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A Look Into Popular Oriental Medicine Ingredients

Dr Dania Amir

3 min read

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Oriental ingredients for more than 2000 years have developed many different remedies in medicine and are still used in many different medical systems around the world. Most of the Ingredients are collected from nature, making them effective with little side effects. They are often made out of different parts of plants, such as the leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds, and are often combined in a recipe and given as teas, capsules, liquid extracts, or powders.

Following are some examples of common ingredients of Oriental Medicine that are being used all over the world:

1- Chinese cucumber

The Chinese cucumber also called Trichosanthes Kirilowii has been recognized as an effective medicine for thousands of years. Due to its ability to drain heat and generate fluids, it is used to cope fevers, swelling, and flu. The herb’s starch is used to treat abscesses, amenorrhea, and jaundice. The plant has been used for centuries for treatment of tumors and diabetes with modern research also giving prominence to it’s anti-cancer and anti-HIV properties.

2- Goji Berry

Dried goji berries have been an ingredient in many tonics in Chinese medicine. Goji Berry’s high number of nutrients help improve overall health, from improving blood flow to aiding in weight loss. Its most prominent traditional use is to improve sleep quality. Recent research has also indicated its neuroprotective properties and immunomodulatory ability.

3- Ginger

Today, we use ginger as a common spice in cooking. However for over 2,000 years, ginger has been used to treat indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea. Even today healthcare professionals recommend ginger to help prevent nausea and vomiting. It is also used as a treatment for arthritis, and may even help prevent heart disease and cancer.

4- Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the most common Chinese herbs that is being sold worldwide for its health benefits. Historically, ginseng has long been cherished as a cure for many diseases. Due to its unique phytochemicals, it helps improve the overall health. It helps normalize blood pressure, resist fatigue and increase oxygen utilization. Due to its energy boosting ability Ginseng is being looked as a natural herbal substitute for a coffee. Asian ginseng is believed to enhance the immune system in preventing and treating infections and disease.

5- Rhubarb (Dunhuang)

Rhubard was one of the first Chinese roots to be used as a medicine in the Western world. It helps improve appetite, promote blood circulation, relieve pain and also prevent abdominal infections. Rhubarb also strengthens the immune system that reduces autoimmune reactions.

6- Chinese Angelica Root

Chinese angelica root has been known to improve female sexual health. It helps to end hot flushes and relieving menstrual cramps. It also reduces the symptoms of menopause and normalizes women’s menstrual cycle.

7- Hawthorn Berry

Hawthorn is a common herb in traditional Chinese medicine that has been identified to treat cardiac weakness. It stimulates the production of enzymes that help digest food and therefore helps reduce the feeling of fullness and heartburn.

8- Walnuts

The Chinese tradition has used walnuts as a mind-sharpener and they conisder consuming walnuts as improving memorization and concentration.

They believe that the compostion of a walnut resmbles a human mind, and so consuming can improve the brain’s functioning. Traditional chinese medicine principles also regard walnuts as a warming agent, making them a staple in winters.

Furthermore, walnuts contain healthy elements such as omega-3 fatty acids, which help in improving heart and brain function.

9- Cinnamon 

Chinese tradition believes that the bark and branches of cinnamon tree aids in improving the energies of the upper and lower body, along with warming the body (making it important to consume in colder regions).

Recent studies have shown that consuming cinnamon aids in increasing blood circulation and decreases chances of developing allergies. Cinnamon can be consumed mixed with other ingredients in tea, or in some foods like rice.

10- Aged mandarin peel 

The peel of mandarin tangerine is dried in the sun and used as a medicinal drug. It is thought to warm the body and help improve the functioning of the stomach and spleen.

The mandarin peel has components similar to citrus fruits. For example, it contain vitamin C that helps in improving bodily functions. It is also rich in antioxidants which help in reducing risk of disease.

The mandarin peel is commonly used in tea, or as a flavoring agent in meat dishes.

11- Jujube 

Jujube dates, deep red in color, are frequently used in Chinese medicine and have been used so for many years now. They are sweet and are used in teas or added in porridge to improve circulation in body.

Jujubes are believed to improve blood circulation, calm the nerves, relieve stress, and help you sleep better. They are rich in vitamin B and C and can help improve your mood as well.

So, enjoy the health benefits of these Oriental ingredients, and if you need to see a doctor, remember you can book an appointment with a top Physician in Peshawar, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Specialist for your health concerns.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article are intended to raise awareness about common health issues and should not be viewed as sound medical advice for your specific condition. You should always consult with a licensed medical practitioner prior to following any suggestions outlined in this article or adopting any treatment protocol based on the contents of this article.

Dr Dania Amir
Dr Dania Amir - Author Dr. Dania Amir is a Internal Medicine Specialist practicing in Karachi. Dr. Dania Amir has the following degrees: MBBS, MRCP (UK) and has 8 years of experience. You can book an appointment with Dr. Dania Amir by calling us or using the 'book appointment' button.

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