Chinese domination in herbal era
The era of herbal medicines can be distinguished into old age, medieval and modern age. Siddha ruled the old and primitive medicines, where Chinese herbs played a dominant role in medieval period. Chinese had a thirst for the new discovery and improvement of herbology. Even the famous martial art teachers taught their students about herbs and its importance for injuries and emergency.
How Chinese Herbs were mixed
The Chinese dynasties have appointed ministries for the development of herbal medicine. Each Chinese medicine is prepared from a cocktail of so many herbs that is necessary to cure the particular disease and has been tailor made especially for a particular patient. They used to prepare formulations of medicines based on the yin/yang condition of the patient. Some other ingredients are added to neutralize the toxicity of the reactions occur in the herbal chemicals present. Hence the mix ratio of the herbs is so critical. Some herbs are added as ingredients to act as the catalyst for healing reaction to occur in terms emergency. They should never be added in excess to avoid harmful side effects.
Found a video on youtube which shows a Wu pill which goes against brain ageing and hair loss.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine often include ingredients such as leaf, flower, stem, root and even ingredients from animals such as parts of species like seahorse, tiger bones, rhino horns etc. some of the species they used are endangered now. Hence many rules and bans have been imposed to control the poachers, black market and hunting of these endangered species. Shennong Benaco is believed to the person who collected information about some 375 herbal plants and their uses and prepared a book named Materia Medica, in Tang Dynasty. The book contains three categories of medicines. The first category includes superior herbs that can be used for curing multiple medicines at a time and has the capacity to restore the body balance.
Preparation for Chinese Herbs
There are no known side effects for those medicines. But the fact is that they are very rare. Second category of medicines comprises tonics, boosters and their consumption need not to be prolonged. Third category of medicines is taken in small doses and they are given only for specific ailments.
These Chinese herbs can also be classified as three level categories. Low level medicines have drastic acting and are toxic substances.The second middle level medicines produce and influence the physiological effects. The third high level medicines enhances the spirit and health altogether. There are four natures for the body conditions or degree of yin yang. They are cool, warm, extremely cold and extremely warm. Extremely cold is called as yin and extremely warm is called yang. Depending on this body balance and body yin/yang conditions the herbs are selected for the particular patient. There are five tastes in these medicines as classified. They are sweet, pungent, sour, salty and bitter. They have their own characteristics. Pungent herbs regulate blood circulation and enhance sweating. Sweet herbs notify the body and hormone system is regulated. Sour taste herbs are astringent, consolidate. Bitter taste herbs dispel heat and purge out the bowels. Salty herbs also purge and open the bowels.
