Chinese Herbal Medicine – Mackay Rippey
Chinese Medicine, one of the unequivocal jewels of Chinese civilization, is based on brilliant insight into how human beings fit into nature’s web. Chinese medicine is as viable today as it was 2000 years ago.
One major facet of Chinese Medicine is herbology. The Chinese herbal pharmacopeia draws upon the many plants and animal products indigenous to China and surrounding regions. In addition to local herbs, the Chinese include substances that can only have come from overseas.
Chinese physicians and herbalists would have carried their knowledge and herbs with them on such a voyage as proposed in 1421. While records of their journeys may have been wiped out of nautical accounts, it is plausible that an indirect record of the journey can be found in entries of newly discovered herbs into ancient Chinese herbology texts.
I’ve chosen a few herbs that: clearly originated in the Americas (i.e. corn cob); are highly regarded by native American cultures and would likely been the subject of trade and curiosity between herbalists; are grown in both Asia and America and might have the Chinese to thank for propagating them. I also included Dragon’s Blood, a South American herb, just because it has such a suspiciously Chinese sounding name.
Chinese and Latin names are included where possible.
It is my sincerest hope that this small foray into the history of Chinese Medicine, sparks the interest of those far more knowledgeable than I.
1. Corn Cob (Yu Mi Xin)
Native to the Americas
2. Corn Silk (Yu Mi Xu)
Native to the Americas
3. American Ginseng
Grown only Northeast United States
This form of Ginseng is highly prized by Chinese herbalists because it is a Kidney Yin tonifier. Asian Ginseng has Kidney Yang properties. Does anyone know when Kidney Yin Ginseng appears in Chinese Medicine?
4. Chinese Reishi (Ling Zhi)
Native to north Florida and China
5. Horny Goat Weed (Yang Huo Cao/Yin Yang Huo) Epimedium
Chinese and Native American Herbalism
6. Versicolor Mushroom (Turkey Tail, Kawaratake, Yun-Zhi, Cloud Fungus)
Trametes versicolor
Chinese and Native American Herbalism
7. Yerba Santa Eriodictyon glutinosum/californicum, trichocalyx, crassifolium
Used for colds and flu and other infections. Named “Herb of the Saints” by Catholic missionaries in California. Valued by West Coast Native Americans and would likely have been part of trade between Chinese explorers and Native Americans.
8. Maca Root Lepidium peruvianum
Native to the Andean Mountains
Used by Incan warriors to enhance their strength and stamina, but was not taken after battle to protect the conquered women from uncontrollable sexual impulses. This valuable herb would have piqued the curiosity of the Chinese.
9. Sangre de Grado (Dragon’s Blood) Croton lechleri Muell-Arg.
Native to South American rain forests
Widely used by indigenous Mexican, Peruvian and Ecuadorian Herbalists.
This tropical tree secretes a dark red resin when the bark is cut. The resin is used to stop bleeding and to heal wounds.
10. Hyssop (Huo Xiang)
Restores the appetite and removes dampness and heat. An ancient cure for diarrhea encountered when traveling.
11. Rhubarb (Da Huang)
Applied to burns can relieve pain and swelling.
Sources:
www.nutraceutic.com (Leonard Smith, MD)
www.askdrwang.com (Wang)
Nuherb professional catalog 2003
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