Traditional eastern herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medical theories in the world. Based on ancient Taoist philosophy, which views the body and mind as a unified entity, eastern medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person, not just the disease. Millions of people have used the tools of eastern herbal medicine over the past 5,000 years to maintain optimum health and treat physical, psychological and emotional ailments. 

 

Through the use of plants, roots, leaves, flowers, fruit, and seeds, a variety of health issues can be treated using the healing power of each herb to create custom formulas. Interested in learning how this ancient practice has evolved into a worldwide medical phenomenon? Keep reading!  

 

History of Eastern Herbal Medicine 

The origins of eastern herbal medicine date back to before the invention of writing in China in 1766 B.C. When scholars began documenting eastern herbal medicine practices, the recordings extended back two thousand years making it a 5,000-year-old method. 

 

Shennong “The Divine Farmer” is an ancient Chinese deity who is credited for bringing the practice of agriculture and herb farming to China over 6,000 years ago.  He compiled his knowledge of various herbs and their properties into The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica in 206 B.C., which is considered to be the earliest Chinese pharmacopeia, containing 365 herbs. Over the next few thousand years, scientists and agriculturalists continued to add to what became known as the Chinese Materia Medica to document over 1,800 herbs and natural substances.

 

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine influenced other Asian country’s medicinal practices to create the art of eastern herbal medicine that we are familiar with today. JBK Wellness’ formulas are rooted in the teachings of the Royal Dr. Heo Jun of Korea, the Court Physician of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. Dr. Heo compiled the Dongui Bogam, a 25-volume medical encyclopedia that was completed in 1613, with its basic theories based on the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic (Huangdi Neijing).

 

Since it’s origination over 5,000 years ago, eastern herbal medicine has made its way to the western hemisphere and now 1 in 5 Americans use traditional herbs to treat acute and chronic illnesses. 

 

Types of Herbs 

With over 1,800 herbs and natural substances in our pharmacopeia, it can be difficult to discern how to use these herbal extracts to contribute to your optimal health. Below you’ll find some of the most commonly used herbs throughout history and how they affect physical and emotional health. 

 

    • Ginseng Root – The root of a slow-growing, fleshy plant that has multi-purpose uses throughout the body. Ginseng root has historically been used to purify and nourish the skin, balance the Gastrointestinal Tract, regulate appetite, increase circulation, decrease stress, balance the central and peripheral nervous systems, stabilize blood sugar and as a natural energizer. 

 

    • Licorice Root – Commonly used as a sweetener in candies and drinks, this powerful extract also has a multitude of medical benefits. Licorice root contains powerful antibacterial properties that purify, decongest, and detoxify the skin. It also has a strong detoxifying effect that can be used to balance the Gastrointestinal Tract and regulate lipid metabolism.

 

    • Astragalus Root – The root of this flowering perennial plant can be beneficial to the skin, gut, and mental health. The root is capable of removing surface impurities while detoxifying and purifying the skin. It can also improve nutrient absorption, increase energy, and have adaptogenic effects. 

 

    • Dandelion Root – The root of this weed can be used to aid digestion and other functions in the body. Dandelion root has been used to clear the liver, resolve toxicity, reduce abscesses, boost metabolism, flush out the kidneys and even to offset cravings for sweets. 

 

    • Green Tea – Discovered in 2737 B.C., green tea has long been used as a remedy for skin problems, stress, weight-loss and more. Green tea acts as an antioxidant that imparts vitamins and nutrients that slow down the aging process and protects the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. It has also been used to enhance the ability of the body to burn fat, increase fat oxidation, and increase thermogenesis.

 

Start Using Herbal Medicine  

Since its origin 5,000 years ago, the power and prevalence of traditional eastern herbal medicine has grown tremendously across the globe. Using natural ingredients and extracts to treat and prevent ailments is one of the best ways to maintain optimum health. If you’re interested in learning more about traditional eastern medicine and herbal extracts, contact us at (858) 263-4178 or info@JBKWellnessLabs.com