Chinese Herbs

One of the most amazing things I have been taught in the recent months are the use of Chinese herbs on injuries. They can be used externally in liniments, poultices or soaks and also used internally. Since I am not a licensed herbalist, I will not get into internal herbs.

Liniments are basically made by adding specific herbs to alcohol and letting the mixture sit for months. Chinese herbs aren't always what most American's think of as herbs. They can be dried barks, roots, twigs, berries, fruits, and some of the most unusual would be bugs. One of the times I have ordered my herbs, using Chinese pin yin's to communicate, I accidentally got dried fish belly instead of a pepper seed. So the ingredients in Chinese formula's are often very amazing while some people probably would choose to not get into specifics!

The reasons to use herbs when treating injuries are vast. In acute injuries, Chinese herbs can be used to substitute ice. While we have been told to follow RICE when we get hurt (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), in Chinese sports medicine, using ice to treat inflammation can further inhibit healing because fluids and blood will congeal and be harder to break up later.

After inflammation is reduced, liniments and/or soaks can be used to continue healing. Even when treating chronic conditions, herbs can inhance healing along with acupressure and massage. What is convenient are these methods can easily be done at home on a regular basis.

Check back soon and I will get show you how to make a poultice.