The Experts Say - Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach

 

The Homology Between Medicine and Food
 Article contributed by:

Physician Wong Hui Mei

Ma Kuang Healthcare Group

 

 

Peppermint  薄荷

Properties: Acrid, cool, enters Lung and Liver meridians

Functions:

1.

Disperse wind-heat

2.

Clear head and eyes

3.

Soothe sore throat

4.

Resolve Liver Qi stagnation – fullness and uneasiness in the chest and hypochondrium area

 

 

 

Heartleaf houttuynia herb  鱼腥草

Properties: acrid, slightly cold, enters lung meridian

Functions:

1.

Clear heat and detox

2.

Cure abscess and promote drainage of pus

3.

Remove dampness

 

 

 

 

Cassia seed  决明子

Properties: sweet, bitter, salty and slightly cold, enters Liver and Large Intestine meridians

Functions:

1.

Clearing Liver heat and improve vision

2.

Promote bowel movement

 

Cautions: Do not use if experiencing watery stools or diarrhea.

 

 

Lotus leaf  荷叶

Properties: bitter, astringent and neutral, enters Heart, Spleen and Stomach meridians

Functions:

1.

Eliminate summer-heat and remove dampness (fatigue, excessive sweating, decreased appetite, diarrhea etc.)

2.

Stop bleeding

 

Hawthorn  山楂

Properties: sour, sweet, and slightly warm, enters Spleen, Stomach and Liver meridians

Functions:

1.

Improve digestion and relieves food retention

2.

Promote Qi circulation and remove blood stasis

 

Cautions: Not suitable for whom with acid reflux and women with heavy menstrual periods.

 

Dried tangerine peel  陈皮

Properties: acrid, bitter, and warm, enters Spleen and Lung meridians

Functions:

1.

Promote Qi circulation to strengthen Spleen

2.

Remove dampness and resolve phlegm

 

Chinese Yam  山药

Properties: sweet and neutral, enters Spleen, Lung and Stomach meridians

Functions:

1.

Strengthen Spleen and Stomach

2.

Moisten and nourish Lung

3.

Tonify Kidney and preserve essence

 

Dried Longan  龙眼肉

Properties: sweet and warm, enters Heart and Spleen meridians

Functions:

1.

Invigorate Heart and Spleen

2.

Nourish Blood to calm mind

 

Cautions: Overeating may cause indigestion.  Avoid using on person with damp-heat constitution.

 

Lily bulbs  百合

Properties: sweet and slightly cold, enters Lung, Heart and Stomach meridians

Functions:

1.

Nourish Lung and relieve cough

2.

Clear Heart to relax mind

 

Black sesame  黑芝麻

Properties: sweet and neutral, enters Liver, Kidney and Large Intestine meridians

Functions:

1.

Invigorate Liver and Kidney

2.

Moisten stools and lubricate intestines to promote bowel movement

 

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Article contributed by:

Physician Wong Hui Mei

Ma Kuang Healthcare Group

Dated: October 2015

 

Ma Kuang Healthcare Group is one of the leading healthcare groups in holistic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) products and services in Singapore.  Founded in 1999, Ma Kuang has expanded rapidly from its first TCM clinic in Middle Road to today’s largest chain of TCM clinics in Singapore.

 

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