Striving4Zen

Herb: Astragalus (huang qi, pronounced hwang chee)
Use: A popular immune herb that also supports digestion. Often used for chronic conditions like fatigue syndromes or just run-down immunity and frequent infections; cancer treatment in China.
Dose: Usually 6 to12 g of the dried herb is simmered in 10 times the amount of water for 1 hour; small bottles of elixir for one dose; many formulas in pill form.
Duration: Up to a year or more. Considered a safe, tonic herb.

Herb: Codonopsis (dan shen)
Use: A revered tonic that is considered safe for long-term use, especially to strengthen the lungs and increase energy. Used for asthma and chronic bronchitis sufferers or for smokers.
Dose: From 6 to 15 g in tea form. Many formulas containing this herb are prescribed by Chinese herbalists.
Duration: Long-term use is common, for at least several weeks to several months.

Herb: Coptis
Use: A bright yellow herb that is widely popular for treating traveler’s diarrhea and other infections. Dose: Small tablets in a concentrated form can be taken orally or dissolved in water to treat sinus infections, diarrhea, and many other infections. In tea form, from 2 to 6 g per day, or 1 to 2 small yellow tablets of Huang Lian Su, up to twice daily with meals on the advice of a practitioner.
Duration: For several days up to two weeks when recommended by an experienced practitioner.

Herb: Dong Quai
Use: Arguably the world’s most commonly used herb. Often used daily as an energy and blood tonic by women in Asia and recommended for use before, during, and after menopause to “tonify” the female organs, increase energy, and strengthen vitality.
Dose: Used in tea form, in soups, in alcoholic elixirs, in formulas, and in capsule and tablet form.
Duration: Taken for several weeks and as needed long term, sometimes used as a food item in soups and stews with its celery-like flavor.

Herb: Ginseng
Use: Widely considered the premier energy herb. Red ginseng is recommended for people 40 and older because it is considered “warm.” White ginseng is used in energy, sports, and digestive formulas and to improve alertness. American ginseng is used for chronic fatigue, long-term weakness, and recovery from illness.
Dose: Typically, 6 to 9 g is used in tea form each day. Found in many kinds of products—elixirs, tablets, capsules, skin care products, and many others–– ginseng is among the most popular of herbs.
Duration: Red ginseng is used commonly for up to a month or two. White ginseng may be used longer, and American ginseng is often considered safe for use on and off for months or years, especially in the elderly.

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Labels: astragalus, Chinese Herbal Healing, dong quai, ginseng, herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tuina (Tui Na) is an Oriental Bodywork Therapy that has been used in China for 2,000 years. Tuina (Tui Na) uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques Tuina (Tui Na) seeks to establish a more harmonious flow of Qi through the system of channels and collaterals, allowing the body the naturally heal itself.

Tuina (Tui Na) methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi , and manipulation techniques to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships (bone-setting). External herbal poultices, compresses, liniments, and salves are also used to enhance the other therapeutic methods.

In a typical session, the client, wearing loose clothing and no shoes, lies on a table or floor mat. The practitioner examines the specific problems of the client and begins to apply a specific treatment protocol. The major focus of application is upon specific pain sites, acupressure points, energy meridians, and muscles and joints. Advanced Tuina (Tui Na) practitioners may also use Chinese herbs to facilitate quicker healing. Sessions last from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Depending on the specific problems of the client, they may return for additional treatments. The client usually feels relaxed but energized by the treatment.

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Labels: acupressure, chi flow, Chinese Herbal Healing, herbs, holistic healing, massage, Qi, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tui Na, Tuina

For thousands of years, ginseng root has been one of the most popular and revered medicinal herbs in Asia. True ginseng, which goes by the scientific name Panax ginseng, is believed to have a rejuvenating effect on the whole body. In fact, the botanical/genus name Panax means “all-heal” in Greek, sharing the same origin as the word “panacea.”

The Chinese word for ginseng literally means “man root” because of the root’s characteristic forked shape that resemble the legs of a human. In Chinese mythology, Ginseng represents the human form, and has both physical and spiritual attributes. To learn more about this fascinating herb, download this article “Demystifying Ginseng.”

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Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, ginseng, herbs, holistic healing, Panax ginseng, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Diet and lifestyle can significantly benefit health and may make managing PMS symptoms easier. Currently, there is no evidence that diet can completely eliminate PMS symptoms, however, many women find that their diet can have an influence on their symptoms and how they cope with PMS in their day-to-day life.

This includes:

- Eating more complex carbohydrates and whole grains, especially those with a low glycemic load (GL).
- Avoiding or limiting caffeine which can increase tension and irritability.
- Limiting salt and salty foods to help prevent bloating.
- Eating small frequent meals and snacks.
- Choosing low fat foods to help maintain a healthy weight.
- Taking regular exercise and physical activity also play a beneficial role in PMS.
- Using specific nutrients and herbal preparations can help some women improve their PMS symptoms.

