Treatment with herbs and food forms the basis of Chinese medicine. Eastern herbal medicine has a much stronger effect than the methods of using herbs in medicine known in Europe. How can we use this ancient knowledge?
The border betweenherbal medicineand the diet in eastern medicine is fluid. The effect of natural medicines and foods on the body is similar, only the strength of the impact differs. Therefore, it is believed that a properly selected diet is of fundamental importance for our he alth. However, while we can - with sufficient knowledge - determine the he althy composition of meals ourselves, drugs imported from the East should be used only under strict medical supervision.
Herbs: the basis of Chinese medicine
In the East, herbal medicines include not only plants (including spices), but also substances of mineral and animal origin (e.g. powdered pearls, snake skin). Most of the drugs of eastern origin are much more powerful than the popular European "herbs". Therefore, to use them safely, you need a lot of knowledge and experience.
Knowledge about herbs, which is the basis ofChinese medicine , was summed up in the 2nd century in a book known as the "Kanon Materia Medica", which is a kind of the bible of herbal medicine. Its basis, as in any Chinese therapy, is the theory of the Five Elements and the theory of yin and yang intermingling. Chinese doctors believe thatherbshave the power to restore the balance between these forces. Due to their properties, they divide herbs into four groups: strongly cooling, cooling, warming and strongly warming. Cold and cold are in the yin realm, while warm and hot are in the yang realm. The healing effect of each herb is therefore understood to be cold, cool, warm or hot.
Cold herbs (e.g. mint, honeysuckle flower) are used in diseases of heat, while warm herbs (e.g. ginger) in diseases of cold. In practice, the most common symptoms of the disease are the mixed symptoms of cold and heat, and only an experienced doctor can choose the right drugs in a given case. Incorrect use of herbs can aggravate the symptoms of the disease and even cause poisoning.
- Green tea
Protects against cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.
- Ginseng
Strengthens the body, improves mental performance and concentration, increases resistance to stress
Prevents cancer, lowers sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes
- Ginkgo biloba
It improves blood supply and brain function.
It is used in the prevention of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, dementia.
- Ginger
It has warming and antiseptic properties.
It is used to treat colds, coughs, prevent nausea, and also in some stomach ailments.
In addition to the "temperature" of herbs, Chinese medicine also takes into account their taste. And so it is believed that the sour taste has an astringent effect, bitter herbs reduce fever and cleanse the intestines, sweet ones have a toning and strengthening effect, and restore balance to the digestive, respiratory and immune systems. In turn, the spicy taste increases energy circulation in the body, activates the action of meridians and organs, stimulates metabolic processes, and the s alty taste cleans and clears the intestines.
Herbs - how to prepare them
The way you prepare the herbs is also important. They can be powdered, boiled in water or steamed, stewed, fried, roasted or baked. The trick is also the ability to combine ingredients. Some herbs used together may soothe or tolerate undesirable (e.g. poisonous) effects, they may weaken or strengthen each other.
The canon of Chinese medicine states that a recipe should contain four ingredients. The first is the Emperor - a guiding herb, the action of which is directed at the main disease. The second - the Minister - supports the Emperor. The third - Helper, it is supposed to act on accompanying symptoms, limit the excessive action of the main herbs, and also help in the absorption of the most important ingredients of the drug. The task of the last one - the Messenger - is to bring all the herbs to the sick place.
Herbs - watch out for interactions!
Eastern and Western medicine are not always complementary - usually they are two different treatments. The effects of drugs can also cancel out or interfere with each other. An example is ginkgo biloba, which should not be taken by elderly people without control, especially those who are taking strong anticoagulants, as there is a risk of hemorrhages and minor strokes in the brain. Therefore, you should always inform your doctor (of both conventional and Chinese medicine) about the medications you are taking and strictly follow the instructions.
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