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A Basic Idea on Chinese Herbs

2009-2-2 11:23:00

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Chinese herbs

Chinese herbs, mostly of plant origin, are different from western herbs due to its special theory and method of usage. One reason is that the origin of the herbs are not the same. In general, only those herbs that are used based on the theory of TCM are known as Chinese herbs.

First of all, Chinese herbs can be divided into four main types according to their properties: cool, cold, hot and warm. While herbs with warm or hot properties can be used to treat illnesses that are classified as cold or cool in nature and vice versa, cold or cooling herbs can be used to treat illnesses that are defined as warm or hot in nature.

Chinese herbs can also be grouped into 5 types of tastes in terms of their different features and effects: sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty. Those Chinese herbs that are sour have a dehydrating property and can be used in treating diluted stools. Pungent tasting Chinese herbs have dispersing effects and can be used to treat flu.

Another feature of Chinese herbs is that they attribute to different meridians based on their most effectiveness. Therefore, herbs that are attributed to certain meridians can be used to treat the problems of those meridians to achieve the goal of treating the illness faster and more direct.

Lastly, Chinese herbs are also classified according to their effects: ascending and descending. These are used to guide the flow of "Qi" and blood in the body.