Hawthorne has a long tradition in both Chinese and western herbalism. In Chinese medicine it is used for food stagnation, which is usually caused by overeating of meats or greasy foods. I serve Hawthorne as tea after Thanksgiving dinner every year at my house. You can also cook cranberries and Hawthorne berries together to make a truly unique sauce for your turkey. Hawthorne is effective for most forms of indigestion caused by overeating or stress eating. In western herbalism, it is used to help with cholesterol and heart problems. Shan Zha should be avoided by anyone taking blood thinners.

According to TCM, these berries tonify fluids and blood, nourish the liver and kidneys, benefit the essence and brighten the eyes. Gou Qi Zi is considered an aphrodisiac for men and especially women. Recent research has shown a positive effect on red blood cell counts and a protective function for the liver. Gou Qi Zi is considered a good general tonic and can be used long term. It is often called the “red raisin” and may be added to cereal or snacked on alone. It is often prescribed by acupuncture physicians for patients who have leukemia or who are undergoing radiation treatments. I like to just grab a handful and snack on them between meals. Gou Qi Zi should not be eaten if you have diarrhea.

This herb has a long history of use in many Asian and western cultures. It has been called “the mushroom of immortality.” Traditionally this mushroom is used to assist the Heart Qi. It can be very helpful in strengthening the immune system, protecting the lungs, assisting with stress-related insomnia, and regulating blood pressure. There has been a great deal of research in China and Japan with many promising results in relation to cancer, high blood pressure, chronic bronchitis, high cholesterol, diabetes, altitude sickness and increasing the oxygenation of the red blood cells. This is my first choice for borderline high blood pressure and poor sleep due to stress. Reishi should be used with caution by people with low blood pressure.

Huang Qi (Astragalus Membranaceus) Huang Qi is traditionally used to tonify the Spleen Qi, move energy upward and improve immunity. Recent research has shown that Huang Qi increases white blood cell count, reduces frequency of colds, and helps with allergies. This is a great long term tonic for anyone with frequent colds, weakened immune systems, chronic loose stools, spontaneous sweating, poor appetite, pollen allergies or aversion to wind. I always look for this herb in any formula that is to address frequent colds or allergies. It can also be added to soups, stews and rice (remove after cooking). Huang Qi should be used with caution if you have a high fever, red face or frequent night sweats.

Ren Shen (Chinese Ginseng) – Ren Shen is considered the most powerful Spleen Qi and yang energy tonifiers. Ginseng can be very expensive, priced by its age and where it was grown. Jilin Province ginseng is considered to be the best available. In TCM, it is used when there is a collapse of one or more energetic systems. We see it used for cold limbs, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, chronic loose stools, and fatigue. Chinese ginseng is often the main ingredient in many of the most famous tonifying formulas. Recent research has shown that it can be helpful in regulating blood sugars, fatigue, stress and immunity.

Ginseng is a very strong herb and can cause a jittery feeling if overused or taken at too high a dosage. I use this herb, but not with the idea that it be taken long term. It can benefit those folks who are exhausted from burning the candle at both ends, and also for the elderly. In general, ginseng should be used in combination with other herbs. Ginseng should be avoided with high blood pressure, insomnia, during colds and flu, or in persons with red face or eyes.

Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps) – Here is a fungus that is not used enough. This little-known herb was considered very rare until recently when it was successfully reproduced commercially. It was so rare in the past that it was only allowed to be used in the emperor’s palace. Cordyceps is a fungus that grows on the bodies of a particular type of caterpillar. It is considered one of the premier immunity herbs, with research suggesting that it strongly increases T-cell/white blood cell counts.

Cordyceps has been used for sports enhancement by Chinese athletes before and after major events. Traditionally, it is used as a tonic for both the lungs and kidneys and is safe for long-term use. I see a number of athletes in my St. Petersburg practice and this is my first choice to add to their formulas. Many of my triathlete patients have taken minutes off of their personal best records after taking this herb.

Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) – Ginger has a long history throughout the world as a cooking and potent medicinal herb. It is the premier digestive herb, aiding indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and poor appetite. It is effective for colds and flu, and some types of headaches, protects against some parasites, and is considered an aphrodisiac by many cultures, plus it tastes great! I recommend this herb frequently for combating nausea caused by sea sickness, pregnancy, chemotherapy or flu. It can be used raw, as a tea, pickled, dried, cooked, or made into cookies, cake or soda. This is a true example of using food as medicine!

The next time you have a cold with no fever, try making a tea with two tablespoons of fresh ginger and two scallions. Immerse in hot water for five minutes and drink, then wrap yourself in a blanket and sweat a bit. You should feel better in the morning!

Jiang Huang (Turmeric) – This is another great cooking and medicinal herb. It has a long tradition in both the east and west. In TCM, it is used to invigorate the blood and Qi. It can be used for certain types of arm and shoulder pain as well as menstrual pain. Recent research is showing its use for improving digestion, lowering cholesterol, and improving various types of arthritis and for traumatic injury pain. It is another herb that is delicious for cooking and is a main ingredient in curry and often used in yellow rice. I frequently add it to rice for a great pungent flavor. Turmeric should be avoided by anyone taking blood thinners.

Jiao Gu Lian (Gynostemma) – This herb is originally from Tibet, but now is also found in China. It is used in a similar fashion to ginseng, but has a less stimulating effect. It is said to tonify the Heart, Lung and Kidney Qi. It is often used to aid in recovery from surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. It is considered an adrenal adaptogen, helps with stress and immunity. Current research is showing positive results with atherosclerosis, liver disease, cancer, hypertension, and inflammation. I frequently recommend this herb for someone who wants to boost their system prior to radiation or chemotherapy. Discontinue during colds and flu. Do not use if taking blood thinners.

Remember that herbs are rarely used in isolation; they are combined in formulas based on a specific diagnosis. Herbs are a very powerful form of health maintenance and healing, and are effective for a variety of ailments. They can be added to meals for great taste and health benefits. All of these herbs are considered safe and effective. To determine if any of these herbs are right for you, it’s best to contact a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, or a well-trained herbalist.

Bob Linde AP is an acupuncturist, herbalist, lecturer and owner of Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies in St. Petersburg, where he directs the Professional Herbalists Program. (727) 551-0857. www.acuherbals.com.