An Introduction to Chinese Herbs

...increasing energy, boosting the immune system, and easing symptoms of disease. While research to back up the claims about the health benefits of Chinese herbs may not be as extensive as the studies on prescription drugs and other treatments, many people have embraced the wisdom of the ages and seek out herbs as complements or alternatives to their current care.

In the United States, an estimated 10,000 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners aid more than one million patients each year using a variety of tools, from acupuncture to herbs. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent of people worldwide rely on herbal medicine as part of their personal health care regimen.

That said, the best option for what ails you is the one that’s safe and effective. If you are interested in exploring the health benefits of Chinese herbs when weighing your treatment options, it’s important to consult with a TCM practitioner. Though you may hear about the positive effects of different herbs, they are rarely given out individually. Instead, a qualified herbalist – after a consultation and examination – can recommend a personalized combination of herbs, called a formula, that can help you address your specific needs.

“Prescribing herbs is my favorite part about being a Chinese Medicine practitioner,” says Kelly Clady-Girrama, Dipl OM, LAc, a Chinese medicine practitioner in Lenox, Massachusetts. “Putting together a customized formula is a little like writing a symphony of plants, tastes, and temperatures. I rarely use the exact same combination of herbs twice, even for the same patient.”

Leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and/or seeds of plants are combined and given as tangs (consumed as teas), capsules, tinctures, or powders. Any number of herbs could become part of a formulation. The herbs that follow are some common Chinese herbs, their uses, purported benefits, and caveats. Keep in mind that they are intended to be part of a formula created and prescribed by your TCM practitioner – not used in isolation or without guidance. Also, be sure to tell your physician that you are consulting with a TCM practitioner and discuss any herbs that are prescribed. Never take herbs in lieu of a prescription from your doctor without discussing it with her first.

Astragalus

The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or in capsule form. Astragalus is said to prevent and treat common colds and upper respiratory infections, and is usually combined with other herbs that help support and strengthen the immune system, such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice. Your practitioner may also recommend it to help treat heart disease.

Preliminary research suggests that the herb may improve the way the immune system, heart, and liver function, and might be useful as an adjunctive therapy for cancer; in fact, astragalus is widely used in China for chronic hepatitis and as an add-on cancer treatment.

Caveats: Astragalus may interact with medications that suppress the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide, which is taken by cancer patients, and similar drugs taken by organ transplant recipients.

Bitter Orange

The dried fruit and peel are used in extracts, tablets, and capsules. Bitter orange oil, called neroli, is applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. The herb has also been used for centuries to tame stomach troubles like nausea, indigestion, and constipation. Your practitioner may recommend it to help with heartburn, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, and weight loss.

Caveats: Many herbal weight loss products use concentrated extracts of bitter orange peel instead of ephedra, the herb the FDA banned because it raises blood pressure and is linked to heart attacks and stroke. Bitter orange contains synephrine, which is similar to the main chemical in ephedra. It is not known if bitter orange is safer than ephedra or if it could have comparable side effects.

Dong Quai

The root of the dong quai plant is used in herbal tinctures and sometimes as an ingredient in creams. Most often, it is employed to balance female hormones. For example, it may be part of a treatment plan devised to ease discomfort related to menopause or PMS, such as cramps, joint pain, hot flashes, and constipation.

Caveats: Dong quai may increase skin sensitivity, so be sure to apply sunscreen if you are taking this herb. In addition, dong quai may slow blood clotting in some people, so don’t take it in the two weeks before or after a surgery.

Ginger

The roots of ginger, a tropical plant that has green-purple flowers, are used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Common forms include fresh or dried root, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, and teas. Ginger can be a treatment for stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. It’s also prescribed to ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and joint and muscle pain, though research has been inconclusive in how much ginger helps with these conditions. Studies show that ginger safely helps reduce the severity of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.

Caveats: Gas, bloating, heartburn, and nausea are rare side effects associated with powdered ginger.

Ginkgo

Extracts from the ginkgo leaf are used to make pills or teas, and it’s also found in some skincare products. Your practitioner may consider ginkgo leaf extract to treat asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus (ringing or roaring sounds in the ears). Ginkgo is used to improve memory, treat or help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia, and to treat sexual dysfunction and multiple sclerosis. Some smaller studies of ginkgo for memory enhancement have had promising results, but the verdict is still out on whether the herb aids memory.

Caveats: Ginkgo can increase bleeding risk, so if you take anticoagulant drugs, have bleeding disorders, or have scheduled a surgery or dental procedures, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Ginseng

This root, which is dried and used in pills, extracts, teas, and creams, contains components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides), which may explain the herb’s medicinal properties. Ginseng’s purported health benefits include improved immunity, increased stamina, sharpened mental and physical performance, and improved blood pressure. It is also used to treat erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause. Results are inconclusive, but some studies have shown that ginseng may lower blood glucose. Other studies suggest the root can lead to improvement in immune function.

Caveats: The most common side effects are headaches, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal distress. Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels; if you have diabetes, make sure to ask your doctor about taking ginseng, especially if you are taking medicines to lower your blood sugar or are using other herbs, such as bitter melon and fenugreek, that are also thought to lower blood sugar.

Peppermint

This herb, a cross between spearmint and water mint, is often used fresh or dried in teas. Essential oil of peppermint is sometimes taken as a liquid or a capsule. In addition, it may be applied to the skin. Your practitioner may use peppermint in various forms as part of a formula to treat an array of health issues, including a sore throat, rashes, nausea, indigestion, headaches, stomach and bowel conditions, and even cold symptoms.

Caveats: In some people, peppermint may cause, or aggravate, heartburn.