker sores, pinkeye, swollen gums, and skin eruptions.Since coptis is such a bitter tasting herb, it was often used to make pills or tablets.

Raspberry - leaves were used interchangeably with blackberry by the Ancient Chinese to stem diarrhea.

Alangium - A species of flowering plant commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs - It was used to relieve rheumatic conditions and relieve pain in the lower back and knees. Also used o treat numbness and bone injuries, where a paste of the plant roots is applied to the area around dislocated bones to help them setting.

Dong quai - it was used to regulate the menstrual cycle and to treat menopausal symptoms caused by the hormonal changes.
- The effect of the herb in treating menstrual cramps is explained by the compounds that help relax the muscle tissue and relieves pain. Dong Quai also stimulates the central nervous system, which can remedy menstrual weakness and headaches.  The use of this herb was mostly found in tea, herbal preparations, capsules and extracts.

Ginseng - Most Chinese medicine herbs are used to strengthen the body, Ginseng which was used for well over 2000 years to help boost energy, reduce stress and increase endurance.

Licorice - used to treat coughs and colds, since powdered licorice root is an effective expectorant. - This sweet herb was combined with a formula of other herbs and taken as a tea.

Motherwort - one of the Ancient Chinese herbal remedies thought to extend life. Modern studies suggest that is possible as it has been shown to strengthen heart functioning & reduce hypertension. This bitter Chinese healing herb was taken as a tea.

Cardamom- It was primarily used to alleviate stomach aches, particularly to help soothe indigestion and excess abdominal gas.
It was also used as an antidote for both snake and scorpion venom bite.

Wolfberry - The leaves are traditionally used to improve complexion, remove heat, remove toxins and preventing scar formation
Modern studies show that indeed phenolic amides isolated from wolfberry root bark have inhibitory activity in vitro against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The most popular Chinese formula that is considered to be herbs for eyes is the combination of Wolfberry, chrysanthemum, and rehmannia. The wolfberry herb was considered to be the primary vision tonic in Chinese herbalism and its tiny red, sweet berry shaped like an eye, its fruit is said to be rich in vitamin C and riboflavin. Modern studies show that this herb contains very high beta carotene that is known to nourish and rejuvenate the eyes.