By Micki Iborra

Herbology evolved into a healing art in China through observation and usage. This knowledge was compiled and passed down for refinement through the centuries. Herbs, like everything else in Chinese Medicine, are classified according to their energetic qualities and functions. They are defined with terms like warming, cooling, tonifying or purging which describes the overall energetic configuration of the herb. Western science and medicine on the other hand attempts to understand an herb by deciphering its component parts, for example — what essential oils, minerals or vitamins is the herb composed?

People often read of a particular herb's ability to make them thin, vital, or cure their illness. This in most cases is misleading and a partial truth. The claims made for energy enhancement or weight loss will rarely work for all body types. Different bodies are energetically different and do not have the same energetic needs. Also, many times an herb becomes well known or popular and consequently starts to show up as an ingredient in all sorts of products.

One such herb is ginseng. Ginseng is used to supplement energy (chi); however, there are different qualities and types of ginseng. Certain varieties are appropriate for individuals that are weak, energetically cold and overall deficient. However, if the same herb is given to an individual considered energetically warm, it will exacerbate the condition. It could make that person restless or hyperactive.

The healing qualities of an herb depends on many things: cultivation, harvesting, storage, selection, discernment of quality, and the different processing methods used. Processing is done to increase potency. For instance, an herb can be decocted or made into a medicinal tea to draw out the medicinal qualities; substances can be sliced to increase the surface area and potency, or alcohol can be used to extract the volatile oils.

There are also different methods of combining herbs. Herb combining can increase or promote therapeutic effectiveness. Combined they have a synergistic influence that would be different or perhaps less potent if taken individually.

Generally speaking, Chinese herbs are safer than western pharmaceuticals and rarely have unpleasant side effects. A professional prescribing Chinese herbs is usually able to eliminate or substantially reduce symptoms such as nausea, insomnia or headaches in a relatively short time, but deep healing may take a good deal longer depending on the type of illness and duration. Herbs are concentrated food—their effect is very subtle and they work by assisting Nature and the body's own healing abilities.

Individuals that have a chronic illness and would like to try Chinese herbs should consult a Chinese physician that is knowledgeable and experienced in using the herbs. Those that would like to expand their culinary knowledge and taste experience can try experimenting to get to know qualities, texture, and taste. They can be purchased at an Oriental grocery store or Chinese pharmacy and relatively speaking are easy to use and inexpensive.