Define Chinese Herbal Tea

Chinese herbal teas are part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Herbal tea may be part of a multi-layered healing treatment including herbal compound pills, acupuncture or acupressure. Teas made from Chinese medicinal herbs can be bought as a nutritional supplement.

History

• One of the oldest known books on Chinese herbs used in pills or teas was Wu Shi Er Bing Fang (Prescriptions for 52 Diseases). This book is thought to have been written around 1065 BC.

Function

• The goal of Chinese herbal teas, in conjunction with other health practices, is to harmonize all of the elements (earth, water, fire, wood and metal) thought to be governing the body.

Types

• According to Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, popular Chinese herbs used in Chinese herbal teas include ye ju (chrysanthemum), ma huang (ephedra) and da t'so (jujube date).

Preparation

• A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) professional practitioner first looks at a patient's medical records, examines her, and then makes up a Chinese herbal tea especially suited for that her needs.

Warning

• Chinese herbal tea should only be used with the consent of your doctor and TCM practitioner. According to Dr. Nancy L. Snyderman, just because an herb is natural doesn't mean it can't cause bad side effects.