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Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, eating healthy, exercise, Holistic Health, living holistically, PMS

Saffron may help soothe your monthly beast, reports a study in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Women who suffered from PMS symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, irritability, and depression took either one 15-milligram saffron capsule or a placebo twice daily over two cycles. 75% of saffron-takers reported a 50% reduction in PMS symptoms. It works because depression and PMS share symptoms and the spendy herb works like antidepressants such as Zoloft.

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Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, living holistically, PMS, saffron, spices

Fertility Boost

Whether you're just thinking of getting pregnant or are struggling to conceive, herbs can provide support. Classic tonic herbs like nettle, raspberry leaf, lady's mantle, and dong quai deliver important minerals and strengthen the uterus.

To help treat infertility, I advise adding vitex and wild yam for endocrine-system support, plus ho shou wu (Polygonum multiflorum) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), to nourish your body's deepest energy, or qi.

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Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, dong quai, fertility, herbs

Sally Kravich, a natural health expert and herbalist for 25 years, recommends these easy-to-grow healthy herbs.
(Keep in mind the more concentrated the source, the more dramatic the benefits.)

Borrow a strategy from Asian chefs and plant cilantro, frequently used for detox diets to clear mercury and other heavy metals from the body.

Boil a bunch of parsley and steep for 10 minutes for an old-fashioned remedy to clear the kidneys and urinary tract.

Add fresh basil, mint or chamomile to your tea. Basil can be used to treat a variety of ills, including indigestion, colds, nausea, cramping and fevers. Mint has a calming effect on the digestive system, and chamomile is soothing as well.

Try cayenne pepper to kill bacteria and improve circulation. In the Middle East, it is used to guard against ulcers.

Turn to rosemary's healing properties to fend off headaches, as a substitute for aspirin.

And don't forget marigold, a natural insecticide to keep pesky bugs away from your garden.

Thanks!

Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, detox, eating healthy, herbs

Chrysanthemum Sinense (a.k.a. Tibetan chrysanthemum) has found its way into skin care products because of its anti-inflammatory and gentle pain-relieving qualities. Rich in minerals and amino acids, it cools and calms the body. Since it helps reduce blurred vision and eye pain, you will likely see Tibetan chrysanthemum in products targeted at correcting puffy eyes. In Chinese culture, it's common to incorporate chrysanthemum tea into a meal because it also helps cleanse and protect the liver and kidneys from toxins.

Thanks for the tip!

Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, Chrysanthemum Sinense, Chrysanthemum tea, herbs, Tibetan Chrysanthemum

For more than 20 years, Croninger’s been meeting with the doctors and diagnosticians who staff this healing spot ($30 for a consultation, walk-ins welcome). “It’s common-sense advice,” she explains, picking up a carton of Flu Away! ($4.50) for the coming winter. Post-appointment, herbs are custom-blended to treat your specific condition. Lin Sister also offers acupuncture and cupping. 4 Bowery at Doyers St

(no phone; linsisterherb.com)

Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, cool spot, Lin Sister, natural therapy, NYC

If you want to see what a little traditional Chinese medicine can do for your beat-up body, head over to Yin Beauty & Arts Spa for their diagnosis.
A therapist will give you an evaluation before performing exfoliation… to improve circulation and "release blocked energy." Then they'll follow with a body treatment made of detoxifying herbs and seaweeds and end with a qi massage (qi being your life force, which could use a little pampering right now) to release tension.

Yin Beauty & Arts

Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, cool spot, detox, NYC, Spa

Chinese herbal healing For thousands of years, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have used herbs to treat illnesses, focusing on the entire body rather than pinpointing symptoms. “Chinese medicine considers the whole system,” says Michelle Lam, owner of Spring Thyme Spa, a calming oasis located on a chain-filled stretch of Nassau Street. The treatment I sought for my dry, sensitive skin—the Customized Herbal Facial ($110)—involves diagnosing a person’s individual health problems, and then treating them with herbs mixed into a soothing, relaxing balm. I first met with Dr. Wei Hai Li, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. After asking me some rather personal questions (about my menstrual cycle and “bathroom habits”), he took my blood pressure, felt my pulse, and examined my tongue and skin. My body was full of “hot toxins,” he said, which can cause stress, anxiety and even hormonal imbalances. Then Dr. Li prepared a woodsy, rejuvenating mask, combining different “cooling” herbs. The facial is just one detoxifying step, he said—including removing offending foods from my diet. My face, however, reaped immediate benefits: My skin was still hydrated and radiant two days later.—Amy Plitt
Spring Thyme Spa 75 Nassau St between Fulton and John Sts (212-385-4973, springthymeny.com)

Labels: Chinese Herbal Healing, facial, NYC, Spa