Herbs have been utilized in Eastern Medicine to enhance wellness and ward off diseases for millennia. Now that their benefits are becoming more well known in the West, these herbs are now widely available. For an easy boost to your wellness, you can easily add these herbs into your diet. Some well-known and useful herbs used in Eastern medicine are listed below with simple suggestions to incorporate in your wellness routine.

Ginseng

One of the most popular plants in Eastern medicine, ginseng is said to increase energy, lessen stress, and sharpen the mind. Since ginseng is thought to have adaptogenic characteristics, it aids the body in adjusting to stimuli. Adaptogens are a special class of herbal medicines that have been used in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines for centuries to promote a sense of well-being. Ginseng is believed to strengthen the immune system and enhance cognitive performance, and it can be consumed as a supplement or as a tea or add to foods and drinks.

Below are some traditional recipes for modern life:

• Ginseng and Jujube Chicken Soup: Ginseng and jujube are frequently used to increase vitality and enhance digestion. Rinse and soak 6–8 jujubes and 1 tiny ginseng root in water for 30 minutes before preparing the soup. Fill a pot with 6 cups of water, then rinse 1 pound of bone-in chicken pieces and add to the water. Add the soaked ginseng and jujubes plus a few slices of ginger and a dash of salt. When the chicken is cooked and falls off the bone, simmer the dish for one to two hours over low heat after bringing it to a boil. Serve the meal hot for comfort.
• Ginseng Tea: Boil a cup of water with a few slices of fresh ginseng root for ten minutes. Add lemon and honey, if desired.

Turmeric

Ayurvedic medicine uses turmeric, another commonly used spice in Eastern medicine, to fight inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and promote general health. This brilliant yellow spice is full of Curcumin, a substance that has been demonstrated to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

You can easily incorporate turmeric into your diet especially in dishes such as curries, soups, and stews, but pro tip – combine with black pepper for easier absorption. Turmeric tea can also be made by brewing hot water with fresh turmeric root or turmeric powder.

• Roasted vegetables with turmeric are a delicious way to add more turmeric to your diet. Simply toss your preferred vegetables such as cauliflower, sweet potatoes,  carrots, parsnips in a sufficient amount of turmeric, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Vegetables should be roasted in the oven at 400°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are soft and browned. Serve as a side dish or as a salad topping.
• Warm up 1 cup of milk (or almond milk) with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, a dash of black pepper, and a few drops of honey to make golden milk. Stir well, then indulge.

Ginger

In TCM, Ginger is used to ease motion sickness & nausea, lessen inflammation, and enhance digestion. It can be included in drinks, smoothies, and stir-fries or consumed solo.

• Garlic Ginger Chicken Stir Fry: Ginger and garlic, which are frequently used in Eastern medicine as a combo to strengthen the immune system and enhance digestion, are used in this stir fry recipe. Sliced garlic and ginger should be sautéed in a wok or large skillet with some oil to prepare this dish. Then, stir-fry the diced chicken breast until it is fully done. When the vegetables are crisp-tender, add sliced vegetables such bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas and continue to stir fry. To make a thick, savory sauce, add a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch or alternative thickener to the pan. Generously serve over rice
• Take fresh ginger root, cut into slices, add a slice of lemon, then add it to boiling water to make ginger lemon tea. Enjoy after steeping for 5 to 10 minutes.

Licorice root 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, licorice root is believed to ease sore throats, lessen inflammation, and support adrenal function. It can be used as a natural sweetener in desserts and as an addition to teas.

• Licorice Tea: Boil water and a teaspoon of dried licorice root for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also add honey to lightly sweeten. One note – check with your Doctor if you have blood pressure concerns because although licorice root is generally considered safe as a food ingredient, it can increase blood pressure when consumed in large amounts or for long periods of time.

Astragalus root 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus root is used to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. It may be included in teas, stews, and soups. This root is easy to remember for its immune boosting quality as it looks like a tongue depressor.

• Astragalus Chicken Soup – Add a handful of dried astragalus root to chicken soup and boil for one to two hours. Before serving, remove the astragalus root.

Reishi mushroom 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi mushrooms are used to lower inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and enhance general health. It may be included in soups, drinks, and smoothies.

• Cook a few dried reishi mushrooms in water for 20 minutes to make a reishi mushroom tea. You can add honey or lemon after straining if you find the tea bitter. Nowadays you can also easily find reishi as a powder, tincture and more.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve vision, energy levels, and the immune system. They are wonderful for helping with  tired eyes from all our modern screens. They can be included in smoothies, porridge, and trail mix.

• Porridge made with red dates and goji berries: In Eastern medicine, red dates and goji berries are frequently used to nourish the blood. Rinse 1 cup of rice, then soak it in water for 30 minutes to prepare this porridge. Drain the rice and place in a pot with 4 cups of water. Add a few red dates, some goji berries, and a dash of salt. After bringing the mixture to a boil, turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and resembles porridge. Serve hot as a warming snack or at breakfast.
• Blend 1/2 cup goji berries, 1 banana, 1/2 cup frozen berries, 1 spoonful of honey, and 1 cup of almond milk to make a smoothie. Drink at room temperature so your body can process it more easily.

Schisandra berry

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the schisandra berry is believed to enhance liver function, lessen stress, and enhance mental clarity. It can be included in smoothies and teas.

• Steep a teaspoon of dried schisandra berries in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes to make schisandra berry tea. To taste, add honey or lemon.

You have the power to support your general health and wellbeing by including herbs in your diet as the ones listed above. Before starting any herbal regimen, it is suggested to speak with a qualified practitioner of Eastern medicine, as they can advise you on their safe and effective use as well as which herbs are ideal for your individual health needs.