Chinese plants: 5 benefits you didn't know about for your health and well-being

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient art that, as many Chinese people explain, uses various techniques to restore balance in the energy that flows through the body, mind and spirit. One of the most important modalities of TCM is herbal therapy, which uses plants with healing properties to treat and prevent disease.

Chinese plants offer a wide range of health and wellness benefits, from relieving symptoms to improving immune function to protecting the brain and heart. In this article, we present 5 Chinese plants that you may not have known about and that can improve your quality of life.

Chinese plants: Astragalus (黄芪 huáng qí)

Astragalus is a popular plant that is believed to have anti-aging and life-prolonging effects. Its main components are flavonoids, saponins and polysaccharides, which give it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the benefits of astragalus are:

• It strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections.
• It regulates blood sugar and prevents diabetes.
• It protects the liver and kidney from toxins and damage.
• It improves blood circulation and prevents hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
• It stimulates brain activity and prevents cognitive decline and dementia.

Astragalus can be consumed as a supplement, powder, extract, or tea. The suggested dose depends on the form of consumption and the therapeutic objective.

Chinese plants: Cinnamon (肉桂 ròu guì)

Cinnamon is a spice widely used in cooking, but it also has great medicinal value. Cinnamon contains compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, which give it antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. In addition, cinnamon can help:

• Regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Lower cholesterol and triglycerides and prevent atherosclerosis.
• Relieve PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps.
• Fight inflammation and joint pain.
• Stimulate metabolism and promote weight loss.

Cinnamon can be consumed as a spice, capsule, essential oil, or tea. The suggested dosage varies depending on the form of consumption and the condition to be treated.

Chinese plants: Ginkgo (银杏 yín xìng)

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest plants in the world and is considered a symbol of longevity. Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which are potent antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress. The benefits of ginkgo biloba are:

• It improves memory and concentration and prevents Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
• It increases blood flow to the brain and the rest of the body and prevents strokes and heart attacks.
• It relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety and improves mood.
• Fights vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss.
• It improves sexual function and treats erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Ginkgo biloba can be consumed as a supplement, extract, or tea. The suggested dose depends on the form of consumption and the therapeutic objective.

Chinese plants: Ginger (生姜 shēng jiāng)

Ginger is a root with a spicy and aromatic flavor that is used in both gastronomy and medicine. Ginger contains gingerol, a compound that gives it anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. Some of the benefits of ginger are:

• It relieves nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, especially during pregnancy and travel.
• It facilitates digestion and prevents gastritis, ulcers and reflux.
• It boosts the immune system and helps fight cold, flu, and cough.
• It reduces muscle and joint pain and helps recover from injuries and sprains.
• Increases libido and improves fertility.

Ginger can be consumed as a fresh root, powder, capsule, essential oil, or tea. The suggested dosage varies depending on the form of consumption and the condition to be treated.

Chinese plants: Ginseng (人参 rén shēn)

Ginseng is one of the most well-known and valued plants in Chinese medicine. Ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are compounds that give it adaptogenic properties, that is, they help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. The benefits of ginseng are:

• It increases energy and physical and mental endurance and fights fatigue and exhaustion.
• It improves cognitive performance and learning capacity and prevents mental deterioration.
• It strengthens the immune system and prevents infections and chronic diseases.
• It regulates blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes and its complications.
• It improves sexual function and treats erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Ginseng can be consumed as a root, powder, extract, capsule, or tea. The suggested dosage depends on the form of consumption and the type of ginseng (red, white, or American).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese plants represent a gateway to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. However, the key to its effective and safe use is professional guidance. If you also want to immerse yourself in the rich Chinese culture and master its language, Hanyu Chinese School is your perfect ally. With a team of experts and an innovative teaching method, learning Chinese has never been so accessible and exciting.

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