Chinese herbs

WU JIA PI
Rids the joints, bones and muscles of Wind Dampness, which causes arthritis and rheumatism. It also alleviates Damp Cold conditions or deficiency of the liver and kidneys, which causes weak bones.

HUO XIANG
Unblocks the digestion, cures bloating, nausea and fatigue and in combination with other herbs, gastric flu.
YI ZHI REN
A warming herb, this controls leaking fluids from the kidneys and is therefore good for incontinence. It is also useful to control spermatorrhea, or uncontrollable leaking sperm.
BAI ZHI
Good for sinusitis headaches, boils and white vaginal discharge.
DANG GUI
A blood tonic, which is also good for menstrual problems, palpitations, blurred vision and abdominal pain.
BAI ZHU
Treats deficiency in chi: tones the spleen and strengthens the function of the stomach. Good for digestive disorders and water retention, also for restless foetus.
HUANG QI
For chi-deficiency disorders such as fatigue or loss of appetite. Also for combatting viruses, post-natal fever and loss of blood.
MU XIANG
Revitalises the chi: good for abdominal pain, swelling and nausea, lack of appetite and dysentery.
HUO MA REN
This is the ungerminated cannabis seed, without the narcotic effect. Use for constipation and digestive disorders when in a weakened state, e.g. after childbirth or a surgical operation.
HONG HUA
Use for conditions connected with stasis of the blood, such as menstrual problems, growths, fibroids and skin diseases such as scarlet fever.
GUI ZHI
Use for flu and colds, especially with excessive sweating. Also for menstrual cramps and shortness of breath.
CHEN PI
An important herb for revitalising the chi, and is believed to 'awaken the Spleen'. Use for abdominal pain and bloating, fatigue, loose motions, vomiting and belching.
DANG SHEN
Similar to ginseng in effect: use for lung/respiratory problems such as coughs and shortness of breath and lack of vitality.
YI YI REN
Use to dispel water retention and pus-filled sores. Good for digestive problems and stops diarrhoea.
SHAN ZHU YU
Controls the leaking of bodily fluids: use for heavy periods, incontinence and spermatorrhea. Also good for shock and dizziness.
HUANG LIAN
Use for high fever, delirium and infectious diseases. Also for conjunctivitis and certain vaginal infections.
SHAN ZHA
For digestive disorders after too much fatty food. Stops diarrhoea - even dysentery.
TU SU ZI
Use for premature ejaculation, impotence, incontinence, vaginal discharge and to prevent miscarriage. Also for disturbed vision and dizziness.
XIANG FU
Use for PMS (including tender breasts), loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea and trapped wind (gas).
TIAN MA
Use for arthritic pain, migraines, childhood fits, spasms and tantrums.
DU ZHONG
Use to prevent miscarriage, soothe a restless foetus and for weak or painful lower back. Promotes good circulation.
ZHE BEI MU
Use as a decongestant and expectorant where phlegm is difficult to bring up.
GAN CAO
Use for coughing, shortness of breath, throat infections and abdominal or leg cramps.
Warning: this may cause high blood pressure if taken for a long time.
FANG FENG
Use for flu and colds, arthritic pain, trembling and numbness - as in Parkinson's disease.
CHUAN XIONG
Use for blood disorders including menstrual problems, poor circulation, difficult childbirth, besides migraines and dizziness.
JIN YIN HUA
Use against food poisoning, especially salmonella and for mastitis, bacterial or viral tonsillitis and conjunctivitis.
GOU QI ZI
Use for late onset diabetes, weak knees, bad back, sore eyes, failing eyesight and tubercular coughs.
MAI MEN DONG
Use for fevers with parched throat, dry coughs, diabetes and failing vision.
BAI SHAO
Use for dizziness, headaches and abdominal pain, and for menstrual pain, leaking sperm and vaginal discharge.
REN SHEN
(Popular in the west as 'ginseng')
Use to revitalise body and mind, specifically for fatigue, loss of appetite, bloating, difficulties in breathing, sweating and weak limbs.
Warning: too much ginseng, or doses taken for more than six weeks, can cause insomnia, nausea and high blood pressure.
SAN QI
Traditionally carried by soldiers to stem bleeding, this is used for nosebleeds, vomiting blood, bloody stools, and all bleeding caused by trauma. It also alleviates pain.
HUANG BAI, HUANG BO
Use for menopausal hot flushes or excess sweating, yellow smelly vaginal discharge, swollen and painful legs, leg ulcers and drug withdrawal.
BAN XIA
Use for nausea, bloating and excess phlegm in the digestive and respiratory tracts.
JIE GENG
Use for coughs and difficulty in breathing, and for laryngitis.
YUAN ZHI
Use for insomnia, impaired memory, palpitations and abscesses and sore breasts. Also for serious underlying psychological disorders such as anxiety and bottled-up emotion.
HE SHOU WU
Used for vaginal discharge, premature ejaculation, malaria, hardening of the arteries, dizziness, blurred vision - and to prevent hair going grey.
YE JIAO TENG
Use for weakness, soreness, rashes, insomnia or disturbed sleep, irritability and lack of appetite.
FU LING
Good for all symptoms associated with Dampness, including urinary problems and water retention. Also for dizziness and headaches.
XING REN
Use for coughs and difficulties with breathing.
Warning: it may be too strong for some children, and may cause diarrhoea.
TAO REN
This exceptionally strong remedy is used for tumours and enlarged organs such as the liver, besides abscesses and constipation.
Warning: do not take during pregnancy.
SHENG DI HUANG
Use for high fevers, night sweats, constipation, irritability and insomnia. Also for vomiting blood and diabetes.
SHU DI HUANG
This important remedy is used for menstrual problems, insomnia, night sweats, diabetes, tinnitus, lower back pain, deafness and premature greying.
DA HUANG
(Rhubarb)
Use for lack of menstruation, appendicitis and constipation.
Warning: do not use during pregnancy, and exercise caution when taking during menstruation and after giving birth.
WU WEI ZI
Use for wheezy coughs, asthma, incontinence, vaginal discharges, early morning diarrhoea, diabetes, palpitations, disturbed sleep and several phobias including fear of the paranormal and agoraphobia.
HUANG QIN
Use for high fevers, irritability, thirst, dysentery, bloody stools and nosebleeds.
HAN FANG JI
Good for hot swollen joints, as in rheumatoid arthritis, and water retention, especially in the lungs.
SUAN ZAO REN
Calms the heart function, and is good for palpitations, anxiety, insomnia, night sweats, menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, and drug withdrawal.