Herbal Remedies
Medicinal herbs were used widely in the practice of ancient Chinese healing. Many of these herbs are available and in use today.
Herbology is an interesting subject. The gathering season of an herb was important for its effect. It was believed that some herbs were more effective if gathered at night and that others were more effective if gathered at dawn. The ancient sages understood quite well the dynamics of growth. It is known today that a plant may not be effective if the dew has been allowed to dry on its leaves. The herbalist believes that the ginseng root must be harvested only at midnight in a full moon if it is to have therapeutic value. Ginseng’s therapeu- tic value is due to its nonspecific action. The herb, which is derived from the root of a plant that resembles a person, is recommended for use in more than 2 dozen ailments, including anemia, colics, depression, indigestion, impotence, and rheumatism (Wallnöfer & von Rottauscher, 1972). It has maintained its reputation for centuries and continues to be a highly valued and widely used substance.
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Figure 10–5A Cupping.
250 ■ Chapter 10
Figure 10–5B Cupping.
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To release all the therapeutic properties of ginseng and to prepare it prop- erly are of paramount importance. Ginseng must not be prepared in anything made of metal because it is believed that some of the necessary constituents are leeched out by the action of the metal. It must be stored in crockery. It is boiled in water until only a sediment remains. This sediment is pressed into a crock and stored. Following are some of the specific uses of ginseng (Wallnöfer & von Rottauscher, 1972):
■ To stimulate digestion: rub ginseng to a powder, mix with the white of an egg, and take 3 times per day.
■ As a sedative: prepare a light broth of ginseng and bamboo leaves. ■ For faintness after childbirth: administer a strong brew of ginseng sev-
eral times a day. ■ As a restorative for frail children: give a dash of raw, minced ginseng
several times per day.