Chinese Herbal Medicine

1
Chinese Herbal Medicine
http//www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/chinesemedicine/
images/021c.jpg
2
History

• Chinese medical practices are influenced by the
  cultural believe that human life is closely
  related to the environment
• During the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Gaozong
  supported a compilation of medicinal substances
  from plants, herbs, vegetables, fruits, and
  minerals based on their medicinal uses
• Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to the
  modern practice of Chinese medicine after reforms
  in 1950.
• Classical Chinese Medicine refers to practices
  and theories with roots from before the fall of
  the Qing Dynasty in 1911.

3
Herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Chinese medicine is holistic
• Herbs are combined in specific combinations
  tailored to the individual patient and ailment
• Usually taken as a liquid decoction
• Liquid medicine is absorbed quickly
• Ingredients can be adjusted to allow specificity
  for changing ailments and conditions

4
Types of Chinese Herbs

• Historical classification includes
• Low level Toxic with extreme effects (coma,
  nausea)
• Middle level Medicinal effects on physiology
  (dizziness, abnormal heartbeat)
• High level Enhancement of health and spirit
• Another form of classification
• The Four Natures (pinyin sìqì ??)
• The Five Tastes (pinyin wuwèi ??)?
• The Meridians (pinyin jingluò ?? )?

5
The Four Natures

• Degree of yin and yang
• Cold
• Cool
• Warm
• Hot
• Ex Hot herbs are used for illnesses that come
  from internal coldness
• Also applies to food

6
The Five Tastes

• Pungent
• Generate sweat, direct qi and blood
• Sweet
• Harmonize systems, diuretic
• Sour
• Astringent
• Bitter
• Dispels heat, purges bowels
• Salty
• Softens hard masses

7
The Meridians

• Effect/action on organs
• Ex Menthol
• Linked to lungs and the liver
• Purges coldness in lungs

8
Ginseng

• Known use for over 2,000 years in China
• Boosts energy
• Reduces stress
• Increases endurance
• Two forms red and white

9
Wolfberries (Goji berries)?

• Bright berries that are usually used fresh
• Lower blood pressure
• Treat kidneys, liver, eyes, diabetes,
  tuberculosis, anxiety, and insomnia

10
Ginger

• Improves digestion and circulation, ventilates
  the lungs, treats diarrhea
• Can be used to treat colds and nausea

11
Peony

• Root helps with blood-related diseases
• Expands blood vessels
• Improve blood flow
• Promotes circulation

12
Licorice

• Used to treat sore throats, muscle spasms, and
  hepatitis
• Used to treat hyperthyroidism and heart diseases
  when baked in honey
• Often added to mixtures to slow digestion of
  medicine