How are Chinese herbs different than Western herbs?
Over the last several years, there has been an increasing interest especially in industrialized countries to reintroduce the concept of using herbals as part of an ongoing goal to improve health. There is a great deal of information available, especially in regards to what we call “Western herbs”. These herbs are most often used singularly, meaning they are not necessarily combined with other herbs into a formula. The term “Western herbs” applies to the method of using the herbs rather than to the origins of the herb itself. Western herb books often list herbs such as Gotu Kola, Ginger, Dong Quai and Licorice, yet these herbs are Asian in origin. Other herbs such as Capsicum and Devil’s Claw come from Africa. Damiana and Pau d’Arco come from South America and Camomile and Myrrh come from Egypt. In China, herbalists have developed the use of a class of herbs called “tonics”, which can be taken daily for increased resistance to disease, to boost energy levels and general health, and to e
