The Chinese have been using herbs to help maintain health and to fend off illness for centuries. With such a long and successful history, it is easy to see why so many people still follow the practices of Chinese herbal medicine today.
Taking a Look at Chinese Herbal Medicine History :-
The Chinese herbal medicine history is a long and interesting one. According to tradition, the first herbalist in Chinese herbal medicine was Shennong, who is a mythical personage. According to lore, Shennong tasted hundreds of different herbs and then shared his knowledge of which were poisonous and which were medicinal to farmers. The first Chinese herbal medicine manual was created sometime in the 1st century and contained a list of 365 different medicines, 252 of which were herbs.
Early Chinese herbal medicine publications limited specific recipes for certain ailments. Updated versions of these manuals continue to be published, all of which contain detailed information about various herbs.
Classifying Herbs within Chinese Herbal Medicine
Within the realm of Chinese herbal medicine, there are three major categories in which every herb falls. These are:
The Four Natures – based upon the concept of yin and yang and involves treating illnesses with an herb with the opposite property
The Five Tastes – based on the five tastes of sweet, pungent, bitter, sour and salty, with each taste having a different effect on the body
The Meridians - based upon the organs that the herbs are used to act upon
Understanding the uses of herbs within Chinese herbal medicine depends upon understanding different aspects of the herbs and thoughts about the herbs in a method that is different from modern medicine. With Chinese herbal medicine, a great deal of emphasis is placed on those characteristics that can be easily identified. With the five taste method, for example, taste is the only method used to determine the herb’s use. Those that are sweet are used to vitalize the blood and to bring harmony to the body. Those that are sour, on the other hand, are astringent and bitter herbs are used to help purge the bowels.
Although Chinese herbal medicine is measured to be an alternative form of medical treatment, some modern day medicines have been resulting from the herbs that have long had a place in Chinese herbal medicine history. Furthermore, millions of people have experienced success with the help of Chinese herbal medicine techniques, which means it will still be around for several years to come.
A look at Chinese herbal medicine history and some of the basic theories upon which Chinese herbal medicine has been built.
Ralph King has been contributing to leading magazines for the past 10 years. He’s also an accredited researcher on the subject for leading research institutes in the US.
Showing posts with label herbal medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbal medicine. Show all posts
Saturday, September 27, 2008
What are herbal medicines?
Safety should always come first this is especially true when you are buying medication, whether conventional drugs or an alternative herbal medicine. Read on for some important reminders to keep in mind when you shop for supplements.
What are herbal medicines?
The popularity of alternative herbal medicine is NOT rooted on the fact that they cost less than the drug medications. Most people prefer it because it comes from botanical sources, and is therefore considered natural. But you should also be wary of natural products because certain herbs may be toxic once it reacts to other substances present inside the body.
Basic tips
Here are just some of the basic considerations to keep inmind before you buy alternative herbal medicine:
1. SIDE EFFECTS.
The basic concern for anyone who will be using alternative medicine is the doable side effects that studies have already shown. For instance, ginseng has been found to cause side effects ranging from milder ones like headaches to more serious ones like vaginal bleeding and high or low blood pressure. Diarrhea seems to be the most common side effect in favourite alternative herbal medicine like chondroitin sulfate, echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and glucosamine. Ephedra, which used to be very known in its ability to heal, can cause stroke, heart attack, seizures, and uneven heartbeats.
2. APPROPRIATENESS.
An important thing to remember when deciding to use alternative herbal medicine is the ailment you wish to address. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) said that you should consult a doctor when using herbs to treat: thyroid problems, stroke, cancer, blood clotting, liver problems, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, enlarged prostrate gland, psychiatric problems, epilepsy, heart disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, and immune system problems.
As alternative herbal medicine act like drugs by reacting on other substances present in the system, the AAFP also recommended that caution should be exercised in the use of both herbs and drug medications to the following sickness: psychiatric concerns, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, seizure, blood clotting, and blood pressure.
3. MANUFACTURER REPUTATION.
Bear in mind that dietary supplements like alternative herbal medicine are not regulated by the U. S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). This means that these products are not subject to government testing before they can be offered to consumers (unlike other drug medications). Thus, it is very important to buy from a company that you trust, such as pharmaceutical GMP-compliant manufacturers. These manufacturers have passed very strict standards, so you can be sure that their products are of high quality.
