Herbs that Heal
Herbal treatments are individually formulated remedies. Groups of herbs are sorted together according to the diagnosis for the patient to take. If the patient has symptoms of extreme heat, herbs with cold properties or “yin
herbs” would be prescribed to combat the excess “yang” energy. The patient would take home these herbs and boil them in a clay pot for a specified time to extract the herbs’ properties. This process is called decoction, and the liquid is used to drink. Capsules of an herb combination are also common and easy to take. Practitioners provide a week to two week supply of the herbs for the patient by carefully measuring out correct dosages. After a few dosages, patients normally have eased symptoms and an increase in energy. The five main tastes and four main natures of herbs mark the herb’s properties. When faced with a heat, cold, dry, damp or wind condition, practitioners prescribe "sour", "sweet", "spicy", "salty", and "bitter" herbs that will counteract and stabilize the imbalances. Herbs of sour properties consolidate, restore deficiency, and fix a slow metabolism. The sweet taste tones, harmonizes systems of the body, and inhibits pain. The spicy taste disperses, warms, circulates, and vitalizes blood circulation. Salty properties include softening, treating sores, and purging bowels. Bitter taste clears heat, purges toxins, lowers an overactive qi, and improves appetite. Along with the five tastes, herbs can also be hot, warm, cool, and cold in nature. Herbs with natures that are opposite the disease are used to combat the imbalances. The five tastes are the stabilizers. Herbs work together to purge disease and strengthen the body.
herbs” would be prescribed to combat the excess “yang” energy. The patient would take home these herbs and boil them in a clay pot for a specified time to extract the herbs’ properties. This process is called decoction, and the liquid is used to drink. Capsules of an herb combination are also common and easy to take. Practitioners provide a week to two week supply of the herbs for the patient by carefully measuring out correct dosages. After a few dosages, patients normally have eased symptoms and an increase in energy. The five main tastes and four main natures of herbs mark the herb’s properties. When faced with a heat, cold, dry, damp or wind condition, practitioners prescribe "sour", "sweet", "spicy", "salty", and "bitter" herbs that will counteract and stabilize the imbalances. Herbs of sour properties consolidate, restore deficiency, and fix a slow metabolism. The sweet taste tones, harmonizes systems of the body, and inhibits pain. The spicy taste disperses, warms, circulates, and vitalizes blood circulation. Salty properties include softening, treating sores, and purging bowels. Bitter taste clears heat, purges toxins, lowers an overactive qi, and improves appetite. Along with the five tastes, herbs can also be hot, warm, cool, and cold in nature. Herbs with natures that are opposite the disease are used to combat the imbalances. The five tastes are the stabilizers. Herbs work together to purge disease and strengthen the body.