8 Best Chinese Herbs

There are a very large number of Chinese herbs that are thought to help a variety of illnesses and ailments, from the very serious to the relatively minor. I have compiled a list of some of the most popular and what they can be used for.

1. Ginseng - This is a common herb that is said to aid healing and rejuvenation. It is particularly good at replenishing the body with fluids that have been lost and also aids the removal of toxins from the body. Ginseng tea is a common method of consuming this powerful herb.
2. Reishi Mushrooms - These are considered to be powerful immune system boosters, that increase antioxidants in the body as well as increasing the vitality of white blood cells. These mushrooms are also said to have a calming influence on the body and are able to help fight insomnia.
3. Lotus Seed - The Lotus Seed aids the function of the spleen and kidneys. It helps reduce diarrhea and also stimulate appetite.
4. Licorice Root - Well known for its detoxification abilities, this root invigorates the body whilst simultaneously cooling it down.
5. Ginko Biloba - This is one of the oldest Chinese herbs. It is said to have positive effects on the lungs and heart as well as able to fight coughs, asthma and a host of allergies. It is one of the most popular natural remedies taken.
6. Ephedra - This herb fights asthma and stimulates blood pressure and heart function too. It also stimulates glands, tissue and muscle in the body as well as increasing the secretion of adrenalin.
7. Astralagus - This is used to build up the immune system by increasing the function of the blood cells.
8. Albizzia Flower and Bark - A herb that is used to combat emotional problems. It has calming properties that have a positive effect on the body and brain.

These are some of the most common and popular Chinese herbs used around the world. If any of you have used these or other Chinese herbs, we’d love to hear about your experience. Send in your comments below.

Bach flower remedies for temper tantrums

Bach flower remedies have long been believed to provide homeopathic help to adults for a variety of ailments and conditions, but is there any reason why children cannot benefit too?

The idea behind Bach flower remedies is that they help the body heal itself by ensuring there is complete balance in the body at both an emotional and mental level. The remedies consist of highly diluted flower and plant substances that are ingested, usually via a drop or two of liquid under the tongue. By curing the underlying problem of the illness or symptoms, the body can heal, repair itself and return to optimum health.

None of the flowers or plants that are used are toxic and the level of dilution is high making them safe for anyone to take. It is also impossible to “overdose” on a flower remedy. There are 38 flower remedies in total, each one directed towards a particular emotional state or state of mind. For example:

Vine is designed for people who are overly dominant

Chicory is for those who are too possessive and demanding of attention

Holly is suitable for people with anger or jealously directed at other people.

Whilst many of the remedies would be unnecessary for children who haven’t yet developed the corresponding emotional state, some of the remedies could be very relevant indeed. A child who is throwing continued temper tantrums following the birth of a sibling could be the perfect candidate for a dose of “holly.” A child who has a tantrum when continued attention is not given may be helped with “chicory.”

Identifying the root cause of the tantrums is the first step towards prescribing Bach remedies to a child. Although no harm will be caused if the wrong remedy is selected, the problem won’t be helped unless it is. Dealing with temper tantrums is par for the course when raising children, but repeated tantrums can cause distress to all members of the family. It’s good to know that Bach remedies are there for us when all else has failed.

If you have either used Bach flower remedies yourself, or on your children, please send in your comments below. If it worked, if it didn’t and how your child responded are some of the questions we’d love to have answered!