Weird & Wonderful Ancient Chinese Remedies

Lessons from 15,000 years of tradition.

Western medicine has got nothing on Chinese herbal medicine, easily to most evolved medical system in the world, a tradition that uses over 10,000 natural substances both animal, vegetable and mineral.

Therapeutic practices in China date back to the Shang Dynasty in the 14th -11th centuries B.C.E. Imagine - just 200 years ago Western doctors still thought bloodletting had the power to cure disease. The West has much to learn from the East.

It’s fairly easy to put some of this wisdom into practice in the comfort of our own homes, even for those who don’t live in China. Most major cities (and many smaller cities) in the world have Chinese herb shops with knowledgeable practitioners who can recommend relatively inexpensive and effective treatments.

Relief for the Common Cold

Sweating therapy works by warming up the body and releasing pathogens through pores in the skin. In the case of a mild cold, a warm soup will often do the trick. Serve with fresh ginger and the white part of a green onion. 

For a stronger cold  - one with symptoms that might include wheezing, stiff neck, chills and inability to sweat - ephedra decoction (ma huang tang) helps to stimulate the bronchial passages, warming the body and stimulating sweating. Cinnamon twig (gui zhi) helps the ephedra do its work. Apricot seeds (xing ren) also give the effects of ephedra a mild boost.

Relief for Depression (including anxiety, insomnia and panic disorder)

Psychotherapy never fully took root in China, where the idea of spending large amounts of money on self-improvement is sometimes seen as a vanity. (This attitude may be changing as Western ideas begin to permeate the corners of the world. There is certainly no shortage of psychiatrists in China). 

Depression is treated much differently in the East than is has been in the West. Chinese medicine practitioners believe all physical and mental illnesses are caused by an imbalance of Qi energy. Depression, in particular, along with anxiety, insomnia and panic disorder, are understood as a restricted flow of Qi in the chest area, resulting in tension from the buildup of stagnant, low emotion.

“Liver Qi stagnation” can be treated with herbs to promote the flow of Qi through the heart area. This can be done using herbal remedies. Taken on their own, most of these remedies have only a mild effect. And yet in combination they can be very powerful. Hare ear’s root is recommended for moving the energy, the effect of which can be enhanced by a bit of peppermint.

Because the Chinese have a physical understanding of mental illness, traditionally these illnesses are also treated physically: exercise is believed far more effective than Western antidepressant drugs - try push-ups instead of prozac, or boxing, breathing exercises and yoga. Even forceful crying and wailing is a great Qi releaser. 

Relief from Stress

China has worked out a plethora of stress solutions. Some require a professional, like acupuncture, for example, but many herbs and teas can be obtained fairly easily and cheaply. 

In terms of Qi flow, stress isn’t all that different from depression. Acupuncture is a proven method for improving circulation in the body, which can help relieve the tension resulting from stress. Stress tightens the muscles, often leading to aches and pains. In other words, a backache usually means more than a backache. Unlike a common drugstore muscle relaxer, acupuncture gets to the heart of the matter, improving blood flow throughout that body rather than simply shutting off pain receptors. 

A foot massage is another inexpensive and effective way to reduce stress. Tai Chi, QiGong and sitting meditation are often recommended by doctors for reducing stress and promoting well-being. Chrysanthemum tea is another great stress buster and can be taken daily. Walking barefoot had a beautiful grounding effect. 

Where to find these weird and wonderful remedies? Many can be practiced at home with no danger - like walking barefoot or drinking certain teas. Beyond that, visit your local herb shop. Many herbs are available to order online, but seeing a professional is highly recommended. Herbs can be potent. You wouldn’t go prescribing yourself a pill cocktail, would you? Medicine is medicine - better to play it safe.  

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