TNL Staff
The News Lens International is a Taiwan-based independent digital media, providing balanced reporting and thought-provoking opinions from Taiwan and all around Asia.
What you need to know
With over 300 herbs being used today, The News Lens shares eight most common Chinese herbal medicines and what they treat.
Walking down the streets in Taiwan, one is bound to come across a store with a strange aroma wafting out. If you enter the store, you might see various jars and dried materials lined up neatly on the shelves alongside different types of scales. These are shops selling Chinese herbal medicine which has been used for centuries and is still popular in Taiwan. But with over 300 herbs being used today, which are the ones most commonly seen and what are they for?
The News Lens shares eight herbs you are most likely to come across if you're seeking for a Chinese herbal remedy.
Photo Credit: Nelly Wu
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is used for regulating menstrual cycles, curing headaches, insomnia, infections, nerve pains, high blood pressure and heart conditions. It also improves digestion.
Photo Credit: Nelly Wu
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is usually used as a laxative. It also stops bleeding, relieves body fluid retention, and cures sores and burns.
Photo Credit: Nelly Wu
Lotus Seed
Lotus seeds are used when treating insomnia, heart palpitations and kidney deficiencies. It can also improve one's appetite.
Photo Credit: Nelly Wu
Goji Berry
Goji berries are said to improve vision and can treat dizziness, sexual dysfunction, liver and kidney dysfunction, and diabetes symptoms.
Photo Credit: Nelly Wu
Red Dates
Red dates alleviate tiredness, stress and anxiety. They also cure spleen deficiency, prevent hair loss, improve kidney function and are said to be good for the skin.
Photo Credit: Nelly WuGin
Ginseng
Like red dates, ginseng also alleviates tiredness but treats erectile dysfunction, heart palpitations and insomnia as well. It also improves cognitive function and is said to treat cancer.
Photo Credit: Nelly Wu
Lingzhi Mushroom
The lingzhi mushroom treats coughs and asthma, insomnia and indigestion. It is also said to treat cancer, like ginseng.
Photo Credit: Nelly Wu
Caterpillar Fungus
Caterpillar fungus is used to treat breathing problems such as asthma, chronic coughs and anemia. It also improves kidney and liver function while promoting longevity.
Next time you come down with something, why not try some Chinese herbal medicine?
Editor: Edward White