What are the different types of Chinese herbs?

Mankind uses herbs as a medicine from the earliest days of human development. The acquired knowledge and experience was eventually recorded and preserved for future generations. We recognize this crossing that we are collectors in the wilderness of pharmacology students as the Dawn of Medical Herbal. However, various cultures recognize the widespread view of herbal remedy beyond simple adherence to the cause and effect of chewing the leaf or sipping herbal tea. In fact, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), one of the oldest medical systems, includes the use of traditional Chinese herbs as an additional component of a holistic approach to wellness. This document resulted in the foundations of various diagnostic methods such as the theory of five elements, and the concept of duality and the concept of duality and female aspects (ie Yin and Yang). Later the various Chinese materialia Medica provided an understanding of how Chinese herbs were introduced to these theories and herbs, which is the science of designing herbal patterns according to the patient's condition Yin/yang.

One of the oldest known texts specific to Chinese herbs was Shennong Bencao Jing , which comes from the Han dynasty. The author with the same name is also credited as the first herbalist in Chinese medicine. The legend has that shennong sample hundreds of Chinese herbs to learn their qualities, many of which were highly toxic. This particular work is renowned to describe at least 365 medicinal formulations, with more than 250 described in detail as Chinese herbs.

Unlike Western botanical medicine, all parts of Chinese herbs are usually used rather than just leaf or root. Another distinction is that Chinese herbal medicine often includes nebotanic components into its formulas, such as animal fur, organs and bones. However, as the acquisition of some of these components represents a threat to various endangered species, this practice has largely been interrupted.

ChineseHerbs are traditionally classified according to three criteria: four characters, five tastes and meridians. Four characters relate to the degree and orientation of aspects of yin/yang, from very cold (extreme yin) to very hot (excessive yang). Five flavors, sweet, acidic, bitter, salty and pungent, indicate the healing merit of the plant, based on what it tastes. Finally, as the herb corresponds to the meridian (energy channels) of the body, it is determined by the biological activity by which the herb for body systems and organs.

While some Chinese herbs may be unknown to the West inhabitants, others are commonly known, but according to various names. For example, garlic is well known as a medicinal herb in Western medicine, but is referred to in Chinese medicine as dasuan . Aloe, a popular house and a garden plant that produces a burning gel is called luhui .