Asian Medicinal Herbs

While Asian countries have a long history of using herbs for medicinal purposes, Western countries have only recently begun to investigate the medicinal properties of herbs. In China, more than 3,200 herbs are used in conjunction with minerals and animal extracts for medicinal purposes. As herbal remedies are becoming more common in the United States, many herbal formulas are available in health food stores, pharmacies and from herbal medicine practitioners. Medicinal herbs are typically ingested in the form of teas, powders, tinctures or syrup.

Astragalus

• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) has been used in conjunction with other herbs to strengthen the body against disease for thousands of years. The astragalus plant is native to China, Mongolia and Korea. Its medicinal power lies in its roots. With antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, astragalus can be used as a topical treatment for wounds. As an adaptogen, it helps protect the body against a variety of stresses and is used to protect and support the immune system. Research studies in the United States were conducted to investigate astragalus as a potential way to speed recovery and prolong life expectancy for people whose immune systems have been weakened as result of chemotherapy and radiation. Astragalus is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a wide range of ailments, including colds, influenza, fever, allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue, anemia, loss of appetite, heart disease, kidney disease, hepatitis and stomach ulcers. Astragalus root can be taken in various forms, including tinctures, capsules and topically. In Asian countries, it is also administered by injection in clinical settings.

Ginseng

• Revered in China for thousands of years, Asian ginseng is believed to posses extraordinary restorative capabilities. Historically, it has been used as an aphrodisiac and to treat fatigue, headaches, amnesia, tuberculosis, diabetes and cancer. In 2010, modern herbalists prescribe ginseng as a stimulant and to prevent stress. Ginseng roots can be ingested raw and unprocessed or in the form of a soup, liquor, tea, extract or powder. Ginseng is a popular medicinal herb that can be purchased from most pharmacies and health food stores. It is often combined with other herbs in a variety of formulas.

Kacip Fatimah (Labisia Pumila)

• Kacip fatimah, also known as labisia pumila shares a long history with Malaysian women. It is commonly used to induce childbirth and ease the pain of delivery. Kacip fatima is also used as a postpartum medication to aid in contracting the birth channel, prolong conception and assist with regaining body strength. In addition, kacip fatimah is used to treat dysentery, rheumatism, gonorrhea, flatulence and dysmenorrhea. Typically, kacip fatimah is boiled in water and taken as a drink.