Schisandra fruit is commonly used berry in Chinese medicine. Shade loving and easy to find, these berries have an interesting flavor property: at the same time, they taste sweet and salty, sour and bitter. This mix is considered to be of vital importance in the improvement of digestive health but also liver protection. Look for it under the moniker of Wu Wei Zi but stay away from it if you suffer from peptic ulcers or are subject to epileptic seizures. Furthermore, pregnant women are strongly cautioned to stay away from these berries in any incarnation.

Jujube fruit is another ingredient numbered among the most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine. Their properties of the fruit interestingly seem to range more toward the emotional well being rather than physical wellbeing. When ground and capsulated, the substance is sold as a calming ageing, a sleep aid, and a stress buster. It is the leaves of the tree which has medicinal properties that affect the body, and as such they are used to mix syrups which aid in the easing of sore throats. Look for the capsules under the name Chinese dates which are a synonym by which the jujube fruits are sometimes sold.

Mai Med Dong, in the west sometimes referred to as the tuber root of Mondo grass, is the premier substance for overcoming constipation, dryness of the mouth and also coughs that do not produce phlegm. It is interesting that the blue fruit is not usually utilized, even though it is produced plentifully.

Another root that is frequently used belongs to the Chinese bellflower, a stunning plant with blue flowers that grows easily without much tending. Sometimes it is referred to a balloon flower simply because of the amazing size of its blooms. The root only is utilized in the mixing of Chinese medicines and is considered useful for the cure of coughs and even colds.

As roots are frequently used in Chinese medicine, it is not surprising that this part of the plant known as Dang Shen, sometimes also referred to as poor man's ginseng, is another ingredient many practitioners will not do without. It is thought to lower the blood pressure while at the same time increasing the blood count with respect to white and also red blood cells, and therefore being of vital importance to a healthy immune system.

Ginger root, quite possibly one of the plants most familiar to Westerners, is well known for its ability to calm a stomach. Generally herbal practitioners will suggest it to women in the early months of pregnancy to counteract morning sickness, yet Western medicine is urging caution with respect to this supplement and while it stops short of suggesting not to eat ginger, it does strongly suggest that no supplements be taken.

Remember that the most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine and their properties have been known for centuries and therefore are considered safe by many, yet physicians point out that these roots and herbs were used when medications were not available and sometimes the medicines and the herbs will not work in concert.

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