Ask Dr. Mao looking for
information about self-healing herbs for specific conditions that we decided
to go deeper into the subject of herbal therapy. Here are answers to
some of your questions.

Q: I want to find a way
to treat my arthritis naturally. What herb can be used as an
anti-inflammatory?
A: White willow bark has pain-relieving
properties. It contains salicin, a compound found in aspirin—in
fact, aspirin was originally discovered in and extracted from white
willow bark. The analgesic actions of white willow bark may be
slower-acting than synthetic aspirin, but the results last longer. As an
anti-inflammatory, white willow bark has been used to relieve the painful
inflammation of joints.

Turmeric, a common spice, appears to
possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. Use it in your cooking
or take in supplement form.
(LOOK on the ingredients listed on the back label of yellow mustered. My squeez bottle has..TURMERIC! listed, what a surprise that was..Ana)
Also, black cohosh,
sarsaparilla, guaiacum resin, aspen bark, and boswellia are useful for
arthritic pain management. Taking ginger twice daily can also help with
arthritic pain and inflammation; you can make ginger into tea and drink two
cups a day.

Q: What herb do you recommend for
chronic bad breath?
A: Chinese herbal therapy often
employs gardenia, siler, patchouli, and licorice for bad breath. That
said, there are many causes to bad breath, but the most likely culprits
are digestive trouble or gum disease. The gums and the mouth are an
extension of the digestive system, and according to traditional Chinese
medicine, they represent the condition of the stomach.
    Therefore, the best herbs are those that strengthen digestion.
Peppermint has many well-documented properties: it increases healthy
gastric secretions, relaxes the intestines, settles the stomach, and
alleviates gas.
Ginger, also extensively studied, has been shown to soothe
the digestive lining and balance gastric juices.
Chamomile is another
excellent herb for settling the stomach. You can combine the three
herbs, steep them as tea, and drink it at mealtimes.
For healthy gums,
massage the essential oils of caraway, sage, peppermint, or myrrh into the
gums.

For a quick breath fix, chew on anise, cloves,
fennel, or parsley. These are helpful herbs for eliminating bad
breath.

Q: I am nearly 30 pounds overweight, and
though I have tried diets and exercise programs, nothing is working. What
herb can effectively aid in weight loss?
A: Chinese
herbs that are traditionally used for their metabolic-stimulating
properties include chrysanthemum, lotus leaf, honeylocust, atractylodis,
astralagus, ginseng, schizandra fruit, and green tea. It is best to
consult with a licensed practitioner for a customized formula.

If water retention is your issue, dandelion leaves may be your
answer. They have been studied for their effect on metabolism and weight
reduction.

Also, click here to
learn more about the Tao of Wellness B-Slim dietary supplement, specially
formulated to help you lose weight naturally.

Q: What herbs can I use for relief from my hot flashes?
A: In Chinese tradition, a hot flash is suppressed liver energy
emerging as “fire,” or unexpressed anger. So although it is a
physical phenomenon, it brings to the surface hidden conflicts within
you. It is also a sign that you need to take time to reevaluate your
life. Eat liver-cleansing foods and herbs such as leafy greens,
schisandra berries, ginger, rose hips, and dandelion.

A
traditional remedy is chasteberry—also called vitex—an herb
that can relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes, breast tenderness,
and irregular menstruation. Research has shown that chasteberry,
unlike other herbs used for women’s health problems, does not contain
plant estrogen or progesterone. Rather, it acts on the pituitary to
stimulate balanced hormonal function. Some of my patients have seen
immediate relief from hot flashes within one week of taking chasteberry
supplements.

Q: What herbs are useful in
lowering cholesterol?
A traditional Chinese formula to
support healthy cholesterol is chrysanthemum, hawthorn, cassia, lotus,
mulberry, and peppermint. Make into a tea and drink 3 cups a day. You can
also purchase this formula, called Internal Cleanse, here.

A well-known cardiovascular tonic, hawthorn
berry has been used in China to normalize heart function and help the
body maintain healthy cholesterol.

The most famous of
the energy tonics, ginseng has been prized and used for thousands of
years to increase physical and mental endurance, reduce cholesterol, and
increase energy. Many studies have confirmed its ability to normalize
blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and prevent heart
diseases.

Q: Are there any herbs that help with hair
loss and graying hair?
A Chinese herb used to reverse
graying hair is “Shou wu” or “fo-ti,” a hair
nurture supplement derived from natural plant sources. It is available in
Asian pharmacies.

For hair loss, seek out stinging
nettle supplements at your health food store. A typical dosage for hair
loss is 200 mg of an extract of stinging nettle root. Finally, prevent
hair loss by massaging your scalp with ginger juice. Leave it on
overnight to stimulate the hair follicles.

When
healing yourself with herbs, it is best to work with your doctor and a
licensed traditional Chinese medial practitioner to get a formula that is
tailored directly to your needs.

May you live long,
live strong, and live happy!

—Dr.
Mao
ASK the Doctor..
https://askdrmao.com/reg_en3.html