Taking Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss and High Blood Pressure
Chinese Herbs
Practitioners of Chinese medicine prescribe herbs to heal, just like medications are used to treat disease in Western medicine. The fundamental approach and concepts of Chinese herbalism are quite different than the model used in Western medicine. Chinese herbs are used to correct an imbalance of the flow of vital energy, known as chi. Once proper chi is restored, a patient is able to be in a state of optimal health, rather than a state of discord. The influence of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), over the major and minor organs of the body, are used to properly diagnose and treat a series of symptoms.
Chinese herbs for weight loss and high blood pressure address issues with the block of chi energy involved in metabolism, digestion, blood circulation, and liver function. They are often used in conjunction with one another, as many times different plants will complement each other. Also, each individual will require a specific combination of herbal medicine to create balance. For this reason, when using Chinese herbs, it is best to consult an experienced practitioner for the most accurate diagnosis.
Natural Weight Loss
When addressing weight loss, a Chinese herbalist will look for the most efficient combination to boost the metabolism and help the body remove waste naturally. This will require herbs which increase chi and yang (male) energy. These herbs will improve digestion and the body’s use of food. Plants that will transform phlegm are also integrated. These herbs will assist the body in processing fatty material, and prevent an unnecessary accumulation of waste. Beneficial Chinese herbs include:
- Ginseng to increase chi energy
- Astragalus (huang qi) to increase chi energy
- Ginger to increase chi energy
- Magnolia bark (hou po) to transform phlegm
- Hawthorn berry (san-cha) to transform phlegm
High Blood Pressure
Many people are affected by high blood pressure. In Western medicine, this condition is believed to be a result of a series of factors, including obesity, smoking, stress, and poor diet. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is often considered a result of an imbalance of chi flow in the liver, which creates problems with blood flow. Hypertension is often addressed as one of several symptoms that signify a specific state. For example, high blood pressure, neck tension, and heat to the head may signify Liver Yang Rising, which would require a specific combination of Chinese herbs for high blood pressure. Some of the most well-known include:
- Gastrodia tuber (tian ma) for migraines and vertigo due to constricted blood vessels
- Gambir vine (gou teng) to lower blood pressure, treat the liver, and prevent blood clots
- Oyster shell (mu li) for liver and kidney health
- Salvia root (dan shen) to relieve blood clots, irritability, and restlessness
- Eucommia bark (du zhong) for high blood pressure, dizziness, and weakness
If considering using Chinese herbs for weight loss and high blood pressure, it is always best to seek the advice of a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner rather than simply buying an herbal blend over the internet. Chinese medicine is a very effective and safe way to treat disease, but for the most efficient use of these plants, professional advice is invaluable.
Resources
Complementary and Alternative Healing University <alternativehealing.org>.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Basics <tcmbasics.com/basics_5elements>.
Khan, Farah. “Weight Loss with Chinese Herbs.” (Of Spirit) <ofspirit.com/farahkhan2>.
Photo credit
photo by: Jimmie Home School Mom (CC/flickr) <flickr.com/photos/jimmiehomeschoolmom/3818923217>.
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