When you hear the term Chinese herbal medicine, chances are that you’re thinking about plants. Herbs are plants, right? That’s mostly true, as the vast majority of Chinese herbs are derived from plants. However there are also herbs that come from animal and mineral sources. Some of the most common mineral-based medicinals … [Read more...]
Citrus Fruit: Chinese Herbal Medicine for Digestion
The last time you ate a tangerine, I bet you didn’t give much thought to the peel. Chances are you just peeled the fruit and threw away the peel, right? You may be interested to know that the tangerine peel you tossed out is actually an important herb in the Chinese formulary. Tangerines are a type of common mandarin, … [Read more...]
Treat Asthma, Lung Infections and Digestion with Chinese Herbs
You may be surprised to learn that both walnuts and water chestnuts are herbs in Chinese medicine. It may be surprising because both are commonly eaten foods, but they also have some amazing healing properties. Here are some things to know: Water Chestnuts are actually the corms, or roots, of a grassy water plant. Found … [Read more...]
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Anxiety, Heart Palpitations and Insomnia
When you walk along a beach scattered with sea shells, you may be surprised to find that you’re walking among Chinese herbs! That’s right, a number of shells are included in the Chinese formulary for their healing properties. At first glance, it may seem far-fetched that the cast-off exoskeleton from marine snails, clams … [Read more...]
Tis the Season for Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Cardamom. They are Chinese Herbs Too!
If you’re looking forward to the holidays because of all the good food and drinks, you’re not alone. Many of the recipes that are featured this time of year include spices that are warm and aromatic. This includes nutmeg and cardamom. Nutmeg is one of the ingredients found in pumpkin spice, along with cinnamon, ginger, … [Read more...]
Did you Know that Pepper is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
If you’ve walked through any of Vancouver’s farmers’ markets, especially later in the summer and early fall, you may have been treated to the sight of bushels and baskets of peppers. You can find peppers of all colors and for a wide variety of uses. You can find bulky red, yellow-orange or green bell peppers that are … [Read more...]
Did you know that Turmeric is a Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Many people are familiar with turmeric, a yellow spice that’s used in curries and other Asian dishes. Turmeric has gotten a lot of attention because, in addition to being a spice, scientists have found that it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It’s been used to help people with certain kinds of pain, … [Read more...]
Does the Chinese Herb Ginseng Boost Your Energy?
If you think of the herb ginseng as something you take to give your energy a boost, you’d be right, but only up to a point. While taking ginseng can help your energy in many circumstances, this herb is so much more than a quick pick-me-up. In fact, the biological name for Asian Ginseng is panax ginseng, derived from the … [Read more...]
Amazing Health Benefits of the Chinese Herb Ginger Root
You probably know that ginger is a spice used in Asian cooking or a pickled condiment served with sushi. But did you know that ginger is also a versatile Chinese herb? It’s true! As an herb, ginger comes in a variety of forms and has a number of uses. If you were to go to your grocery store to buy fresh ginger, you’d … [Read more...]
The 6 Things Everyone Should Know About Chinese Herbs
Many people have misconceptions about Chinese herbs. You may equate them with the bottles of gingko tablets for better memory or ginger capsules for an upset stomach found on your grocery store shelf. The reality however, is that Chinese herbal medicine is far more complicated and nuanced than that. In order to become more … [Read more...]
