← herbs
CHINESE HERBS
Studying herbs started with learning single herbs, their properties and individual functions from an east asian perspective. Then we learn how the herbs interact together in formulas. Most herbs are prescribed on a formula basis with some exceptions.
In my practice I plan to prescribe formulas with a basis in Kampo.
There are many ways to consume herbs. They can be dispensed raw where you cook the herbs for an extended time. They can be in granular form, where you add the herbs to hot water. They can be powered and used topically. And they can be made into tiny tea pills that are sold OTC. For Kampo formulas, they are usually dispensed in a granular form with the herbs tested beforehand to ensure potency.
The herbs that are used in food therapy are some of my favorites as diet is a great place to start making subtle changes to address internal imbalances.
photos of herbal formulas at Kamwo
Since fall of 2024 I have worked at Kamwo, a Chinese herb shop located in Manhattan’s China Town, this has given me the chance to identify raw herbs and learn more about OTC chinese medicine.
recipes
BLOOD NOURISHING CASHEW MILK
this blood building milk would be great to add in during luteal or menstrual phases!
1 cup cashews
2 tablespoons goji berries (gou qi zi)
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (hei zhi ma)
4-6 cups water
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
dash of vanilla
pinch of sea salt
blend for 2 mins, you don’t need to strain if you don’t want to!
chia pudding
add 1/4 cups of chia seeds to 3 cups of milk
stir or shake in a jar
let it sit in the fridge
gou qi zi // goji berries - tonify blood
benefits the eyes, moistens the lungs
hei zhi ma // black sesame - tonify yin
augments blood, moistens dryness, blackens hair
this is a sweet soup that is great for your skin! it’s very rich with a jelly consistency of the snow fungus
snow fungus - one, dried
jujube dates (da zao) - 5 to 10 pcs
goji berries (gou qi zi) - 1 handful
rock sugar* - to your liking
01. soak the snow fungus for at least 1 hr, than rinse and take out the core / any hard parts
02. cut the snow fungus into small pieces
03. place it in a pot with the rock sugar and jujubees
04. add enough water to cover it
05. bring to a boil and then simmer for 30 min to 1 hr depending on how thick you want the soup to be
06. turn off the heat and add goji berries
07. this soup can be served hot or cold
*can substituterock sugar with other types of sweeteners; also it’s commonly made with lotus seeds
can add apples, pears... be creative, enjoy!
da zao // jujube dates - tonify qi
helps with fatigue, builds blood, nourishes nails and hair, calms the shen (spirit)
yin er // snow fungus
moistens dry lungs*
*in TCM the lungs are directly related to the skin