10 Medicinal Herbs of the East
1. Gotu Kola
This powerful herb is regarded as a longevity promoter. Gotu kola is recommended as a rejuvenator, especially for cognitive functions. It also boosts blood flow, especially through the smallest blood vessels, which is useful for diabetics prone to blood vessel problems. Topical gotu kola cream speeds wound healing. In a study of 100 pregnant women, a cream containing the herb along with vitamin E helped prevent stretch marks.
2. Ashwaganha
This ayurvedic herb is known as the "Indian ginseng" because it's an overall restorative. It strengthens the body, and treats fatigue, weakness, debility, and problems of old age. Animal studies have found ashwagandha's adaptogenic activity boosts antibody and red-blood-cell levels and spurs white blood cells to devour germs. Indian animal studies have determined ashwagandha is a powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancer and help prevent heart disease. Diabetics and people with high cholesterol who took ashwagandha daily lowered their cholesterol and blood sugar levels significantly after one month.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a very common spice for us in the west. It seems that most people aren't aware of how good real organic cinnamon is for you. It is actually good for when you have a cold as it fights congestion. Cinnamon also can be an important addition into your diet if you have high cholesterol. It also can aid your digestive system, alleviating nausea and diarrhea. Best of all in studies it has shown to lower blood sugar when given to diabetics. Just be smart and don't use it for the infamous "cinnamon challenge".
4. Boswellia
This herb is traditionally used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory. It has a relieving effect on pain and stiffness that results from having rheumatoid arthritis. Overall the herb significantly reduces pain and swelling. It is also an effective mouth wash that can help soothe a sore throat and fight gum disease.
5. Dong Quai
It is a tonic that is generally good for blood circulation. In the west we mainly use it to relieve the discomfort of PMS.
6. Ginseng
It is safe to say that a lot of you out there reading this have heard of Ginseng. It is probably one of the most popular plants from the east. Ginseng is generally categorized as a stimulant, it's effects are invigorating. Ginseng also is a good immune system builder and can also lower blood sugar.
7. Licorice
What is the most widely used chinese herb? Well that would be licorice. We aren't exactly talking about the licorice twists you ate as a kid (or maybe you are a kid and reading this). We are talking about licorice herb (as seen above). It is dubbed by the chinese as "the great harmonizer." It most certainly can be used as a flavoring with other herbs, however by itself it works wonder for most kinds of inflammation, externally and internally.
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Buy Oregon's Wild Harvest Licorice Here, It's Organic!
8. Reishi
One of our favorite's at the shop, Reishi is a very special mushroom. The chinese call it the "mushroom of immortality," for many good reasons! It treats fatigue, respiratory and liver problems, cancer, and heart disease. Reishi is a potent anti-oxident that may help prevent cancer causing cell damage.
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9. Schisandra
These wonderful berries help the body deal with stress. They are a nervous system stimulant that can treat irritability and insomnia. The most interesting thing Schisandra is being used for in studies right now is seeing if it can help with Alzheimer's Disease.
10. Bupleurum
This one probably has the funniest name on the list. Bupleurum is actually one of the most important herbs in all of chinese medicine. We had to save one of the best for last after all. It is a known treatment of liver diseases, arthritis, and ulcers.
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