Chinese Herbology
 One of the most well known aspects of traditional Chinese medicine is Chinese herbology. This is the practice of combining different herbs in order to restore balance to the body and relieve the symptoms of many common conditions.
There are a few main focus points in Chinese herbology that differentiate it from other types of herbal medicine. All herbs and symptoms match up with these factors and aid the Chinese medicine doctor in determining which herbs are used in the remedy. These are:
- The Four Natures - the balance between yin and yang is important, and the body cannot be too "hot" or to "cold."
- cold (yin)
- cool
- warm
- hot (yang)
- The Five Tastes - different tastes have different functions.
- pungent
- sweet
- sour
- bitter
- salty
- The Meridians - the parts of the body upon which the herbs act.
For example, menthol is a pungent, cool herb that acts upon the lungs and liver, so it would be used to protect the lungs against the cold or flu that is caused by an invading "heat."
Chinese herbology and other Eastern medicine practices has been used throughout Asia and other parts of the world for more than 2,000 years, and there areveover 300 herbs used. The most common ones are:
- Ginseng
- Mushrooms
- Dang Gui
- Astragalus
- Wolfberry
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Licorice
- Rhubarb
- Much more
If you are considering Chinese herbology to improve or maintain your current level of health, consult with your primary care provider to ensure you are healthy enough for alternative treatments and that there is no chance of a potential reaction due to illness or any medications you may be taking.
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