Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient medical system formed over 2,500 years and has been evolved ever since. Practices of TCM include Chinese herbal medicines, acupuncture, therapeutic massage (tui na), tai chi, breathing exercises (qi gong) and dietary therapy. These practices have all been used to treat and prevent different kind of female health problems.
Check the following list for 5 therapeutic ingredients commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine that are most useful for women’s health.
Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort)
Yi Mu Cao
In Chinese, Yi Mu Cao means “herb that is beneficial for mothers” – a perfect name for this plant. For over 2000 years, it has been used in many TCM prescriptions that help increase fertility. Yi Mu Cao is proven to have stimulative effects to the uterus, and it is usually paired with Xi Xian Cao, goji berries and jujubes. The other beneficial effects that Yi Mu Cao has include relieving period pain, regulating menstruation, and eliminating edema. With a natural herbal and bitter taste, Yi Mu Cao can be used to make tea or to cook with food; it can also be extracted and made into granular form that dissolves in water.
Goji Berries
Goji Berries
First mentioned in the ancient medical book “Shennong Bencaojing (Classic of Herbal Medicine)”, goji berries have been used in China for more than 2,000 years. These tiny red berries are dried, sweet in taste, and used in teas or eaten raw. Studies showed that the benefits of goji berries include boosting energy levels, fighting fatigue and anxiety, anti-aging, enhancing kidney and liver functions. It is the super fruit for women, because it’s low in calories and high in antioxidant, which helps keep the skin looking young and healthy and helps in maintaining a good figure.
Find out more about the all the benefits of goji berries.
Jujube (Chinese red date)
Jujube
The jujube plant has been cultivated in China for over 4,000 years. Traditionally, jujube fruits have been used as a good luck charm for fertility for the newlyweds. It is considered to be one of the most nourishing fruits, there’s a saying in China that goes “Having jujubes everyday will stop you from looking old”. Indeed, this sweet fruit is a natural multivitamin supplement. It contains 20 times more vitamin C than a citrus fruit, 18 essential amino acids that help in improving organ function and healing the wound. Jujube fruit is rich in folic acid – a superhero vitamin for pregnant women that helps prevent birth defects of the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
Read more about the other benefits of jujube tea.
Dang gui (Angelica root)
Dang Gui
In China, Dang Gui, or Dong Quai, has been used to treat reproductive problems and blood-related problems since the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589). Famous TCM practitioner and author of the Compendium of Materia Medica, Li Shi Zhen, emphasized that Dang Gui played an important role in women’s health, as it can nourish the blood, invigorate blood circulation, regulate menstruation, remove blood clots and relieve period pain. It is called “female ginseng” because of its numerous benefits for women’s wellness. Dang Gui is sweet and pungent in taste, usually is used in medicinal dishes, teas and tonics.
Huang Qi (Astragalus Root)
Huang Qi
As a native plant in china, Huang Qi has been known as the best herbal medicine for tonifying qi (vital energy). In another word, it is considered a great immune system booster. For centuries, the root of Huang Qi has been used to protect the liver, strengthen the muscles, and promote longevity. It is loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals in order to help prevent health problems associated with aging. It helps balance the hormone level and maintain a healthy production of progesterone which plays a significant role in pregnancy and menstruation.
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