Herbology
Herbology is the ancient Chinese study of combining herbs to provide medical benefit. Traditionally, the herbalist prepares the herbs that are needed based on the patient’s illness. The herbs used can include flowers, plants, roots, animal parts, and minerals.
The first herbalist recognized in Chinese history is Shennong, who lived over 5,000 years ago. It is believed that it was Shennong who classified hundreds of the herbs that are now used in herbology. He did this by testing the herbs. He is also thought to be the one who discovered tea (which can be used to counteract certain poisons). Shennong was responsible for creating the first Chinese pharmacology book in which he identified 365 medicines. Of those 365 medicines, 252 were herbs.
A Chinese herbalist uses three means with which to classify herbs. These are The Four Natures, The Five Tastes, and The Meridians. In the case of The Four Natures, the herbalist takes into account the balance of yin and yang, with cold being yin and hot being yang. If the person is suffering from a cold, the herbalist will counteract that with a herb that is classified as hot. The Five Tastes of herbs are salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and pungent and each one is used based on its characteristics. Foe example, pungent herbs will bring about sweat while a bitter herb generates heat and therefore alleviates wetness. The Meridians relate to the organs the herbs work on. The lungs protect the body from cold and flu. Since menthol is pungent and cool, it is linked to the lungs and would be given to cleanse the lungs of a cold.
Some practitioners gather their own herbs outdoors, believing that the naturally grown herbs work the best. Some think that growing their herbs indoors, where they have complete control over the environment, is the best way. Regardless of how they are grown, most herbalists believe that the energy they feel when they pick the herbs is very important. This energy includes not only a spiritual awareness, prayer, and thankfulness, but also showing the proper respect for the herbs themselves as they are gathered.
Once gathered, the herbs may be dispensed to patients in several ways. Common methods to administer the herbs are through juices, powders, pills, syrups, teas, lotions, oiles, salves, and whole herbs.
Herbs have often been considered magical for their ability to curing ailments. Although herbology is traditionally a Chinese art, many people in the West, disillusioned with western medicine, are beginning to recognize its potential benefits.
Copyright @2006 Herbology
