Ephedra is known as “Ma Huang” in Chinese Medicine. Ma Huang has the properties of being warm and bitter. It mainly enters the lung channel and strongly disperses fluids in the body. Ma Huang descends the lung qi to stop cough and wheezing while opening the pores to promote sweating. The excess fluid also descends to the bladder to be excreted through the urine. Due to the diuretic properties of this herb, it is helpful in treating edema. According to the Materia Medica, the toxic dose of Ephedra is 30-45g. Overdose of this herb could cause palpitations, insomnia, cardiac arrest, stroke, chest pain, respiratory arrest, and blurred vision. Disclaimer: Please consult your physician, board certified herbalist, or other health care practitioner before using any...
There has been some buzz in the news regarding herbal supplements lately. According to a number of articles, stores like Target, Walmart, GNC, and Walgreens are selling herbal supplements that contain fillers and additives other than the actual herb being advertised. Without question, this raises concerns about the risks involved taking herbal supplements. The articles go on to mention that these misrepresented supplements pose a health risk to the general public, especially for those allergic to the non-disclosed ingredients and immunocompromised people. What the articles don’t mention is even if the ingredients are listed correctly, it can still pose a risk to the general public. Unless you are an herbalist or have studied natural medicine, it is unlikely that you will know the true biomechanical effect...
Regular acupuncture treatments help to decrease inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and balance the body. Chinese Herbal Medicine will treat your energetic pattern as well as the symptoms to improve overall health and wellness. Use a neti pot filled with distilled water, ¼ tsp of sea salt and a drop of tea tree oil to cleanse the nasal passages from bacteria and allergens. (Ask your health care practitioner for complete instructions) Use an aromatherapy facial steam to open up the sinuses. Boil 3-5 cups of water and pour carefully into a glass bowl, add eucalyptus and lavender essential oil (about 5 drops each), sit with your face about 10-12 inches from the bowl with a towel draped over your head, for a few minutes....
Today marks the 13th anniversary of an unforgettable day. On this day, I was working in Queens, NY when the news broke. Along with many, I witnessed the destruction, despair, and loss that came upon us all. I also witnessed New Yorkers coming together, praying together, helping each other and being compassionate towards one another in the aftermath of a traumatic event. The entire state transformed during this great period of grief and created a feeling of unity, strength, and peace. The transformation took place out of human compassion and kindness. Every day we are exposed to viewing, reading, or hearing about the evil acts of violence that occur on a daily basis throughout the world. I want to remind people of the “GOOD” that happens...
Here we are, already ending the first month of the New Year. Most of us are settling back into our normal, everyday routines while some of us are still trying to incorporate new goals, habits, or changes into our lifestyle. With each year, change is inevitable. This is due to a universal shift in the cosmos and the vibration of energy is different each year. This shift is prevalent with numerology. 2015 has the vibration of the number 8 (2+0+1+5 = 8). In Chinese culture, the number 8 is a very fortunate and prosperous number and is known as the infinity symbol by the Greeks. The infinity symbol represents a constant flow with no beginning and no end; an infinite supply. Some key words associated...
