Finding On-line Sources for Chinese Herbs

A quick Internet search for “Chinese herbs” reveals a host of web sites advertising herbal supplements for everything from weight loss to menopause. Many of these formulations are based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes herbal remedies, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and other subdisciplines and techniques. Some of these herbal formulations have been in use for hundreds of years. Many of the online sites that offer Chinese herbs also promote other TCM techniques, such as those mentioned above, along with links to provide further information. Most sites, such as HolisticChineseHerbs.com and DrShen.com also feature secure online ordering, shopping carts, and shipping, for a more convenient online shopping experience.

TCM, Balance, and Health

Traditional Chinese medicine views health as the state occurring when the body is in proper balance. This means that herbal remedies, like other TCM techniques, are approached with a view to restoring balance, rather than treating a particular condition or organ, as is more typical in Western medicine. For this reason, Chinese herbal remedies available online are most often found in combinations intended to promote imbalances typically found in people with certain conditions. Thus, all weight loss formulations may not be made up of the same components, depending on the reason for the weight gain. Similarly, in the TCM view, headaches can be caused by a number of different types of imbalances, so the herbal remedy would change, depending on the reason for the imbalance.

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As with any new medicine or dietary supplement, you should exercise caution until you know how the substance affects you. You should also be careful if you are dealing with a new source for your herbs; since most herbal remedies are marketed as “dietary supplements,” they are not subject to the same testing for side effects and purity that pharmaceuticals regulated by the FDA are. Potency and purity can vary widely among different manufacturers.

Food Attitudes

It has been noted that the Chinese population is generally less prone to being overweight than the American population. However, Chinese people enjoy food, have diversified diets, talk about food, and spend a lot of time cooking and eating—just like Americans. So, why the difference in the populations?

Some have suggested that it may be partly due to the different attitudes Chinese people have toward their food. They concentrate on their food while eating, noting the taste, texture, and aroma. Thus, they derive maximum enjoyment from even a simple meal, which helps increase the body’s “awareness” of the food and promotes feelings of satisfaction without the need for as much food intake.

Many Americans, on the other hand, rush through meals, barely noticing what they’re putting in their mouths. This can result in poor digestion and a delayed sense of “fullness,” causing greater-than-necessary food intake, and leading to an overweight condition. So, one important step you can take, even before you begin using Chinese herbs or anything else for weight loss, is to gain a healthier relationship with your food, including the way you think about it.

Types of Chinese Weight Loss Herbs

As mentioned above, several popular Chinese herbs promote weight loss by aiding the digestive process. These compounds are promoted either for their ability to improve digestion of certain dietary components—fats, proteins, or carbohydrates—or to generally promote the body’s digestive processes by aiding peristalsis (the movement of food along the digestive tract). Other mixtures work as appetite suppressants by stimulating the “full” response earlier.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (sometimes abbreviated as “TCM”) is a complex body of knowledge that has evolved over many centuries. It encompasses various subdisciplines, including acupuncture, medicinal herb use, various heat and cold therapies, massage, dietary guidelines, and other techniques. With the increased interest in “natural” healing techniques and holistic medicine during the past several decades, TCM adherents in the United States and other Western countries are increasing in number. Many users claim success with weight loss, depression, and other conditions through the use of traditional Chinese herbal remedies.

Using Traditional Chinese Herbs: Some Cautions

Because herbal extracts are usually marketed in the U.S. as “dietary supplements,” they are not subject to the same testing, labeling, and quality control regimens as Western medicines, either over-the-counter or prescribed pharmaceuticals. For this reason, you should be careful when using traditional Chinese herbs or any other herbal or animal product being sold as a “dietary supplement.” Potencies, purity levels, and even the precise type of substance can vary greatly from one source to another. In some instances, foreign contaminants or impurities can even introduce potentially dangerous substances into the body. For these reasons, you should exercise caution, especially if you are considering the use of traditional Chinese herbs that you have not used before, or are using products obtained from a different source. Any adverse reactions should be noted and reported to your doctor.

Chinese Herbs and Western Medicine

Interestingly, some traditional Chinese herbs have been adapted for use in Western medicine. For example, artemisinin, a compound used worldwide to treat resistant strains of malaria, is derived from Chinese wormwood (qinghao), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Other uses for artemisinin, including its potential for being an anti-carcinogen, are currently under research and clinical trial.

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Buy In Bulk

If you have a restaurant and you want to use Chinese herbs for your food, you should buy these herbs in bulk. Most merchants give huge discounts to customers who buy herbs in bulk. However, the catch here is that some type of herbs has short shelf life. This means that you need to use these herbs within a specific period. To make sure that you do not end up with a lot of stale and useless herbs in your cupboard, you need to be extra careful when it comes to buying herbs in bulk. Check the shelf life of the herbs before you buy them. You should also read the instructions on how to store the herbs before you buy them. Remember that herbs that are properly stored last longer.

Plant Your Own Organic Chinese Herbs

The best way to beat the rising cost of organic Chinese herbs is to plant them yourself. No, it is not difficult to grow most types of herbs. Some types of herbs do not need intensive care and maintenance. If you happen to live in the country and you have a large backyard, you can grow your own organic Chinese herbs. This way, you can be sure that you will have all the herbs that you need for your cooking. You can even sell some of your herbs to friends, family members and relatives if you want.