What are herbal medicines?
The popularity of alternative herbal medicine is NOT rooted on the fact that they cost less than the drug medications. Most people prefer it because it comes from botanical sources, and is therefore considered natural. But you should also be wary of natural products because certain herbs may be toxic once it reacts to other substances present inside the body.
Basic tips
Here are just some of the basic considerations to keep inmind before you buy alternative herbal medicine:
1. SIDE EFFECTS.
The basic concern for anyone who will be using alternative medicine is the doable side effects that studies have already shown. For instance, ginseng has been found to cause side effects ranging from milder ones like headaches to more serious ones like vaginal bleeding and high or low blood pressure. Diarrhea seems to be the most common side effect in favourite alternative herbal medicine like chondroitin sulfate, echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and glucosamine. Ephedra, which used to be very known in its ability to heal, can cause stroke, heart attack, seizures, and uneven heartbeats.
2. APPROPRIATENESS.
An important thing to remember when deciding to use alternative herbal medicine is the ailment you wish to address. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) said that you should consult a doctor when using herbs to treat: thyroid problems, stroke, cancer, blood clotting, liver problems, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, enlarged prostrate gland, psychiatric problems, epilepsy, heart disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, and immune system problems.
As alternative herbal medicine act like drugs by reacting on other substances present in the system, the AAFP also recommended that caution should be exercised in the use of both herbs and drug medications to the following sickness: psychiatric concerns, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, seizure, blood clotting, and blood pressure.
3. MANUFACTURER REPUTATION.
Bear in mind that dietary supplements like alternative herbal medicine are not regulated by the U. S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). This means that these products are not subject to government testing before they can be offered to consumers (unlike other drug medications). Thus, it is very important to buy from a company that you trust, such as pharmaceutical GMP-compliant manufacturers. These manufacturers have passed very strict standards, so you can be sure that their products are of high quality.
Friday, September 26, 2008
HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbs are often used for medicines and medical related purposes. They are admired because they offer relief, they are cheaper than over the counter and prescription drugs, and they don't have dangerous side effects. Those who use herbal medicine believe they have amazing healing powers. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of health care known. It has been used by all cultures throughout history. Over 4 billion people around the world use herbal medicine on a regular basis.
If you are taking recommendation drugs it is important to check with your doctor before switching to herbal medicine. You should also consult your doctor if you are preparation to take herbal medicine in conjunction with a instruction medication as the herbal medicine can render the prescription medication ineffective. Herbal medicine is also referred to as alternative medicine.
Herbal medicine is used for many ailments including treating heart disease, high blood pressure, pain, asthma, and many other problems.
Most herbal medicines are secure. However, you must be careful. For example the herb ephedrine was very popular for effective weight loss. However, it has been known to cause heart problems and resulted in death in some cases.
The Foxglove has been used since 1975 for patients with heart problems. It helps circulate the blood so the heart doesn't have to work as hard. St. John's Wart is another very popular herb used for medicine. It is effective for treating depression without the side effects most prescription drugs including Prozac come with The Natural Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine conducts its own tests and experiments with herbs as medicine. They provide unbiased information based on the results of these tests and experiments. This is a great place to get quality information about any herbs you are considering using for medical reasons.
The use of herbal medicine has been around since the beginning of time.
If you are taking recommendation drugs it is important to check with your doctor before switching to herbal medicine. You should also consult your doctor if you are preparation to take herbal medicine in conjunction with a instruction medication as the herbal medicine can render the prescription medication ineffective. Herbal medicine is also referred to as alternative medicine.
Herbal medicine is used for many ailments including treating heart disease, high blood pressure, pain, asthma, and many other problems.
Most herbal medicines are secure. However, you must be careful. For example the herb ephedrine was very popular for effective weight loss. However, it has been known to cause heart problems and resulted in death in some cases.
The Foxglove has been used since 1975 for patients with heart problems. It helps circulate the blood so the heart doesn't have to work as hard. St. John's Wart is another very popular herb used for medicine. It is effective for treating depression without the side effects most prescription drugs including Prozac come with The Natural Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine conducts its own tests and experiments with herbs as medicine. They provide unbiased information based on the results of these tests and experiments. This is a great place to get quality information about any herbs you are considering using for medical reasons.
The use of herbal medicine has been around since the beginning of time.
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