According to the Shén Nóng legend there was a mythical Divine Farmer who tasted all the herbs to learn their properties. He discovered both the herbal pharmacology and the extent of potency and toxicity of the plants he found. In traditional Chinese medicine, treatments aimed to rebalance qi, yin-yang, and harmonize body systems.
Familiar Chinese herbals include Asian ginseng used to restore vigor, Licorice Root to soothe a sore throat, Tea to energize and aid digestion, White Peony to nourish the blood, and Chinese Rhubarb a strong purgative.
In Japan, physicians adapted Chinese formulas and simplified them, emphasizing medicinal foods for good health. Kampō, translates to “the Han Method”, or the Chinese method, and is a living link between ancient herbalism and modern medicine. Today Kampō is used alongside western medicine to bring harmony and balance to the body.
Wasabi’s antimicrobial properties are important in food preservation. Japanese mugwort can be used with acupuncture to apply heat to treatment areas. Along with seasonal, medicinal foods like miso, pickles, and kelp, there is a balance of healthy eating with medicinal treatments.
Artemisia princeps – Yomogi
Aster tataricus – Tatarian Aster
Chrysanthemum x morifolium – Chrysanthemum
Dioscorea sp.– Chinese Yam
Forsythia sp. – Golden Forsythia
Ginkgo biloba – Maidenhair Tree
Glycyrrhiza uralensis – Chinese Licorice
Iris domestica – Blackberry Lily, Leopard Lily
Lycium chinense – Chinese Wolfberry
Papaver somniferum – Opium Poppy
Pinellia ternata – Ban Xia, Crow Dipper
Reynoutria multiflora – He Shou Wu, Fo-Ti
Rosa chinense ‘Rouletii’ – China Rose
Salvia miltiorrhiza – Dan Shen, Red Sage
Zingiber mioga – Mioga Ginger
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It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.
