Traditional Classification Of Chinese Herbs

By Author: Ritesh Dahale
Total Articles: 1
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Different cultures are using different herbs that are abundant in their geographical location. However, Chinese herbs remain to be the most ancient herbal medicines ever known to human being. Of all the material available about Chinese herbal medicines oldest of them, all belongs to Shennong Bencao Jing that dates back to Han dynasty. In the Chinese herbal medicine, techniques rather than using only the leaf or root of the herbs entire herbs are used. In addition, these herbal medicines are often accompanied by certain other non-herbal elements such as animal fur, animal parts or animal bones. Recently this practice of using non-herbal elements has been stopped due to many animal elements belongs to endangered species.
All the chinese herbs are typically classified in two four different categories although there are different methods of classification available according to the previous manuscripts of herbal medicines.
Four natures Herbs: The four Natures category consists of herbs that are classified according to temperature like Hot, Warm, Cold, Cool and Neutral. Herbs ...
... classified as hot and warm are used to treat cold diseases and that are classified as cold and cool are used to treat heat-associated diseases.
Five Flavors Herbs: Under this category, herbs are classified according to their taste like Sweet, Bitter, Sour, Pungent and Salty. However, there are certain herbs that do not have any taste or have different flavors in common. Each flavor stands for specific therapeutic actions like salty herbs are good for softening hard muscles and have a tendency to drain always downstairs. Sweet herbs are well known for their supplementary, harmonizing and moisturizing abilities whereas pungent herbs are best for increasing sweat production by acting on blood. Bitter herbs are good for heat draining, increasing bowel movement and relieving from dampness.
Meridians Herbs: According to Chinese ancient medicine practice, there are almost 12 meridians in the body and these herbs are classified according to the meridian as well meridian specific zang-organ. To explain it further let us say that menthol is considered cool and acts directly upon liver and lungs. This is because lung is considered to be the providing protection to the body against cold and menthol acts directly on lungs eliminating all the toxins causing heat.
Specific Function Herbs: All other remaining herbs are enlisted in this specific category that includes everything from herbs useful in clearing heat, transforming dampness, warming body interiors, releasing exterior components, expelling worms, stop bleeding, opening orifices etc.
Apart from this traditional classification, chinese herbs are also classified according to the modern ages in to superior, medium and inferior herbs. Superior herbs are usually non-toxic and can be safely consumed for longer durations; also, the medium herbs are also non-toxic. Apart from this, inferior herbs are toxic herbs and should not be consumed for longer duration or should be consumed after proper consultation.