How to Identify Chinese Herbs
Identifying Chinese herbs can be challenging as there are literally hundreds of different herbs used to treat different conditions. However, there are several classifications of herbs and knowing these classifications can make identifying the herbs easier. Once the herbs are identified, they can be used in various combinations to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions.
Instructions
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Classify your (or your patient's) symptoms to match with one of five treatment categories. Herbal classification systems are designed to treat specific symptoms and are organized into the following categories: heat and toxin clearing action, blood regulating action, phlegm-removing action, diuretic and dampness-eliminating action or external application.
Knowing the herbs used to treat a specific malady will narrow the possibilities when attempting to identify specific herbs within each category.
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Determine the healing characteristics of the herb. Several herbs will have more than one characteristic or use. For example, Calculus Bovis is a phlegm-eliminating agent as well as a heat-clearing one. Knowing these characteristics will help in identifying Calculus Bovis, but it is also important to know its appearance and taste.
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Identify the herb's flavor (acridness, sweetness, sourness, bitterness or saltiness.) Each flavor exerts a different effect and will therefore be used to treat a different symptom or illness.
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Cross reference the herb's appearance with that provided in a visual glossary or Chinese herb medical dictionary. Chinese herbs are generally dispensed as powders, teas, roots, or in their dried form rather than as capsules which makes them easier to identify than the substances traditionally used in Western medicine.
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Use the herb's flavor, healing characteristics and/or treatment classification and physical appearance to identify Chinese herbs. Though the initial amount of herbs used for treatment is vast, it is possible to narrow down the possibilities when using specific identifying characteristics.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) expert for assistance in identifying herbs. The expert you consult may be able to assist in identification as well as application for correct usage and dosing.
