Top 15 of the Most Effective Chinese Herbs Used Today

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

The Chinese culture has used herbs for medicinal purposes for centuries. They have written logs and literature which lists the specific herbs used, their method of preparations, and dosage for curing specific aliments or diseases. One such book popularly known as Divine Farmer, but is actually called Shennong, classifies specific species of woods, herbs, even animals into different categories of medicines and their uses. This information is useful even in today’s modern times.

Compared to Westernized medicine, Chinese medicine has its own unique function and methods of diagnosis. Although there are literally thousands of medicinal herbs that are used in Chinese medicine but for this article, we are going to list the top 15 of the most effective Chinese herbs that are often used today.

 

1. Ciwujia

Traditional Chinese medicine states that regular use of ciwujia (acanthopanacis senticosi) will reduce body weight while protecting the body from premature aging. An old Chinese saying goes like this: “Better a handful of ciwujia than a cartful of gold and jade.” Research confirms that this herb is effective against aging, fights fatigue, and can invigorate the body. This herb can also help to regulate the endocrine system, the central nervous system, as well as the cardiovascular system. Ciwujia has strong anti-inflammatory compounds, which might be the active ingredient against aging.

 

2. Ginseng

Ginseng might be most well-known for its energy enhancing and aphrodisiac qualities, but perhaps this most famous of all Chinese herbs should be best known for its ability to help with a wide variety of aliments including menopause problems, high blood pressure, hepatitis, PMS, erectile dysfunction, and many other common health problems. Ginseng has been used for untold centuries.

 

3. Black and Red Reishi Mushrooms

These mushrooms are highly valued by the Chinese for their ability to help strengthen the immune system, improve the effect of antioxidants, increase white blood cell vitality, and give the body an overall calming effect. Reishi mushrooms of both colors have been known to help induce relaxation so persons can fall asleep naturally, and to help improve female sexual dysfunction. Read more about mushrooms benefits.

 

4. Lotus Seed

Lotus seed is nowhere near as popular as ginseng, but this is an invaluable Chinese herb that improves the function of the spleen and kidneys. It can also help to stop diarrhea. Lotus seeds stimulate the appetite and have a sweet taste that makes them easy to consume.

 

5. Astragalus

This herb has been documented as being used for more than 4,000 years. It’s thought of as a tonic for improving the immune system, digestion, and the metabolism. Astragalus is also used to help wounds or injuries to heal quickly and to help prevent infections. This herb is now commonly found in the United States as well.

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One Comment

  1. Gretchen Synclaire

    Jan 17, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    Thank you for writing this list of 15 Chinese Herbs. I went to https://www.bestchinesemedicines.com/ and I have been looking at their products for allergies and weight loss.