Chinese medicines are predominantly herbs, although lots of animal parts and
mineral form a part of them. Broadly speaking, traditional Chinese medical considers all our daily food and medical products, such as herbal plants, deer velvet and chemical drugs as medicines.
There is a saying in Chinese medicines that the medicinal substances and food share the resources.
Each nation has its own traditional medicine in history, but no other nation’s traditional medicines can parallel the Chinese in its systematic medical theory, number of medicines being used, the ways the process, the experience and knowledge regarding their actions, indications, cautions and contraindications, compatibilities and incompatibilities and incompatibilities with daily food, interactions and counteractions among natural medicines and modern western drugs. Also more modern scientific research on traditional Chinese medicines has been done than other traditional medicines worldwide.
More than 5,767 kinds of natural medicines have been applied in Chinese medicine, including about 4,773 kinds of plants, 740 kinds of animals, 82 kinds of minerals and 172 others, about 500 kinds of medicines are most commonly used among them. The majority of Chinese medicines are native in China, there are a few medicines which originate in places such as southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Russia and the Americas.
Chinese medicines have been used for treatment and prevention of diseases for over 5,000 years. Generally they could help to
treat most common health problems and maintain general well-being. For virus infections, like cold and flu and most gynaecological problems.
Commonly Used Herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbs play a vital role in balancing the body’s energy, promoting health, and treating ailments. Each herb has its own unique properties, such as nature, taste, and meridian associations, which determine its therapeutic effects. Below is an overview of some commonly used herbs in TCM, their benefits, and how they can support well-being.
Jasmine
Nature: Warm
Taste: Spicy and sweet
Meridians: Liver, spleen, stomach
Functions: Regulates qi and harmonizes energy, helps alleviate depression, and detoxifies the body.
Rose
Nature: Warm
Taste: Sweet with a slightly bitter note
Meridians: Liver, spleen
Functions: Promotes energy flow, relieves depression, improves blood circulation, and alleviates pain.
Peppermint
Nature: Cool
Taste: Spicy (Pungent)
Meridians: Lung, liver
Functions: Disperses wind-heat, clears head heat, soothes sore throats, alleviates rashes, soothes the liver, and helps with depression.
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