Classical Chinese medicine utilizes hundreds of individual herbs to create formulas that treat the entire spectrum of human illness. In my own pharmacy, I stock roughly 300 herbs. Of these, some are considered to be food grade. They are mild, gentle and safe for long term use. These herbs are food as much as they are medicine, and can be ingested alone or with food to enhance their effect. Generally, these herbs are tonifying – they supplement the Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang and Essence of the body, and in this way, both prevent sickness and aid in recovery from illness.
Chinese tonic herbs are available at the office through Stems and Branches Herbal Pharmacy.
Gou Qi Zi—Lycii Berries
Flavor and Nature: Sweet; Neutral
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidneys and Lungs
Functions: Tonifies the Kidneys and supplements the Essence, Nourishes the Liver and brightens the eyes, Supplements Yin and moistens the Lungs
Dosage: 1 to 2 teaspoons per day
Indications: Lycii berries strengthen the Liver and Kidneys. They are used in Chinese medicine to replenish the body from depletion. They are also used to moisten the eyes, strengthen vision, and nourish the hair.
Shan Zha—Hawthorne Berries
Flavor and Nature: Sour, Sweet; Slightly Warm
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach and Liver
Functions: Disperses food and transforms accumulations, Moves the Blood and disperses stasis
Dosage: 1 tablespoon in a cup of hot water as tea, 1 to 2 times per day
Indications: Hawthorne berries are beneficial to digestion. They are used to treat food stagnation, reduce bloating and discomfort from overeating, and aid in the digestion of fats. Hawthorne berries are also good for the heart and circulation, and can be used to reduce elevated cholesterol and blood pressure.
Lian Zi – Lotus Seeds
Flavor and Nature: Sweet, Astringent; Neutral
Channels Entered: Spleen, Kidneys and Heart
Functions: Supplements the Spleen and stops diarrhea, Tonifies the Kidneys and secures the Essence, Nourishes the Heart and quiets the Spirit.
Dosage: ¼ cup cooked along with 1 cup of rice
Indications: Lotus Seeds are nourishing to the digestive tract. They are used in Chinese medicine to treat loose stool and weakness from chronic illness or depletion. They aid in regulating hunger and metabolism. According to the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, lotus seeds make the body light, slow aging, make one free from hunger, and prolong life.
These herbs can be ordered through the office via Stems and Branches Herbal Pharmacy.