On the other hand, if you happen to live in an apartment and you do not have access to the roof garden or the backyard, you can still grow some organic Chinese herbs in pots. Most types of Chinese herbs do not grow big so you can just plant them in small pots and place these pots near a window. With enough water and sunlight, your herbs will grow healthy.

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Herb and Herbal Matters. Chinese Healing Herbs

Are you one of those people who pop pills into your mouth every time you fill ill? If you are one of those people who rely on pills to make yourself feel better, you may want to re-reconsider taking those pills. According to studies, people who regularly take pills are more likely to be sick more often than people who rely on Chinese healing herbs to combat certain types of diseases. Experts suggest that Chinese healing herbs are better than those drugs …

manufactured by pharmaceutical companies because they are made of all natural ingredients and they have less side effects compared to those drugs that are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies.

Compared to pharmaceutical products, Chinese healing herbs are less expensive. Why? First, Chinese healing herbs are often sold at its pure state so there are no large manufacturing costs involved in its production. Second, companies that are selling Chinese healing herbs do not incur large advertisement and distribution costs so they get to sell their products are lower prices. Third, if you happen to be one of those people who love to grow plants, you can grow your own organic Chinese herbs at minimal cost. This means that with just a little amount of money, you can already enjoy your favorite Chinese herbs any time you want.

Things To Remember Before Getting Into Alternative Medicine

Although Chinese healing herbs are generally good for your body, you still to be take extra care before you start using these herbs especially if you have a history of allergic reactions. Remember that certain types of people are allergic to certain types of herbs. To stay on the safe side, you need to do some research about certain types of Chinese healing herbs first before you use them. Make sure that you are not allergic to these types of herbs. A lot of people who are allergic to some types of herbs ended up in the hospital after ingesting these herbs so make sure that you do not make the same mistake.

On the other hand, if you have some pre-existing medical conditions and you are taking some medications, you should not take Chinese healing herbs without telling your doctor about it. You must understand that certain types of herbs and medicines do not agree with it each other so you must be extra careful when it comes to ingesting these things. Before you try any of these Chinese healing herbs, discuss the merits and demerits of these healing herbs with your doctor.

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The Ginseng Plant

Many of us have heard a lot of things about the ginseng plant. This quite understandable considering that the ginseng plant has been one of the leading Chinese healing herbs for many generations. The ginseng has been used by the Chinese people as medicinal herb for over two thousand years. According to experts, this Chinese medicinal herb helps boost energy and reduce stress. Many Chinese drink ginseng tea to promote overall good health. A lot of spas and wellness clinics around the United States offer ginseng tea to their clients as part of their treatment. On the other hand, many people all over the world use this Chinese medicinal herb to cure coughs, fevers and constipation. A good number of pharmaceutical companies also use the ginseng ingredient for certain types of drugs.

The Dong Quai

The Dong Quai is often referred to as the female ginseng in Chinese literature. This type of aromatic Chinese medicinal herb are said to be good for regulating the menstrual cycle of women and help curve discomforts during the menopausal stage. Studies show that the dong quai helps stimulate the central nervous system and relieve headaches during menstruation. It can also help the muscle tissue to relax thus preventing cramps. Many women from all over the world rely on the dong quai to help them feel more comfortable during their menstrual period.

The Cinnamon

Many of us think of cinnamon as a cooking ingredient. However, cinnamon has other usages other than making our cooking taste better. The cinnamon, also known as gui zhi to the Chinese, is well known for its ability to reduce allergic reaction. For many centuries, people use this Chinese medicinal herb to curve allergic reactions to insect bites, certain types of food and others. At present, many pharmaceutical companies still use the gui zhi as one of the ingredients for anti allergy drugs.

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Effects and Side Effects

Pharmaceutical products are mostly made of synthetic ingredients that are manufactured in the laboratory. Although these synthetic ingredients may be able to cure certain types of diseases, there is no guarantee that it will not have any negative impact on the body as well. It cannot be denied that all types of pharmaceutical drugs have side effects. Some types of pharmaceutical products may not have some serious side effects on the body but just the same, they can have some slight negative effects on the body especially when taken on a prolonged period of time. Studies show that people who have been exposed to some types of drugs for a long period of time often suffer from certain types of disorders including abdominal disorders, nerve disorders, weakened immune system and the likes.

On the other hand, Chinese herbs come from natural sources and have been proven to effective for many generations. Most of the Chinese herbs that are sold in the market today have been used by the Chinese people since the 1st century Han Dynasty. Although some of these Chinese herbs are said to be poisonous when taken in great amounts, most of these herbs are beneficial to the body. According to experts, most types of Chinese herbs do not have any know side effects. Most people who taken certain types of Chinese herbs regularly do not complain of any negative changes in their body.

Cost

Most pharmaceutical products are considerably more expensive that certain types of Chinese herbs. If you happen to live in the countryside and you have plenty of space to plant herbs, you can grow your own Chinese herbs.  This means that you have ready access to fresh herbs any time and at a minimal cost at that. On the other hand, if you happen to live in the city and you have no place to grow your own herbs, you can always buy some herbs in the market.

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