Herbs have been used for centuries in healing and therapy. In fact, Ancient Chinese Medicine is still utilized today. In Chinese, it is believed that Qi (Chi) is our life force or vital force energy. It represents a flow of energy which circulates through everything on Earth. Chinese have used Qi for thousands of years to heal and perfect the body. The three vital treasures are believed by the Chinese to be the combination of the life force elements as they represent the different functions of the body, the mind, and the spirit as one. Each function is clearly different but as the Taoists believe, they all make up the same individual.
What does this have to do with herbs? The herbs we collect are filled with energy and life force. Each herb has a different effect depending upon what elemental energy it possesses. This is only one theory and only one way of utilizing herbs.
Yin and Yang is a Taoist philosophy which incorporates all opposites which intertwine to form balance. Yin represents water, cold, heavy, fluidity, rest, passiveness, and earthy. Yang represents fire, activity, hot, light, energetic, aggressive, and quickness. Those with too much of either show symptoms corresponding to the representation and therefore need more balance.
The five elements, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood, are symbolic of the energies which manifest through the natural cycles found on Earth. These elements are quite useful in healing but can be also applied to astrology, Feng Shui, and art, among other such practices. This cycle represents the creation cycle where one element transitions and manifests from the previous element in a continuous loop. Teas are a great way to receive and benefit from the photochemicals within various plants. Start by researching different teas and trying out a variety of flavors. The longer the tea steeps, the more phytochemicals are released. The more tea an individual drinks, the more the oximation (dying) process is reversed.
An herbal medicine, also known as botanical medicine or phytotherapy, is medicine in the form of natural herbs, plants and natural substances for medicinal purposes. Since the dawn of hominids, herbs have aided in the cure and recovery of most illness and cause of pain. It wasn’t until later when the invent of the pill took over and herbal treatments phased out. Only until recently, we have seen a rise in herbal treatments once more.
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Synergism: are the active chemicals in herbs which work in sync with its other substances that enhance the overall effect of the herb.
Phytonutrients: are chemicals in herbs which make them biologically active. These chemicals also give the plants their color, their flavor and natural disease resistance.
Antioxidants: are agents such as plants, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which naturally fight against damaging free radicals.
Free radicals: are essentially oxygen molecules which lose their electrons and then take other electrons from stable molecules. Over time, the body undergoes considerable amount of changes and becomes unhealthy.
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The properties of alkaloids are nitrogen based compounds including analgesic, local anesthetic, sedating antispasmodic, hallucinogens, and varying poisons. The uses of these alkaloids affect the nervous system and the circulatory system. Some everyday alkaloids are nicotine and caffeine, which both have been known to cause serious health risks; as well as doctors prescribe drugs such as morphine and quinine to their patients for pain relief.
The properties of fatty oils are triglycerides, glycerol and fatty acids most commonly used as omega-3 fatty acids known to fight cardiovascular disease and depression.
The properties of isoflavones are certain compounds closely related to the human hormone estrogen. Isoflavons are found in soy milk and other soy products. These compounds may prevent cancers related to hormones. Isoflavons also may lower cholesterol and relieve symptoms of menopause while even preventing osteoporosis.
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Almost 30% of prescription drugs are originally derived from plants. Some well known drugs include aspirin, quinine, and morphine. These all are derivatives from everyday natural sources like flowers and tree bark.
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The American Herbal Pharmacopoeia was organized in 1995 as a foundation to educate America on the pharmacology, dosages, side effects, and other health related topics concerning the use of herbs.
