Chinese Herbs to Use Every Day for Optimal Health
HERBS TO USE EVERYDAY
Chinese herbalism can seem complicated and overwhelming to those of us who aren't acupuncturists or TCM docs. But, there are some Chinese herbs to use every day that are inexpensive, widely available and gentle enough to be used much like food so that your body can assimilate their nutritive powers in a natural, low-risk way. Using them as food instead of medicine, the effects of these everyday herbs are harmonizing and nourishing over the long-term. They are hydrating, so they are great for the skin and full of phytochemicals and antioxidants that are good for energy and longevity.
Favorite herbs to use every day: Gou Qi Zi (Goji berry), Wu Wei Zi (Schizandra fruit), Da Zao (dried Jujubes), dried figs, solomon seal, Bai He (Lily bulb).
Usage and Preparation: Adding a herb or two to soups or bone broth is a great idea for maximizing the nutrition content of the stock. Toss them into the vegetable stirfry. Add Goji berries or Schizandra to smoothies or steep any one of these herbs with other herbal tea blends. Get our super-antioxidant medicinal tea for anti-ageing and vitality, Longevi-Tea or our muscle relaxing and sleep-inducing Flexibili-Tea. Or, give this delicious looking recipe a try: Schizandra lemonade.
HERBS FOR THE SEASONS
Seasonal herbs can provide a counterbalance for the body to the more extreme outdoor temperatures. These special Chinese herbs can provide warm thermal or cooling energies to help protect you from environmental stresses and extreme weather that can cause stress on the body.
Favorite Seasonal Herbs: For hot weather -- Ye Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum flower), Xia Ku Cao (Prunella) and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle). For cold weather -- Gan Jiang (Ginger), Rou Gui (Cinnamon bark) and Ding Xiang (Cloves) in cold weather.
Usage and Preparation: Whenever you feel a cold coming on, ginger, cinnamon bark and cloves can warm you. These are also great for pre work-out consumption in the winter months as they are great for warming up and invigorating blood flow and energy. (Check out the Ginger Orange Peach Tea for a delicious antioxidant infusion or PlumDragon Chai Training Tea, for a yummy, spicy fall/winter pre-workout drink!) In the summer months, you can brew an iced tea using these cooling herbs as a post-workout treat or soothe an overheated body.
THE SPECIAL HERBS
These herbs are very special and are revered for their unparalleled ability to nourish the body and skin over time and to strengthen all organs and channels. These herbs are more expensive, used more sparingly, and require time to brew, extract and brew again.
Favorite Special Herbs: Ling Zhi (Reishi mushroom and capsules), Cordyceps mushroom, You Ji Bai Ren Shen (White Ginseng).
Preparation and Usage: These are best when decocted into a tea, but it may be a good idea to try also exploring the supplements. These herbs can be a bit more difficult to work within the kitchen and can also be very bitter. You should also take a look at Reishi-Green Chai Training Tea, Reishi & Astragalus Chai Training Tea, Resihi Capsules, Cordyceps Capsules, Triple Mushroom Capsules and Fall & Winter Training Wine.
***This article is informative only and NOT intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material on PlumDragonHerbs.com is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.
