Methods to Use Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbs come in various forms, and may be used to prevent or cure a variety of ailments. Herbs can be used to prevent a cold from coming on or stop an aching stomach. Many of the herbs used to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine thousands of years ago are still used today. Take, for instance, in early medicine: sponges soaked in opium, henbane, hemlock, mandrake, and ivy were used to sedate a patient before a major surgery, or to stop or prevent great pain.

There are several ways to utilize herbs to benefit your health. Every person has different body chemistry and should consult an herbalist in your area before trying them on their own. After consulting an herbalist you may wish to experiment with a few different ways to use the herbs in tonics, teas, and syrups. There are advantages to each of the following forms of herbal medicine, choose one that you feel comfortable with, and that you completely understand.

· Infusion is usually found in the form of herbal teas, or a herbal mixture steeped in hot water. The teas, or loose herbs are steeped in a teapot made of glass or ceramic. The loose herbs are often a combination of leaves, flowers, roots, and bark. The roots and bark must be prepared before steeped for tea.

Recipe: 2 tablespoons herbal mixture in a teapot. 2 cups of boiling water. The herbs must steep in the water for about 10-15 minutes. Sweeten as desired with honey, juice, or natural sugar.