Introduction to Chinese Herbs

From Eu Yan Sang:

Chinese herbs are different from western herbs. This is largely because of its special theory and method of usage. Despite Chinese herbs being mostly of plant origin, Chinese herbs are inherently different from western herbs. One obvious reason is that the origins of the herbs are geographically different. i.e. Chinese herbs are so-called because they originate from China and western herbs are so-called because they come from the West. In general, only those herbs that are used according to the theory of traditional chinese medicine (TCM) are known as Chinese herbs.

Firstly, Chinese herbs are categorized into four main types according to their properties: cool, cold, hot and warm. Herbs with warm or hot properties are used to treat illnesses that are classified as cold in property or cool in nature and vice versa, cold or cooling herbs are used to treat illnesses that are defined as warm or hot in nature.

Secondly, Chinese herbs can also be categorized into 5 types of tastes - sour, bitter, sweet, pungent and salty. Sour Chinese herbs have a dehydrating property and are used in treating diluted stools. Pungent tasting Chinese herbs have dispersing effects and can be used to treat flu.

Thirdly, an additional feature of Chinese herbs is that they attribute to different meridians based on their most effectiveness. Therefore, herbs that are attributed to certain meridians can be used to treat the problems of those meridians to achieve the goal of treating the illness faster and more direct.

Lastly, Chinese herbs are also classified according to their effects: ascending and descending. These are used to guide the flow of "Qi" and blood in the body.