Collaborative Research Blog with Patrick

CHINESE 

HERBAL 

MEDICINES

It has been said that the Eastern part of the world is one of the most conscientious in terms of having the ultimate nutritious way of life! The Asian countries, more so China is well known for this! One of my classmates, Patrick Dyer and I have recently teamed up to do a research blog together. We researched the many various types of Chinese medicines, herbs and techniques which help them maintain a really healthy lifestyle. After completing our research, it was decided that we would compile a top ten listing of Chinese herbal medicines. So, take a look at what we've come up with.

#10 CINNAMON  (Ròuguì)

The true benefits of cinnamon are unknown to many. The bark and root of this tropical tree helps with various circulatory disorders especially the peripheral circulation in the body. It helps regulates the temperature in the human body, treats menstrual disorders, abdominal pain, aids in digestion, numbness and arthritis.

#9 GOJI/WOLFBERRY (Gǒuqǐ)

These berries are quite high in antioxidants and fiber. They improve your vision, protect your liver, increase longevity, improve circulation and boost sperm production. 






#8 LICORICE ROOT (Gāncǎo)

This root plant is well known for its many healing powers including detoxification. It is widely used to treat such ailments as asthma, heartburn, hepatitis, the cold & flu, sinus and even depression. 

#7 ASTRALAGUS  (Huang Qi)

This yellow root aids in digestive functions, boosting the immune system, increases metabolism rate and helps keep skin healthy. It is also used to make the medicines that help treats deadly diseases such as senility, cancer, hepatitis and AIDS.

#6 MA HUANG 

This herb has been made into a modern drug in the form of capsules. It stimulates the central nervous system helping it to function properly. It aids in asthma and sinus congestion, stimulated perspiration as well as open breathing passages. It assists in weight loss because it causes persons who are trying to lose weight to burn calories at a faster rate.

#5 MUSHROOM  (Mógū)

These vegetables are considered to be high in nutritional value. China has over 200 species of mushrooms. However, it only about 20% of them are known to have powerful medicinal effects on the human body. It helps flush out the urinary tract and help prevent infections as well as the capacity to aid in fighting tumors and help improves the immune system.  

#4 ANGELICA SINESIS (Dāng Guī)

This root has earned the reputation for being the ultimate herb for women and is one of the most widely consumed herbs in China. It aids in relieving symptoms of PMS, menstruation and menopause. It also helps in improving women's libido and increases fertility in women. It strengthens the heart, liver kidneys and spleen. It heals ailments such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, fatigue and anemia. 

#3 SALVIA  (Danshen)

This root herb serves as an important medicine to help heal and repair body tissues that have been damaged by various types of injuries. It also helps with infections and degenerative diseases. It reduces cholesterol, improves liver function and lowers blood pressure. It can be used to treat ulcers, headaches, anemia, rheumatism and all types of internal bleeding. 

#2 GINGER (Jiāng)

This fibrous aromatic herb is most popular for its flavour and taste and is mainly used as a spice. It helps remedy diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, the common cold, motion and morning sickness and improves blood circulation.

#1 GINSENG (Cān)

This is by far the most famous of all the herbs and is often used worldwide. It has a variety of health benefits as well as healing properties. It aids in common ailments such as regulating blood sugar, high blood pressure, menopausal issues, menstrual cramps, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis and fatigue. It has also been known to help prevent certain diseases as well as calm the nerves. It is used mainly in capsule form or used to make tea.

There are also quite a number of other medicinal herbs which were originally found in China. One of them are rhubarb which works as an effective laxative, improving blood circulation and helps ease pain in certain types of injuries. There are others such as hawthorn berry, hoelen, peony, coptis, bupleurum and a vast number of other remedies such as special types of root teas like codonopsis, dong quai and chrysathemum.

I must admit that working with Patrick was really not what I expected at all. He had a lot of useful ideas and he was quite good at researching information which was a bit surprising. Overall, I enjoyed doing the collaborative blog with him and I would endorse him as a very willing, positive and helpful student to work with. 

I would certainly recommend Mr. Patrick Dyer to work with anyone since I truly consider him to be a great asset especially after working with him in two group projects. This was a learning experience and I would be certainly be quite willing to work with him again in the future.