HERBS
and
NUTRITION
HERBS
Herbal remedies have been documented as being used for healing purposes for thousands of years.
The earliest Chinese writings on herbs are from 200 B.C.E.
Many substances are included in the term "herbs" when speaking of the Chinese herbal pharmacopia. As well as plants, roots twigs leaves, berries and seeds, animals parts insects and snakes, bones, sea shells, seaweeds, stones or elements like alabaster, hemitite, cinnebar and sulfur are also used to heal.
Herbal remedies come in many forms such as powders, pills,
raw herbs that have to be boiled and simmered,
pastes, poultices and herbal packs which can be worn during the day or at night.
Many herbs are used in home cooking.
Often specific herbs will be added to assist the body through
a seasonal transition as well as aiding in recovery from an illness.
It is said that there were three levels of herbs, and that the use of herbs
to heal the body was the lowest use. The higher levels were for spiritual
healing.
Some common herbs and their uses.
Onions, pears and apples are good for the respiratory ailments.
Chinese mountain yams are good for strengthening the body.
Chinese red raisins are good for the eyes.
NUTRITION
More to come