Cordyceps: Herbal fungi
Photo from:http://www.chinese-herbs.org/cordyceps/
Cordyceps sinensis, or Dong Chong Xia Cao is yet another fantastic herb frequently used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas. It is known for strengthening the immune system, and can assist in controlling symptoms of allergic asthma. It also nourishes the Kidneys and Lungs, making it the ideal asthma supplement in a constitutional formula (which I have definitely found to be true). It can also enhance stamina and improve energy, and even help with sexual dysfunction for both men and women.
Did I mention that it’s something of a parasite? Or that it’s also called the Chinese caterpillar fungus?
It’s somewhat disturbing, but if you really want to see how it grows (out in nature- not in the controlled environments that are now used for our consumption), you can check out the Planet Earth cordyceps video. But keep in mind what an amazing herb this is while the ant is dying!
Here in Portland, ITM and Peoples Herbs have more information about how to buy this fantastic fungus. I’ve tried a few different capsules of the single herb, theirs is the best.
For more cordyceps and other medicinal fungi information, check out chineseherbs.org or pharmaceutical mushrooms.
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The Society for Acupuncture Research
The SAR logo: The Chinese characters depicted in the Society for Acupuncture Research logo represent the concepts of “Research”and “Clinical Practice.”
“To promote, advance and disseminate scientific inquiry into Oriental medicine systems,
which include acupuncture, herbal therapy and other modalities. We value quantitative
and qualitative research addressing clinical efficacy, physiological mechanisms, patterns
of use and theoretical foundations. “
SAR first began in 1991 as in informal group that discussed methodological concerns in acupuncture research. This eventually became the Society for Acupuncture Research which now sponsors annual symposia on research methodologies, and is affiliated with the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Check the site for more information about the history of SAR as well as the impressive list of the board members.
SAR is also affiliated with the SPARC conference that will be at OHSU this Sunday (see SPARC Conference). The John Weeks at the Integrator Blog wrote a short synopsis of the conference here (scroll down to #3).
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SPARC Conference
The 3rd annual Symposium for Portland Area Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (SPARC) is this Sunday, May 18. The focus of the conference this year is “Highlighting CAM research in Portland from Bench to Bedside.” SPARC is a research symposium and poster session that highlights current CAM research in Portland.
Participating institutions in the conference include: Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland State University, University of Portland, and Western States Chiropractic College.
It should prove to be a very informative and interesting day, as there will be a great keynote speaker, Vinjar Fonnebo, MD, PhD as well as several Portland area research associates (such as my co-worker at the OCOM research department Ryan Milley, MAcOM, LAc). You can find more SPARC information on the Helfgott Blog.
The traveling poster sessions will be at these schools this week:
Monday, May 12
University of Portland
Tuesday, May 13
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine
Wednesday, May 14
Western States Chiropractic College
Thursday, May 15
Portland State University
Friday, May 16
Oregon Health & Science University
This will be my first year attending, and I plan to write up a synopsis next Monday. Be sure to check in next week!
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Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying): The Useful Weed
Photo By Powi…(ponanwi)
Common dandelion, known in TCM herbal medicine as Pu Gong Ying, is a wonderful herb that deserves more appreciation in our society. It helps clear toxic heat from the body (red, painful eyes, cysts and benign masses), helps detoxify the liver, and promotes lactation in nursing mothers.
Use them in a salad- you can chop leaves and stems, flowers to decorate (wash them first, and find flowers that grow away from pesticides or sprays and from traffic). I found an interesting site that has several dandelion recipes, and Allrecipies.com also has some fun dandelion recipes.
Most of this information is available online at Herbasin and Natural Herbs guide, but hurry before they all go to seed
dandelion leaves
: Photo by jerrycat
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Spring Cleaning
I am now at the end of week two (out of three) of a Mediclear cleanse, which explains the reason for the coffee post from last week….
Spring is the time of the year for new beginnings, rebirth, and for cleaning things out. Including yourself. However, this spring has been pretty cold, and it’s best to do a cleanse when it’s warmer outside so your body won’t be working as hard to stay warm and can do more to purge out what isn’t needed.
There are a lot of individualized programs with detoxing, and it seems like a lot of stores have come out with their own “detox in a box,” so be careful! Simply taking a lot of fiber and doing enemas can be harmful to your bowel health, so check in with a practitioner as to which program is best for you. That being said, it’s important that while you are on a cleanse to have at least one bowel movement per day.
Groundspring Healing Center in southwest Portland sent out a great newsletter in January comparing Mediclear, the Biotics detoxification, and Standard Process cleanse, which really helped me decide which was best for me and which one I could afford. I haven’t tried Biotics or Standard Process, but my experience with Mediclear has been pretty good thus far.
Doing a cleanse can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. There are several cleanses or detox programs, such as the Master cleanse and juice fasts. With all of them, there are usually dietary restrictions, such as cutting out red meat, dairy, wheat, COFFEE, and sugar (just to name a few…). These foods are often considered imflammatory to the body, and cutting them out for a while can help your you adjust to a new beginning.
That being said, if you decide to try a cleanse at some point, make a list of things you CAN eat, instead of focusing on what you CAN’T. It sure makes your life and the pleasure of eating a lot easier. Good luck if you feel like you are ready to try it- I feel better already!
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Interview with a Practitioner: Dr. Zhenbi Li, LAc
1. What brought you to Portland?
The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, one of the best TCM colleges, the beautiful surroundings, and friendly people in Oregon brought me here.
2. Why did you decide to become an LAc?
I like the wisdom of Oriental medicine. It works very well and helps people a lot .
3. Tell me about your practice
I practice at the Healing Sage Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic, in Camas,
Washington and also at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine Acupuncture
and Herbal Clinic in South East Portland. I treat many different
diseases in my clinic, but my specialties are Gynecology and Oncology.
