Herbs of all kinds, Western , Ayurvedic, Native American, South American, Japanese and of course Chinese Herbs are also ways people keep their body in good running order, but how do you know what is right for you?
This is a hard question to answer and I believe there is value in trusting your instincts and doing your homework. Sorting thru all the advice from friends, family & your favorite magazine, book or TV show can be difficult & even draining but it is a path worth taking.
I will hopefully shed some light on at least one modality, Chinese Herbal Therapy. Chinese herbs have been traditionally used for centuries to help maintain the vitality & stamina of man and keep a balance of that energy AND emotions. They have been shown clinically and empirically to do good for the body as a whole, over a lifetime.. We will address some of those herbs and how they work in this article.
I have spoken many times at lectures around New England on how herbs are “energetically” Hot or Cold. Observing temperature and reactions to the world around us, we can usually decide on herbs/foods that can help us stay in tune with our body’s needs.
To review, If we are “hot” individuals (i.e.: prefer cold drinks, sleep spread out, wear sleeveless shirts when others are wearing sweatshirt) we would think of ourselves as needing more cooling foods/herbs to help balance us.
The opposite would be said for those cold people who do not like the winter, sleep in a curled up position and prefer hot drinks and would need to use warming herbs/foods rather than cooling ones.
Each person is incrementally different in temperature and spirit and many of us have mixed patterns of “hot or cold” so if you are unsure of your energetic temperature, it is essential that you see a professional herbalist to help you determine this especially if you are to make tonics on your own.
The emotion of anger, irritability and rage are many times signs of heat and along with these signs and symptoms come western diagnoses of migraine headaches, high blood pressure, ringing in the ears and very dry and burning eyes or mouth. The heat of the body agitates the individual and causes disharmonies. Tonic herbs are usually warming so we need to be sure not to use warming herbs that will ADD to this disharmony. There are many ways to disperse this excess of heat with herbs and this must be done before using Tonic herbs regularly.
TCM shows us that as we age, we get colder. Our “pilot light” or Kidney Essence starts to fade. We need to help “spark” that pilot light to keep all the organs functioning properly, thus the need for Tonic (usually warming) Herbs! These are herbs that are taken when we are well and provide the energy we need to stay balanced as we age.
The herbs below are often identified as Men’s Tonics. Some are more warming and invigorating than others and I will identify them accordingly.
Remember the key is to bring balance for long term health, and keep in mind that too many “warming” herbs can bring about HEAT signs that can cause more harm than good. Be observant and listen to your body!
Warming & Activating Herbs: These herbs help with Kidney vitality which rules all reproductive organs, bones, and the brain among other substances, in our system of wellness. These can be used as sexual tonics but are usually not used alone as imbalances can occur quickly.
The use of Seal Penis, animal parts & Snakes for impotence is not part of any professional formula in Chinese Medicine today. As always, this article is not intended to replace medical treatment and is simply a way to learn more about the herbs/food around us that are seen in health food stores and for general knowledge.
Korean Ginseng (Hong Shen): This ginseng is steamed with Aconite (the hottest herb in Chinese Medicine) and is used only if you are cold to the bone. It is most often used in a soup or tea in very small amounts.
Panax Ginseng ( Ren Shen): This Chinese ginseng is very warming and sparks all the organs to keep working properly for us. Many scientific studies and centuries old literature show Ginseng to be very restorative to the entire body. 1-6 gms a day can be used with the right differential diagnosis.
Epimedium (Yin Yang Huo): Also Known as Horney Goat Weed, is probably one of the most famous herbs for men’s vitality. It actually does provide an upward movement of energy while also providing a good flow of emotions. Tonics that contain this herb and others are usually consumed in the Spring to invigorate the reproductive system of both men & women.
Eucommia (Du Zhong): This herb is most used for low back pain and is used often with other herbs to bring flexibility & vitality to the lower regions of the body.
Deer Antler Velvet (Lu Rong): The antler (which falls off) is dried and used powdered or in tea form. Most Chinese Herbologist see this herb as “flesh and blood” and it tonifies the Kidney Yin and Yang. Research has shown that it is also effective as an anti-inflammatory and increases testosterone levels after only weeks of use. One must always use small amounts of this herb in a daily tonic.
More Neutral Herbs: The following herbs are know in Chinese Medicine to bring Qi to the body without adding much heat and are used when the body requires less warming herbs to balance health. Kidney Essense and Qi are emphasized here.
Codonopsis ( Dang Shen): This is considered the poor man’s ginseng and provides the body with the ability to make energy from the food we eat more easily. It is a great herb to use in your soups, stews, teas, or sauces.
Lycium Berries (Gou Qi Zi): This is the famous Goji Berries that are touted to do just about everything your body needs. They are particularly good for you help make blood and Kidney essence which is responsible for our sexual energy. You can cook, eat or bake with these gifts from the earth.
Morinda Root (Bai Ji Tian): Morinda root is used in the western diagnosis of impotence, premature ejaculation, soreness of the lower back and knees, and infertility. It is considered a major longevity herb and is a regular ingredient in Daoist formulations. As an aside, Noni Juice is made from the fruit of the Morinda plant.
MIGNOSA, LAURA, NCCH
CT Institute for Herbal Studies
900 Wells Road (Route 175), Wethersfield, CT 06109(860) 666-5064, laurachina@aol.com Laura is a Nationally Certified Chinese Herbologist, director of the Ct Institute for Herbal Studies since 1992 and is both Western and China trained. The integration of Western & Chinese medicine as it is practiced in China inspires her yearly travel to Beijing hospitals and allows others to view the culture from a holistic perspective. Laura’s work with major hospitals & holistic practitioners since 1995 enhances her teaching and healing skills.
She was enlisted as a co-investigator on a clinical randomized trial study for UCONN Medical Center utilizing Chinese Herbal Therapy to help with the symptoms of menopause in breast cancer patients.
As a professional Chinese Herbologist, she uses only safe hospital-grade herbs which are certified against contaminates, pesticides or heavy metals.
In addition to her work as an educator of Chinese Herbology, Laura is a local & national lecturer, designs Chinese Herbal formulas for Pets and works as a consultant on Chinese Herbal Formulas. Her private practice is maintained at the school where appointments for care are taken as well as at Grant Chiropractic Health Center in Milldale .
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