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Building a Chinese Herbal Medicine Kit: Part I
When people think of Chinese medicine the first thing that comes to mind is often acupuncture. However, acupuncture is only one part of this venerable medical system. Another equally significant aspect is Chinese herbology. Over the last several thousand years Chinese herbologists have identified and classified thousands of plants, minerals and animal substances that are effective for treating illness and promoting health. Some are well known like ginseng. Some are common like cinnamon, mint or licorice. From this vast collection come hundreds of different formulas, many of which come prepared as pills, powders, creams or tinctures. While most are designed to treat certain types of illnesses and should be prescribed by a licensed practitioner, a number can be kept on hand for common ailments.
Featured below are a number of such patent formulas that are highly effective, as well as safe and generally quite inexpensive.
- Yin Chiao—These tablets should be taken at the first sign of a sore throat, fever, cold or flu. Adults should take 4 to 8 tablets every four hours until symptoms are gone, usually in a day or two.
- Gan Mao Ling—These little yellow pills are what you take if you didn't take the Yin Chiao soon enough. Once you've had a sore throat or cold for a few days this is the formula most commonly used. It can be taken preventatively in flu season to build resistance, especially if you have been exposed to persons with a cold or flu. The recommended dose is 3 to 6 tablets every four hours.
- Curing Pills—These tiny red pills come in little vials, 10 to a box. They should be kept handy for any type of stomach or digestive distress such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, motion sickness and even a hangover. I find them indispensable during the holiday season—very good for the bloating that occurs at holiday dinners. They are even safe enough to be used for morning sickness. Generally 1 to 2 vials are taken every hour until the symptoms are relieved. For children, dissolve in warm water first.
- Yunan Bai Yao—This powdered formula comes in capsules and is used for all types of injuries and trauma. It is useful to stop bleeding in cases of accidents, cuts and uterine hemorrhage, and it can be taken prior to surgery to reduce bleeding and after surgery to promote quicker healing. I recommend keeping some in your car's glove box in case of an accident. Each package comes with a little red "emergency pill" useful for shock, which often accompanies traumatic accident. I take this formula when I get my teeth cleaned to lessen gum bleeding. My hygienist thinks I've been flossing more! Yunan Bai Yao should not be used during pregnancy.
- Ching Wan Hung—This ointment works amazingly well for burns. I've found it works better than aloe vera to relieve burning and prevent blistering. Keep it on hand in the kitchen or wherever you work with heat and flames. Apply it immediately and keep the wound covered, and you'll be amazed how quickly the burn will heal.
These are a few recommendations to get you started with your own herbal medicine kit. To find out more about these or other Chinese herbal preparations, please drop by the Heaven and Earth Clinic at 337 West Portal Avenue for more information.
Salud!
© 2000 Larry Forsberg. All rights reserved.
Articles posted on this Web site are for personal use only and remain the property of Larry Forsberg, L.Ac.
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