Basic Chinese Herbs - Part II

Just like taking herbal medicine, medicinal diet needs to be handled with the same care. Improper dosage or use would result in undersirable or side effects. All those wanting to include herbal medicine in their diet for better healthy should learn the functions and nature of food items and herbs thus use them wisely in relation to your own body needs.



Bei Qi(北耆)
It strengthens the heat, promotes urination, lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Eg: Dang Gui Chicken Soup

Dang Gui(当归)
It benefits and balances the blood, regulates menses, treats pain and soothes the intestines. Eg: Dang Gui, Huai Shan & Black Chicken Soup

Dang Shen(当参)
It supplements energy and benefits spirits, grows saliva ad stops thirst. It also strengthens body and stomach, improves fatigue and tiredness, dry mouth and tongue. Eg: Dang Gui Chicken Soup

Hai Zhu( 海竹)
It is the root and stem of Yu Zhu which helps reduce sediments and also softens the blood vessel. Serve this soup frequently is good to the Heart and Lungs.

Huai Shan(淮山)
Huai Shan, Shanyao or Chinese Burdock, a totally different root known as Dioscoreae. When dried, it takes on a white chalky appearance, and is most often used in Chinese Herbal tonic soups. Burdock is believed to be antibiotic and antipyretic. It also lowers blood sugar and there are claims that it is anticarcinogenic. Eg: Chicken, Huai Shan & Cordyceps Soup

Ren Sheng(小人参)
Ginseng is great supplements to energy and spirit, calms heat and mind. It also increases immunity and gives higher ability to fight against illness. Eg: Ginseng Chicken Soup With Glutinous Rice


Tian Ma(天麻)
ItÂ’s shops pain and calms the spirits and itÂ’s also good for treating pain in the waist, head and joints. Eg: Fish Soup With Tian Ma

This portion of the herbs used are more for blood circulation and calming spirits.

Black Beans(黑豆)
It is sweet in taste and neutral in nature. They benefit the Spleen and Kidneys while neutralizing poision. Black beans also invigorate the Blood, promote urination and detoxify the poison. They are useful for influenza, fever and debititation of the body. Eg: Lotus, Black Bean & Peanut Soup

Black Fungus(黑木耳)
Also known as cloud ear, tree ear, wood fungus, mouse ear, and jelly mushroom. It grows rapidly on a variety of woods including mango and kapok and is very similar to another fungus called Jew's ear. Black fungus has a reputation in Chinese herbal medicine for increasing the fluidity of the blood and improving circulation. It is given to patients who suffer from atherosclerosis.

Dried Lily Bulbs(干百合)
It naturally sweet, slightly cold and aid heart to lung and blood vessels. It also moistens lungs and stop coughing, clears heart and calms spirit.

Fox Nuts(茨实)
It supplement the internal organs, strengthen Qi, nourish and strengthen the body. They also benefit the kidneys, promote the replenishment of Jin, tonify the Spleen and stop diarrhoea. They are effective in healing indigestion, diarrhoea, poor bladder control and leucorrhoea. Eg: Chicken & Fresh Coconut Soup

White Fungus(雪耳)
It tastes slightly sweet and of neutral nature. It benefits the spleen, strengthens the stomach and expel Dryness. It calms the spirit, treats insomnia and is good for the body type that resists beneficial food. Eg: White Fungus & Wooden Ear Soup

Wooden Ear(黑木耳)
This contain much protein, carotene, vitamins A & B. It also improves blood circulation, benefits the spleen, moisturizes the lungs.