herbal medicine

The Auspicious Gingko, Past and Present

Gingko tree in my neighborhood. Fall 2016. Photo© Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Gingko tree in my neighborhood. Photo© Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Until the Song dynasty [960-1279 AD] the Chinese name for Ginkgo was ‘duck foot’ 鴨腳, referring to the shape of its leaves. The kernel was called ‘duck foot seed’ 鴨腳子, which was changed to ‘Silver Apricot’ 銀杏 for the purpose of its presentation to the Imperial ruler. It was determined that ‘Silver’ was auspicious and that ‘Duck Foot’ was not. During the Ming period [1368-1644] the term for the shell-like sclerotesta and inner parts was ‘Silver Fruit’ 銀果 or Yin Guo, and White Fruit 白果, Bai Guo, which remains Ginkgo’s name in China and in Chinese medicine today.

Gingko Seeds • Photo© Wendy Brown

Pictured, are a few fetid-smelling, squishy, picture-perfect Ginkgo berries I collected from a female tree during the second week of December of 2014. The nuts have a slightly poisonous quality and thus, should not be taken in large quantities or for prolonged periods of time. The medicinal nature of Bai Guo astringes, stabilizes and binds, treating Lung and Kidney with sweet, bitter, astringent, and neutral properties. In Chinese medicine, Ginkgo is helpful in nourishing cognitive and nervous system disorders, while calming Shen and nourishing Jing.

Wellness and Best Wishes to All

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Medicinal Chrysanthemum Flower 菊花

✍️Wendy Brown, Lic. Ac.

Spoken of medicinally in The Canon of Materia Medica 神農本草經 by the physician of mythical stature, Shen Nong who is said to have lived in about 2,800 B.C., proclaimed that Ju Hua improved senses of vision and hearing, alertness, clarity of thinking, promoted an energetic body, and increased longevity by slowing aging. It is now wide-spread knowledge that Ju Hua pacifies the Liver and therefore brightens vision, while also relieving fever and vanquishing toxins.

Jing Ming 精明 translates to mean the brightness of the eyes, but also the essence of mind and emotions that is reflected through the eyes. Oriental medicine acknowledges the relationship between tissues and organs. The clarity and brightness [Jing Ming] of the eyes is a reflection of the Liver which imbues the capacity for observing direction – ‘inner vision’ as well as of the material world around; distinguishing black and white and examining far and near.

Chinese herb brews containing Ju Hua benefit heat-toxin ailments from airborne pathogens such as dander and pollen, and since most people suffer some form of chronic imbalance, with the advancing and shifting of influences of springtime, people may also feel tired and weak. Chronic ailments flare easily under these conditions. Ju Hua encourages suppleness of the Liver, subdues ascending Yang and extinguished wind-heat that irritates the clarity of the eyes.

Spring is a time to be rid of stagnant Qi, to appreciate budding energy and beauty, and to follow principles for renewal of spirit~mind~body.

In springtime, drink chrysanthemum tea for health.

 

 

Posted by Wendy in analytical

Luo Vessels

elementalchanges.com luo vessels

DIAGRAM:
Extraordinary Channel
Luo Vessels
Main Meridian
Luo Vessels
Extraordinary Channel

Points along Luo channels were the earliest treated points in acupuncture. Collaterals of the primary meridians, they are visible reservoirs for pathology. When the Wei level of the body has become incapable of releasing a pathogenic factor, the body holds it.

 

Luo vessels will then contain the pathological factor in a minor blood vessel network on the surface of the skin in such formations as spider veins, varicosities, swellings & nodules; thereby preventing deeper movement into the primary channels and organs.

Posted by Wendy in analytical