Chinese have used herbs for treating diseases since centuries. They have literature that lists medicines made out of herbs for curing specific ailments which dates back to thousands of years. Shennong, popularly known as Divine Farmer, classified various species of herbs, woods, and also animals into different category of medicine, which proves useful even in modern times.
The health and medicinal benefits of these Chinese herbs are so profound that they are no more confined to just the Chinese markets, but have found their way to naturopathy all across the world.
1. Ginseng
Known mostly for its aphrodisiac qualities, this is most famous of all the herbs known to man and has great health benefits and healing properties. It has been used in Chinese medicines for thousands of years to treat erectile dysfunction, hepatitis, menopausal problems, high blood pressure and many other common ailments.
2. Angelica Sinesis or Dang Gui
Dang Gui is a respected herb in Chinese medicine as it has amazing property to relax muscles, which helps in treatment of various diseases. It has great healing power in treatment of infertility in women and heart related ailments. The herb has been extensively used to treat angina, irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure.
3. Mushroom
Mushrooms are generally considered healthy as they are low on calories, yet high on nutritional values. The Chinese had discovered their medicinal properties, which they used to maintain good health of the people. Out of the 200 species of mushrooms found in China, 25% of them are known to have great capacity to fight tumors; furthermore, it has also been known to help reduce insomnia and female sexual dysfunction.
4. Goji or Wolfberry
The herb has been used in preparation of food, in addition to its use as a medicinal herb in Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years. Chinese consider the wolfberry a treasure of their nation because of its great healing property, due to which the products are now commercialized and exported to western nations.
5. Coptis Chinensis
Coptis chinensis, also known as Chinese goldthread, is one of the bitterest herbs. It is acknowledged for effectiveness in healing diseases of digestive tract. It is one of 50 basic herbs of traditional Chinese medicine.
6. Licorice Root
Licorice root has been an essential ingredient in Chinese medicines, since it has great healing property and detoxification power, which can be used to treat various ailments like hepatitis, asthma, depression, cold, flu, cough, heartburn and many more. It is used in Chinese medicine to harmonize all the other medicinal herbs that goes into a formula.
7. Astragalus
The herb has been used in Chinese medicine for 4000 years as a tonic for enhancing immunity of human body, metabolism rate and digestion. The herb is also known to heal wounds and injuries quickly and prevent infections.
8. Ginger
Ginger is an aromatic herb which is used as spice for its flavor and taste, as well as for its medicinal property for curing indigestion, improve blood circulation, stop diarrhea and also to treat cardiac problems. Many home remedies are prepared using this herb to treat cough, nausea, common cold and cough.
9. Ephedra Sinica
Ephera Sinica also known as Ma Huang is one of the oldest known herb of Chinese medicines, which has been used effectively to treat asthma, cold and hay fever.
10. Bupleurum
The herb Bupleurum, one of the important herbs of Chinese medicine, is known to aid in treatment of liver diseases, arthritis, ulcers, mental disorders and many more.
