Herbal Medicine takes advantage of the co-evolution of people and plants to provide gentle but sustained recovery from chronic illnesses. The traditional herbs used are obtained from plants, including the roots, seeds, leaves and flowers. The practice of herbal medicine in the UK is strictly regulated and no substances are used from threatened wildlife.
Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
Fructus Lycii or as you now find them in the supermarket; Goji berries. This new super food has long been used by the Chinese. Traditionally it is used to improve vision and to treat coughs. It has recently been shown to improve sperm count and motility in previously infertile males1.
Wild rose (Mei Gui Hua)
These flowers are from a wild rose, Rosa rugosa, and can be used to treat depression. They are particularly suitable for people with PMT and they also reduce cramps and spasms and so are useful in treating painful period.
Saffron (Hong Hua)
Saffron, the same as the spice in Indian rice dishes that imparts a beautiful colour and subtle taste. It is used medically to treat thrombosis2 and coronary artery disease3. It increases blood circulation in joints to treat pain as well as in gynaecology.
Peach seeds (Tao Ren)
This is the seeds of the peach and if often used together with the herb above in treating gynecology and injury. It has been shown to have a strong anti-inflammatory action. It is also very useful for treating constipation.
Reishi mushroom (Ling Zhi)
This is one of the more famous of the Chinese mushrooms and is called ganoderma or reishi mushroom. An excellent herb to use for the common cold as it is antibiotic, stimulates the immune system and stops coughs.
Horny goat weed (Yin Yang Huo)
Another well known herb used commonly in the west this is know by the name of Horny Goat Weed. It can use used to increase sperm production and increase sexual desire and activity. It increases levels of hormones4.
Silktree bark (He Huan Pi)
The happy herb, this is used to treat irritability, depression, insomnia and forgetfulness. It has been show pharmacologically to have a sedative action. It is also used for physical injury as it promotes healing.
Chicken vine (Ji Xue Teng)
Used for menstrual disorders where sufferers have irregular periods, pain and cramping. This herb has been shown in studies to stimulate the uterus and to have sedative effects5.
1. Xin Zhong Yi (New Chinese Medicine), 1998: 2:20
2. Shan Xi Yi Yao Za Zhi (Shanxi Journal of medicine and herbology), 1983; 5:297
3. Xin Zhang Xue Guan Ji Bing (Cardiovascular diseases), 1976; 4(4):265
4. Zhon Xi Yi Jie Za Zhi (Journal of integrated Chinese and Western medicine, 1989; 9(12):737-8710
5. Zhong Yao Xue (Chinese Herbology), 1988; 560-561