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

9. Dandelion
By tonifying the liver (which produces hormones), dandelion root eases a variety of women's imbalances. Often combined with burdock and milk thistle.

10. Vitex
With a normalizing effect on women's hormones, vitex treats conditions like menstrual irregularity, PMS, and infertility.

11. Licorice
A renowned herb, licorice balances cycles and restores energy. Avoid large quantities if you have hypertension or kidney issues, or if you take heart medicine.

12. Ginger
With warming, stomach-soothing properties, this rhizome eases menstrual cramps and morning sickness.

13. Dong Quai
Often called "female ginseng," this traditional Chinese herb builds strong blood and tones the uterus.

14. Nettle
Rich in vitamins and minerals, nettle nourishes the reproductive system, making it a great tonic for many concerns.

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Labels: dandelion, dong quai, ginger, licorice, liver, milk thistle, nettles, vitex

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