One Chinese herb that you probably don’t want to have growing in your garden is Ban Xia. It’s also called pinellia or Crow Dipper. It’s not particularly attractive, and it has a really bad spreading habit, in which this small plant can take over your garden or back yard. Ban Xia actually looks a lot like the Jack in the … [Read more...]
Is Astragalus Too Good to Be True? Unveiling the Facts Behind the Ancient Herb
One of the most useful herbs in the Chinese formulary is called astragalus. The Chinese name for astragalus is Huang Qi, which means yellow Qi (life energy), because this herb comes from the root of this plant, which is yellow. It is also a great herb for supporting your body’s Qi (general energy). There are many types of … [Read more...]
Harmless or a Sign of Something Serious? Decoding Heart Palpitations
The sensation of missed heartbeats, called heart palpitations, can be unsettling and scary. If you’re like most people, heart palpitations may leave you wondering if you’re about to have a heart attack or doubting your health. These skipped heartbeats can cause different sensations, such as the feeling that your heart is … [Read more...]
Unlocking the Power of Chai Hu: A Natural Remedy for a Wide Range of Conditions
Chai Hu is one of the most versatile herbs in the Chinese formulary. As a result, it is also one of the most common ingredients in Chinese herbal formulas. Chai Hu goes by a number of different names, including bupleurum, hare’s ear, thoroughwax, thorow wax, and sickle hare’s ear. Chai Hu originated in central China and … [Read more...]
Weeds with Health Benefits: Dandelion
If you live someplace with a yard, the spread of dandelions in your lawn may be a source of frustration and hours of weed pulling. However, if weed control isn’t a part of your life, you may find large expanses of green grass dotted with yellow dandelion flowers a beautiful sight. Dandelions are one of the most common weeds … [Read more...]
Did You Know That Mint Has Healing Properties?
Mint can be found everywhere! It’s used to flavor chewing gum, to pair with chocolate in your favorite candy and as the main flavor in candy canes. Small candies used to freshen your breath are actually called mints. And mint chocolate chip ice cream is one of the most popular flavors of ice cream, behind the staples of … [Read more...]
Mushrooms: Chinese Herbal Medicine for your Immune System
The damp weather around Vancouver makes it a friendly climate for all kinds of edible mushrooms, including morels, porcini, Pacific Golden Chanterelles, slippery Jacks and Chicken of the Woods. If you come across mushrooms while you’re out in the woods, chances are that you don’t think of them as medicine. Warning, wild … [Read more...]
