Ingredients of Herbal Medicines Revealed
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Talk about natural medicines, and the odds are good that consumers will
automatically be thinking about Chinese herbs. Talk about prescription
medications, and consumers associate hard to pronounce names that hold
little – if any – meaning to average people who do not happen to have a
doctorate in chemistry or associated fields. Sadly, the disconnect between
consumers and prescription drugs has led to a dangerous focus on alternative
medicines which has spawned a whole host of purveyors of allegedly healthy
supplements that contain substances which are either banned or heavily
regulated by the Food and Drug Administration – unbeknownst to the consumer.
medicines and it is considered the herbal answer to chemical psychotropic
drugs. The fruit is harvested and dried, and then it is carefully ground into a
very fine powder which may be placed in capsules for use as a dietary
supplement or it may be used to fill teabags to be drunk as needed. Jujube is
associated with fostering a sense of relaxation, as a sleep aide, and also as a
way to relieve anxiety brought on by stress.
What is it about jujube that might have these functions? Based on our modern
knowledge, there is probably no actual effect on toxicity of herbs, but only the
action of making the decoction seem less drastic in taste, basically by adding
sugar. Similarly, the “harmonizing effect” may actually refer to moderating the
taste in decoctions, so that they could be better tolerated, rather than
suggesting some other integration of the herbal actions. It is possible that the
powerful taste of the strong decoctions—when taken without jujube—
overpowered some individuals, making them react promptly—not just to any
toxicity (which might be there because of the ingredients used) but also
because of the nauseating flavor.
2. While there is no cure for the common cold even in Chinese medicine,
the Chinese bellflower is thought to be the kind of plant that will soothe coughs
brought on by colds. Made from the root of this beautiful plant, the use in teas
is most common.
As roots are frequently used in Chinese medicine, it is not surprising that this
part of the plant known as Dang Shen, sometimes also referred to as poor
man's ginseng, is another ingredient many practitioners will not do without. It is
thought to lower the blood pressure while at the same time increasing the
blood count with respect to white and also red blood cells, and therefore being
of vital importance to a healthy immune system.
3. Ginger root, quite possibly one of the plants most familiar to
Westerners, is well known for its ability to calm a stomach. Generally herbal
practitioners will suggest it to women in the early months of pregnancy to
counteract morning sickness, yet Western medicine is urging caution with
respect to this supplement and while it stops short of suggesting not to eat
ginger, it does strongly suggest that no supplements be taken.
4. Constipation and dry mouth may be counteracted by using the root of
Mondo grass which may be found in many areas in China. Some have
suggested that it is the fact that root is ingested with sufficient water that will
relieve these symptoms and that the true culprit is actually dehydration rather
than the medicinal properties of the root, but those who firmly believe in
exploring the ingredients of natural medicines argue against this assertion by
pointing out that even well hydrated individuals using the root were able to
overcome either constipation or dry mouth until the root was ingested.
5. Schisandra fruit is commonly used berry in Chinese medicine. Shade
loving and easy to find, these berries have an interesting flavor property: at
the same time, they taste sweet and salty, sour and bitter. This mix is
considered to be of vital importance in the improvement of digestive health but
also liver protection. Look for it under the moniker of Wu Wei Zi but stay away
from it if you suffer from peptic ulcers or are subject to epileptic seizures.
Furthermore, pregnant women are strongly cautioned to stay away from these
berries in any incarnation.
Keep in mind that taking even natural medicines as opposed to prescription
drugs and over the counter pills is a practice sometimes fraught with danger,
and you will be wise to educate yourself on the substances contained in the
natural medicines prior to taking them!
======================================================
automatically be thinking about Chinese herbs. Talk about prescription
medications, and consumers associate hard to pronounce names that hold
little – if any – meaning to average people who do not happen to have a
doctorate in chemistry or associated fields. Sadly, the disconnect between
consumers and prescription drugs has led to a dangerous focus on alternative
medicines which has spawned a whole host of purveyors of allegedly healthy
supplements that contain substances which are either banned or heavily
regulated by the Food and Drug Administration – unbeknownst to the consumer.
Fortunately those who are
ready to begin exploring the
ingredients of natural
medicines do not have to
look further than either a
certified alternative health
practitioner or even the
Internet to get in depth
information on how the
ingredient is derived, what
its healing properties are,
and also what cautions, if
any, must be taken when
ingesting these substances.
Here is a listing of the four
most commonly found
ingredients in natural
medicines of Chinese origin:
medicines and it is considered the herbal answer to chemical psychotropic
drugs. The fruit is harvested and dried, and then it is carefully ground into a
very fine powder which may be placed in capsules for use as a dietary
supplement or it may be used to fill teabags to be drunk as needed. Jujube is
associated with fostering a sense of relaxation, as a sleep aide, and also as a
way to relieve anxiety brought on by stress.
What is it about jujube that might have these functions? Based on our modern
knowledge, there is probably no actual effect on toxicity of herbs, but only the
action of making the decoction seem less drastic in taste, basically by adding
sugar. Similarly, the “harmonizing effect” may actually refer to moderating the
taste in decoctions, so that they could be better tolerated, rather than
suggesting some other integration of the herbal actions. It is possible that the
powerful taste of the strong decoctions—when taken without jujube—
overpowered some individuals, making them react promptly—not just to any
toxicity (which might be there because of the ingredients used) but also
because of the nauseating flavor.
2. While there is no cure for the common cold even in Chinese medicine,
the Chinese bellflower is thought to be the kind of plant that will soothe coughs
brought on by colds. Made from the root of this beautiful plant, the use in teas
is most common.
As roots are frequently used in Chinese medicine, it is not surprising that this
part of the plant known as Dang Shen, sometimes also referred to as poor
man's ginseng, is another ingredient many practitioners will not do without. It is
thought to lower the blood pressure while at the same time increasing the
blood count with respect to white and also red blood cells, and therefore being
of vital importance to a healthy immune system.
3. Ginger root, quite possibly one of the plants most familiar to
Westerners, is well known for its ability to calm a stomach. Generally herbal
practitioners will suggest it to women in the early months of pregnancy to
counteract morning sickness, yet Western medicine is urging caution with
respect to this supplement and while it stops short of suggesting not to eat
ginger, it does strongly suggest that no supplements be taken.
4. Constipation and dry mouth may be counteracted by using the root of
Mondo grass which may be found in many areas in China. Some have
suggested that it is the fact that root is ingested with sufficient water that will
relieve these symptoms and that the true culprit is actually dehydration rather
than the medicinal properties of the root, but those who firmly believe in
exploring the ingredients of natural medicines argue against this assertion by
pointing out that even well hydrated individuals using the root were able to
overcome either constipation or dry mouth until the root was ingested.
5. Schisandra fruit is commonly used berry in Chinese medicine. Shade
loving and easy to find, these berries have an interesting flavor property: at
the same time, they taste sweet and salty, sour and bitter. This mix is
considered to be of vital importance in the improvement of digestive health but
also liver protection. Look for it under the moniker of Wu Wei Zi but stay away
from it if you suffer from peptic ulcers or are subject to epileptic seizures.
Furthermore, pregnant women are strongly cautioned to stay away from these
berries in any incarnation.
Keep in mind that taking even natural medicines as opposed to prescription
drugs and over the counter pills is a practice sometimes fraught with danger,
and you will be wise to educate yourself on the substances contained in the
natural medicines prior to taking them!
======================================================
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