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Who Says Medicine has to Taste Bad?
Good News from the Spice Cabinet
Many people think of taking medicine as an unpleasant experience. This is often the case when people think about drinking some of the traditional Chinese herbal teas that can smell and taste quite strong, especially to westerners who may not be familiar with them. But let me reassure you that there are many herbs in the Chinese pharmacopoeia (medicine chest) that is not only very good for you but taste good as well. In this article I want to discus three of them, cinnamon, licorice and ginger.
Let's start with cinnamon (Cortex Cinnamon Cassiae). An article in the December 2003 issue of Diabetes Care cited research that found that eating as little as 1 of a gram (less than ½ a tsp.) of cinnamon a day reduced blood sugar by 20% in only 40 days. Not only that, but it reduced cholesterol and triglycerides by 20% as well! How hard is it to add ½ a tsp. of cinnamon to your oatmeal, applesauce, or smoothie?
Do you know anyone who suffers from a stomach ulcer, canker sores, or other problems of the digestive tract? The solution to their problem may be simpler, cheaper, and tastier than any of the prescription or over the counter remedies they may have tried. Licorice (Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis) has been used traditionally in Chinese herbal formulas as an herb that harmonizes and helps detoxify. DGL (deglycerolized licorice) has been shown to benefit the lining of the digestive tract by stimulating the growth of the mucosal cells that protect the digestive system from the acids and digestive enzymes that digest our food. Without enough of these cells to protect us, out bodies literally try to digest themselves. Licorice normally contains a chemical—glycorize—that can raise your blood pressure. By removing that particular compound DGL becomes completely safe and is highly effective for many digestive problems Tired of Tums, Rolaids, Pepcid and the like? Try chewing 2 – 3 tablets before each meal and see if relief isn't spelled D–G–L.
Our last tasty treat is ginger (Rhizoma Zingiberis Officinalis), which has been shown to be a potent anti–inflammatory. Anyone suffering from arthritis or other chronic or acute painful ailments would do well to give ginger a try. While many people have concerns, and rightly so, about taking over the counter or prescription strength anti–inflammatory drugs because of their side effects, ginger is perfectly safe even for long term use. A recent study found that over the long run, ibuprofen causes erosion of the lining of the small intestine. Aspirin is known to cause bleeding of the stomach. Tylenol is toxic to the liver when combined with alcohol. Ginger on the other hand poses no such risks. Fresh ginger can be used in many recipes to add a zesty flavor. But for regular, therapeutic use, powdered ginger is simplest to use. Ginger is also great for many digestive problems, not mention morning sickness and motion sickness as well. Add from a teaspoon to a tablespoon full to a smoothie or a glass of juice and drown your sorrows.
All three of these remakable, tasty herbs are readily available and familiar to both the American palate and the Chinese pharmacy. Use them in good health and for good health.
© 2004 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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