Chinese Herbs for Stroke

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States based on The American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. The Chinese use various herbs to prevent and treat strokes.

Causes of Strokes

• In Chinese medicine, they do feel that any excess in lifestyle can cause strokes. Emotional stress, over working, poor diet and excessive sex are believed to be four causes of stroke in Chinese tradition.

Herbs for Prevention

• Ginkgo biloba (bai guo ye) has many benefits towards preventing strokes and is the first herb used by Chinese traditional medicine.

Treating Strokes

• Chinese medicine suggests that acupuncture is a great recovery method for a person that has had a stroke. Also these herbs Kai qiao, Xi feng and Zhi bu gan shen are used as well.

Chinese Herb Treatment

• The goal of the Chinese herbs used in preventing and treating strokes are to open the blood vessels, stimulate blood circulation and dispel stagnation.

Other Prevention and Treatment

• It is thought that the most effective way for preventing strokes is to alter the lifestyle and to become more harmonious with nature. Managing stress by meditation, yoga or tai chi are helpful. Also, the traditional Chinese diet which is high in fiber, low in fat, sugar and dairy assists in preventing strokes.