And (Some) of What They Do

You might not recognize some of these Chinese herbs – well, not their Chinese names anyway, in fact, some of their other names are not well known to the uninitiaited - but it’s okay, I’ll include English translations (my spellchecker is gonna’ go crazy). Right, let’s take a look at some of the most popular and common Chinese herbs and a little of what they can be used for. 

Health Warning – self diagnosis and medication is dangerous, always consult your doctor if you’re having any difficulties and don’t rely on these Chinese herbs . . . I’m only saying!

Dong Gui Zi – Abutilon Seed – Cold energy but tastes sweet. Helps to get the bowels moving and to stimulate the flow of milk, so might be a beneficial Chinese herb for nursing Moms.

Sha Ren – Amomum Fruit – helps to relieve flatulence as well as helping to neutralize the effects of alcohol – a real “morning after the night before” remedy then. Note to self – get plenty of Sha Ren Chinese herb before next weekend.

Gui Zhi – Cinnamon Twig – tastes sweet yet pungent with lots of warm energy. Can be used to help headaches caused by influenza, or for the treatment of colds, among other things of course.

Tu Si Zi – Dodder Seed – this is also sweet yet pungent and a little warm in energy. This Chinese herb is great for muscle and bone weakness, as well as headaches which may be caused by liver or kidney troubles.  Dodder seed can also tonify the vital functions of the liver and kidneys.

Nu Zhen Zi – Ligustrum Seed – this one’s both sweet and bitter, with neutral energy. Can be used to slow down deterioration of vision and give you nice bright eyes, strengthen your body and help you to live longer if you take it regularly enough. Better get a large portion of this Chinese herb too – I sure could do with it.

Long Yan Rou – Longan Aril – tastes nice and sweet and has neutral energy. This Chinese herb can be used for people with a poor appetite which is caused by deficiencies in the stomach or spleen. Don’t think I’ll be needing any of this at the moment, not after my large portion of Nu Zhen Zi.

Mai Men Dong – Ophiopogon Root – don’t you just love some of these Chinese herb names? Right, what can this one do, well, it’s slightly bitter yet sweet at the same time, and this Chinese herb dispels the heat away from the heart and helps to relieve irritability (I know some people who could do with a large portion of this one).  It’s thirst quenching too, and can also be used for the treatment of coughs and laryngitis.

Yuan Zhi – Polygala Root – this Chinese herb can help to improve both vision and hearing, as well as strengthening the bones and muscles.  Also has calming properties which can help to sooth the nerves.

Hong Zao – Red Date – can be used to treat diarrhea and a poor appetite, although in my experience diarrhea causes a poor appetite ‘cos you daren’t eat anything for fear of the consequences. This Chinese herb is also known for replenishing energy, which you often need after diarrhea and having nothing to eat for a day or two.

Tong Cao – Rice Paper Pith – tastes bland and has cold energy, so who should take this Chinese herb, and more interestingly – why? It can stimulate the flow of milk for nursing mothers, and also promotes diuresis by dispelling dampness.

Jin Ying Zi – Rosehip – contrary to what you may think (sounds nice doesn’t it), this Chinese herb tastes sour and is astringent. Can be used for problems with the waterworks department, i.e. frequent urination and helps to replenish the kidneys, also stimulates ovulation so it’s well worth thinking about for some!

Hai Ma – Seahorse – okay, I know, a seahorse is a creature, not a herb, but this is used as a Chinese herb so calm down, calm down. As you might expect it tastes sweet and salty and can help with vital functions for the liver and kidneys. Can also be used to help with incontinence, impotence and asthma.

Ji Xue Teng – Spatholobus Stem – yup, a bit of a mouthful, but bear with me, because this Chinese herb can really nourish your blood and improve your circulation.  It’s quite a good way to relax the muscles too.

Guang Chen Pi – Tangerine Peel – can get rid of phlegm so stick with it if you’re having a problem, even though it tastes bitter and pungent. It’s good if you have poor digestion too.

Gou Qi – Wolfberry Fruit – I’ve possibly saved the best until last, not just because this Chinese herb has such a fantastic name, but also because it can help to boost your brain power and delay ageing, and let’s be honest, who couldn’t use a large dose of that in the mornings.