4. Where does your passion for the medicine come from?
My passion for Chinese medicine comes from the successful treatments I have done for my patients. I am very happy when I solve the problems, which stimulate my thirst of the knowledge of Chinese medicine. I often do both contemporary and classic research for the complicated cases. I gain knowledge and experience from doing that.
5. Any advice for patients?
If you want to get the best effect from acupuncture and Chinese herbs, you must be patient as a patient. This means you need get several treatments and give us time to exert our healing skills and talent.
6. What is your favorite Portland restaurant and why?
Wang’s King is my favorite because it serves real Chinese food, not a modified version. It’s just like me in my work as a doctor- I offer pure traditional Chinese medicine, not a modified version.
*Dr. Li and her husband Dr. Yufang Xue have also published several research articles within the USA. You can research those articles at pubmed.com.
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Coffee as an herb…
coffee cup
Photo By miketallman
I admit it. Coffee is one of my favorite herbs.
Having done several stints as a barrista through my undergrad, I continue to have a love/hate relationship with coffee that has finally developed into an appreciation I can live with.
I didn’t really drink coffee until my 20’s, which is about the time asthma became a bigger part of my being. I found that when I was having a difficult time breathing and didn’t have access to an inhaler, I’d take a shot of espresso and would be able to breathe a little easier. Thus began my appreciation for “the bean.”
Upon entering Chinese Medicine school a few years ago, I was afraid that they would ask me to stop drinking coffee. They didn’t, and I was glad.
While searching for literature to prove to myself that it was fine to drink, I stumbled across Subhuti Dharmananda’s article. He states that one cup a day is usually fine, and even beneficial for adults. Coffee is often seen as too much of a stimulant, which adds to the stress of life in America as a lot of us know it. Keeping it at a minimum is a good idea- pounding back two or more 20oz. coffees a day isn’t. Check out a Canadian LAc’s viewpoint of coffee here.
As with all herbs and substances that are potential stimulants, be careful of what you mix with medications and other supplements. Know what you are drinking, and choose organic and fair trade when you can. I recommend Stumptown.
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Herbs vs Drugs
Ma huang, Chinese ephedra, was used to treat asthma,or at least wheezing, five thousand years ago.
(http://www.healthcentral.com/peoplespharmacy/408/20658.html)
With all the bad press and the FDA trying to ban of some forms of Chinese herbal medicine, we as Chinese Medicine practitioners have to fight to prove that the herbs have truly healing medicinal properties when used appropriately in the correct combination.
If you haven’t read about the girl who died of liver failure due to use of the drug by the name of Jin Bu Huan, then you should read this article and check out Chinese Medicine Notes on the story. Yael sites a lot of good resources and sites for more information about the drug (which is NOT an herb). The Mayo clinic and healthcentral.com also have information on ephedra.
At OCOM and most TCM schools, we study herbs for 3 years, then take an extensive and difficult herbal board. So it’s disheartening when I try to fill a patients formula and realize that there is no bulk form of ephedra because it’s unavailable. The correct dosage and appropriate administration of the herb is safe for both kids and adults, and it’s a main and very effective ingredient in a lot of asthma formulas.
As with any news article you read, be sure to check your sources of information. Especially when it comes to herbs and drugs! A lot of unnecessary side effects can occur if too much of an herb is taken (just like a pharmaceutical). Be informed about what you are taking, and discuss your medications with a knowledgeable practitioner.
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Interview with a Practitioner: Dr. Yufang Xue, LAc
1. What brought you to Portland?
The people, the climate and beauty of the West coast brought my family to Portland.
2. Why did you decide to become an acupuncturist?
Kindness and compassion made me a professional of Chinese medicine. Its great treasure and real practice keep me moving forward.
3. Tell me about your practice.
Our office is the Healing Sage Acupuncture clinic in Camas, Washington. I have a wide range of types of patients in my clinic, but my specialty is Geriatrics. I also focus on emotion management, pain management and GI disorders.
4. Where does your passion for the medicine come from?
The patients’ need for help with disease and illness, and the appreciation of my patients are the sources of my passion for TCM.
5. Do you have any advice for patients?
To truly trust in themselves. It is within their own being where they will have the strongest power to cure their diseases and keep themselves healthy. The role of the medical professional is to assist the patient in healing.
6. What is your favorite Portland restaurant and why?
I am a good cook, and in that way, I can keep my family’s diet healthy and balanced when we eat at home. But I also enjoy a variety of foods in different restaurants. I do prefer Chinese dishes, especially those cooked with fresh ingredients. If I have to pick up one favorite restaurant in Portland, I would have to say Wong King’s.
Dr. Xue has an office with his wife, Dr. Zhenbi Li, LAc, in Camas, Washington. You can check out their website at Healing Sage Acupuncture.com.
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Women’s Health (Part 2): TCM books
Kannon statue in Daienin, Japan
Photo from: Wikipedia
I thought I’d share a few books that I’ve found to be very helpful when diagnosing women who come to the clinic with specific issues. While I don’t expect anyone to rush out and buy these, it’s often helpful to check out where practitioners are getting their information from!
Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine is the text used in the OCOM Traditional Chinese Medicine and Gynecology class, and it continues to be a great resource.
I know, it’s a textbook.
However, the explanation Giovanni Maciocia gives each condition really helps us to see the most effective treatment for the presenting problem.
Another book that was recommended to me for is A Handbook of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine: An Integrated Approach. This book is a little more specific, and also a lot easier to read. There are a lot of interesting formulas and approaches.
Again, I don’t expect anyone to purchase these, but I think an amazon.com perusal might make help make more sense of TCM and gynecology. :)
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