For thousands of years, Chinese herbs and medicines have been resorted to in curing maladies. Today, they are making their ranks and even competing against manufactured pills and tablets from Europe and the United States. An advantage of these herbal medicines over pharmaceutical drugs is their minimal risk of side effects.

The philosophy behind this traditional treatment is the perception that the body is one big system. When one part fails, the rest is affected. Thus in looking for a cure, the medicine must not be confined in treating only a part but the whole body. This comes from the underlying belief that health is a balance of yin and yang or the bipolar forces of nature. Interesting to know that vegetarians think of the health and world in general the same way.

Below are the most popular Chinese herbal supplements that many alternative medicine believers today take advantage of.

Ginseng

Ginseng is the most famous of the Chinese herbs. It has been used as medicine for over 5, 000 years. In ancient China, it was considered to be even more precious than gold. This can be taken every day for energy and vitality or even as an immune system tonic. It is the roots of the ginseng which is utilized as supplement. They contain carbohydrate compounds, nitrogenous compounds, fat-soluble compounds, vitamins and minerals. Asian and American ginsengs are recognized as the more curative of the species of ginseng.

Yohimbe

Yohimbe, originally from South Africa, is most commonly used as an aphrodisiac although it can also be taken to fight depression and heart attack. In addition, it improves moods and help in muscle building. To enhance its effects, it usually combined with ginseng and saw palmetto. It is important though to take this herb only in its recommended dosage because it is a hallucinogen and increases blood pressure if taken in excess.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba is said to be the oldest tree on earth and the most documented herbal supplement. It treats asthma, acute inflammations, colds, and cough. It also helps protect the lungs and heart against diseases.

Deer Antler Velvet

Deer antler velvet is a health tonic. It is also used as cure for erectile dysfunction and other sterility problems.

Saw Palmetto

The berries of the saw palmetto are prized as both supplement and medicine. It can be drunk as tea or taken in capsule form. It stimulates appetite, balances the metabolism, helps gain weight, cures asthma, coughs, bronchitis, dysmenorrhea, it is used as sedative and is also an aphrodisiac.