Chinese Herbal Treatments
Ginger, Cloves, Pepper & Cinnamon Used to Ward Off Common Illnesses
Jun 26, 2007
The ordinary kitchen holds Chinese herbal remedies for such common problems as upset stomachs and summer colds. In China, food is medicine. Every food eaten has an effect on the body and there are ways of combining foods to enhance that health. Cinnamon, black pepper, clove, fennel and ginger can help soothe an upset stomach under the right circumstances. Ginger and green onions (scallions or spring onions) are good for certain summer colds. But before using these herbs and spices it is important to understand how they do what they do, so they are used only when appropriate. The herbs discussed here will be ones that are useful for situations where the underlying issue is cold.
Digestive Upsets
Chinese herbalists believe that upset stomachs can be caused by inefficient digestion from cold. After eating lots of cold foods at a picnic some people will feel bloated, have diarrhea and some may even vomit. Warming herbs such as cinnamon, pepper, cloves, fennel, and ginger may help in those situations. A tea with sliced fresh ginger root and one or two of the other herbs listed above (chose the ones that appeal to the individual) can easily be made by simmering the ingredients in water for about 10 minutes). The tea should be sipped slowly, waiting a few minutes after the first sip. Attention should be paid to whether the stomach is settled by this or not. If not, this isn’t the right tea for the individual. Fresh ginger is well known for easing nausea so keep some on hand. It can be sliced and frozen for ease of use.
Summer Colds
Ginger and green onions can be used in a tea for that irritating summer cold, if there is nasal congestion with clear or white mucous. The onion will help clear the congestion and the ginger warms the lungs. But if the discharge is yellow this combination shouldn’t be used. The yellow indicates that there is heat present and warming herbs would be inappropriate.
Using Chinese Herbal Teas Effectively
Any time new ingredients are used in a Chinese herbal tea, the individual taking it should test a few sips, waiting to ensure that it is right for them. A Chinese herbalist knows that each person is different and what works for one may not be the best for another. So while there are some fairly standard herbs and spices used, it will be important to pay attention to the person’s reaction to them. This is one advantage of making simple teas. They can be tested in a few sips and modified to suit the individual.
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