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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Comments
I share your former barista-induced appreciation for coffee! Yes, let’s call it an herb. I’m on board with that. I have already decided that due to it’s bitter flavor, it has an effect on the Heart. And there’s nothing like a good cup of coffee with friends to warm you up and open that Ht. energy!
um…I think my husband - Jay..
he has to read this article..he drink triple shot of coffee 3 times a day and a lot of smoke..keke!
Bad influence for my life..keke.^^*
I love coffee…..oh my..I should drink now..haha!
LoL- I think all the practitioners I know here in Israel are coffee/smoking addicts- sometimes both!
So there was no way they would insist on me quitting coffee.
Come to think of it, I started drinking coffee more and more as I was studying more and more CM. :)
A good cup of coffee can make the difference between a good morning and a very bad morning.
Drink on sister!