Chinese Herbal Teas

Chinese herbal teas are one of the most popular methods of administering medicinal herbs in traditional Chinese therapies, and it is a practice that has been going on for hundreds and thousands of years.

Yet these same herbal teas are being used in almost the exact same manner as they were back then, with excellent results for many patients.

The use of Chinese herbal tea arose from the hot, humid summers of southern China, where the conditions made growing herbs and plants ideal. However, when the local people in this region suffered from illness, they sought the most inexpensive home based treatments, which were often local herbal blends or those that had been traditionally used in their villages.

Native plants were pressed or dried and then boiled to create teas that would treat a wide range of illnesses that included urinary problems, arthritis, high blood pressure and even ear and eye infections.

Any Chinese herbal teas that are used in this manner can also be called decoctions, but they are the same as a regular tea. Decoctions and teas actually tend to be more potent and directly assimilated than other means of administration, since the body recognizes it as food rather than a drug. For the maximum effect, the herbs are simmered for an hour or so before being strained and ingested.

It is believed that this method allows the patient and practitioner maximum flexibility as far as dosage is concerned. Making each tea separately allows for small changes in the composition and strength, if necessary, and makes it easy to tailor the mixture to each individual patient.

Today, most of remedies that use Chinese herbal tea are usually a combination of specially selected herbs chosen and initially prepared by a licensed herbalist or medical practitioner, like Chinese green tea. Some practitioners are now finding it easier and more convenient to prescribe remedies that are pre-prepared as powders that can be reconstituted into teas that they can easily show patients how to prepare at home.

Since Chinese herbal teas are mainly composed of roots and barks where the strongest medicines are found, they tend be strong and rather bitter and hard for many people to take at first.

However, most people report that they are usually able to become accustomed to the taste within a few days. If you absolutely cannot stand the taste, however, pills and capsules are available, though you may have to take a larger dose using this method.

One of the most well known and popular teas that is used for a variety of treatments is Chinese green tea. It has been touted as a highly effective treatment for high blood pressure, urinary problems, and is especially prized by dieters as a way to feel full while dieting. However, just like any other Chinese herbal tea, it's best to use it under the supervision of an herbalist or doctor if you're looking to treat a specific condition.

For centuries, Chinese herbal teas have been trusted and used to treat all manner of illnesses from gout to cancer, and their current surge of popularity is leading to an increased interest in it by the medical profession, which includes more clinical trials to determine the efficacy of Chinese herbal tea for certain illnesses.

However, like most herbal remedies, they are fairly safe and have few risks of side effects, so if you're hoping to increase your energy or just feel a little better, there's no reason why you shouldn't give it a try. After all, it is the second most popular drink in the world!

more than Chinese herbal teas on our Medicinal Herbs page

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