Traditional Chinese herbs for depression are outlined & explained below. First a brief overview of the Chinese view of this condition followed by a discussion of Chinese herbal remedies for depression.
Western medicine treats depression as either a symptom of abnormal brain chemistry or as a result of disturbing experiences.
Powerful medications are often prescribed to change brain chemistry. Talk therapy is also used to alleviate depression as the main therapeutic modality or as an additional aid to drug treatment.
Traditionally, the Chinese viewed depression more as a chest problem.
Negative emotions following loss, repressed expression, and other stressful events result in a tightening in the chest which reduces the flow of Qi and vital fluids to the liver, heart and other main organs. The Chinese view this condition of stagnant fluids as the cause of the depression.
So in a sense, the Chinese hold a very physical view of depression. It occurs in the body. The depression is the result of the physics of the body energy going awry.
Whatever the reality of the cause of depression, the East has been dealing with it for centuries using natural Chinese remedies and have hit upon a number of herbs to address it.
Top Chinese herbs for depression
Use the following herbs as directed. If you purchase from a Chinese herbalist, ask for directions on how to use the herbs.
* Chai hu, or bupleurum, might be the best known of Chinese herbal remedies for depression. It is often combined with a little bit of mint (bo he) to enhance potency.
* Of all the natural Chinese remedies for depression, the most commonly used might be he huan pi or he huan huan which the West call “mimosa” - bark or flower.
Different parts of the plant serve different purposes The bark serves as a tranquilizer for emotional disturbances, sleep disorders and memory loss. The flower is a sedative. The leaves also relieve insomnia.
* Dan shen (salvia miltorrhiza), is often combined with he huan for best effects.
Other herbs are also used for treating depression including
* poria (fu shen),
* red dates (hong zao)
* wheat berries (fu xiao mai).
* amber (hu pou)
Healthy World Online also feature other helpful pages on combating depression. Click to visit.
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