Once again another Chinese herb is proven by modern research to work as written 2000 years ago. A Cochrane database study just released concluded that hawthorn is an effective treatment for chronic heart failure. Shan Zha or hawthorn fruit has been known for close to two thousand years to “increase blood circulation and relieve blood stasis.” The Chinese medicine patterns that it is known to be applicable for are easily correlated to cardiovascular diseases.
Chinese Herbal medicine is a powerful medicine. Just because it is natural doesn’t inherently mean it is safe. It is a medicine and needs to be treated with respect. The Chinese were brilliant in recording their observations of individual herbs and formulas. Their observations are being proven over and over again to be correct. It takes a tremendous amount of training and study to write a proper herbal prescription as the formulas are based on patterns. Unfortunately many people self-prescribe and take herbal formulas that are not appropriate for them. If you want to use Chinese herbal medicine it is important to see a properly trained herbalist.
In Health,
George
Acupuncture, Nutrition & Herbal Medicine
Licensed Acupuncturist
Licensed Dietitian / Nutritionist
Certified Chinese Herbalist
