Herbs have many health benefits. That’s why people around the world (not just in China) have been using them for centuries.
Herbs are very versatile and adaptable. They can be used for a variety of health conditions. In Chinese medicine, herbs are used as a natural way to take care of yourself and treat common physical, mental and emotional issues.
To get the full benefit of these powerful plants, add them to your everyday life. Here’s how:
1. COOK WITH THEM
In Chinese medicine, a good diet suitable to the person’s unique health needs is prescribed to support the effect of treatment and promote good health. According to Chinese medicine what we consume can aid in the prevention of diseases, strengthen the body and prolong life. Use tonifying herbs in soups to get the most out of them. The classic herbal soup is a delicious chicken broth. It is simple to make and there are many recipes online
2. BREW FOR TEA
Drinking tea was adopted as a daily necessity in ancient China because of its many health benefits. Consuming herbal teas is an effective way to re-balance and nourish the body. There is a wide range of herbal teas to suit every taste, many of which are traditionally used to alleviate common ailments. Find the perfect tea from the extensive collection at the MEI LEAF teahouse and if you are looking for pre-blended herbs then browse their blends.
3. USE AS MEDICINE
Herbs are fundamental to the system of Chinese medicine, and the clinical records of their use date back thousands of years. In Chinese medicine, herbs are used to treat and prevent various conditions. The average Chinese herbal prescription contains several herbs; the amount ranges from 4 to 15 different types of herbs. Herbs are combined and modified according to each patient’s unique experience of their condition to maximise the effect of treatment.
According to Chinese medicine, each herb can provide a unique curative effect on a particular part of the body, and when combined together, the total effect is a multi-pronged treatment that simultaneously tackles the multiple causes and symptoms of a chronic condition.
Herbs are most commonly prescribed in the form of raw plant to be consumed as tea, but also as pre-formulated capsules and tonics. For skin conditions, herbal medicine is also prescribed in the form of creams and lotions.
A Chinese medicine doctor must have thorough knowledge of at least 200 herbs and 100 formulae in order to be able to prescribe herbal medicine.
To try Chinese herbs for any health condition, book an appointment with one of our doctors for a Chinese Herbal Consultation where you will be provided with a diagnosis and a bespoke prescription
4. ADD AROMATHERAPY
Essential oils of plants can promote good health and wellbeing through your powerful sense of smell. Traditionally these oils are used to ease various physical and emotional complaints. Use aromatherapy essential oils to heighten the relaxing or stimulating effect of your massage, or sprinkle your preferred aroma into your daily surroundings.
Always dilute before use or blend with good carrier oil. Never take internally or use directly onto the skin.
5. USE FOR BEAUTY
For centuries, herbs have been used as part of everyday beauty regimens. DIY facials, tonics and herbal baths to name a few. A herbal mask, for example, packed full of pure herbal extracts will lift away the years of tired and dull looking skin naturally without the use of chemicals.
But beauty always comes from the inside because what you put in your body will affect how you look. According to Chinese medicine, the state of the skin and the ageing process is influenced by the state of the main internal organs, Therefore, the organs must be regularly nourished with certain herbs to protect the body from premature ageing and keep the skin hydrated from the inside out. Certain Chinese herbs have properties that are essential for maintaining healthy cells & tissue. That is why we pack those skin-boosting herbs into our Sinensis Chinese Cosmetic Treatments. Click here for an overview of Chinese cosmetology.
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