For a delicate condition like menopause, sometimes a one-size-fits-all solution just won't cut it. There are many factors that aggravate menopausal symptoms, and you'll need a remedy that can address these possible triggers, such as Chinese herbal remedies. A Chinese herbal menopause remedy is made up of several different herbs that address kidney dysfunctions. Why the kidney, you might wonder? From the point of view of traditional Chinese medicine, sufficient flow of chi or life energy to a woman's kidney is needed for her fertility, libido, and overall reproductive health. During puberty, excess blood goes to the uterus because of an increase in kidney chi. The kidneys continue to provide enough blood to the reproductive organs during her childbearing years, but this blood flow diminishes as she ages. Menopause symptoms occur when the kidney runs out of chi, or when the kidney chi is imbalanced.
Traditional Chinese medicine has another explanation for the onset of menopause symptoms. When we are faced by a lot of stress, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise, the chi in our bodies has a difficult time passing through the meridians. When the flow of chi is continually obstructed, the body has a hard time stabilizing itself. This is why women experience uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats during menopause.
Fortunately, chi imbalances and blockages can easily be corrected by a combination of dietary adjustments, acupuncture, qi gong, and herbal therapy. Traditional Chinese herbs for menopause aren't designed to address only one symptom of menopause like hot flashes. Rather, they are formulated to treat the whole person. Although the prescription of these Chinese herbs depends on the specific symptoms and problems you experience, these three herbs are the cornerstone of Chinese remedies for menopause.
China root for menopausal relief
China root is a thick root full of irregular joints and knobs. There are two kinds of China roots you can find in a Chinese herbalist's shops, the better root being more pale and hard than the other. This root is from the oriental climber plant Smilax China Linn, characterized by its red berries and round prickly stalks. The other type of china root is from the Smilax Pfeudo-China Linn plant; it has smoother stalks and black berries. China root has no particular smell or taste, but this herb is very potent in terms of relieving hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings associated with menopause. It is normally chewed or brewed into a tea, but most Chinese remedies for menopause contain the extracted form in an easy to swallow capsule.
Chinese bupleurum root - an fundamental menopause herb
In Chinese, the bupleurum root has a name that literally translates to "kindling of the barbarians." It was first mentioned in ancient Chinese medicinal texts over 2,000 years ago and considered to be one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese bupleurum root is powerful because it can remove chi stagnation in any part of the body, especially when combined with the appropriate herbs. It also has specific actions that target the liver. You'd be hard-pressed to find a Chinese menopause herbal remedy without the bupleurum root because its harmonizing actions and anti-microbial activities are too critical to leave out.
Chinese licorice root - a menopause herbal wonder
Another indispensable herb is the Chinese licorice root. Also known as the "grandfather of all herbs", licorice root is known to help the body eliminate toxins and poisons from the body. It is also said to help other herbs penetrate and cleanse respective meridians, which is very important for correcting the flow of chi. Take note that Chinese licorice root is very different from Western licorice root; the former can calm and energize, while the latter causes nervousness. So make sure that the herbal remedy you have is the licorice root that grows in the northern regions of China.
Remember to check with your doctor or licensed acupuncturist before trying any new natural remedies, including Chinese herbs.
No comments:
Post a Comment