Stepping into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is like embarking on a time travel journey, back to a time over 2500 years ago in ancient China. TCM sees the human body as an intricately connected whole, highlighting the harmony among physical, emotional, environmental factors for a holistic healing.
Health in TCM is not merely the absence of disease but a state of balance, and disease is viewed as a disruption of this delicate balance. This rich philosophy is based on empirical observations collected over millennia from what has grown to become the world's largest population. Through this lens, TCM has shown its efficacy time and time again, and it now holds a significant position in global pharmaceutical research and development.[7]
The World Health Organization (WHO) endorses the immense value of TCM, incorporating it into its influential global medical compendium[2]. This international recognition highlights TCM's rich legacy, efficacy, and untapped potential, promoting it as an integrated approach within the global health system.
At the heart of TCM, we find a unique focus on herbology, the art of harnessing the therapeutic benefits of herbs for health and wellness. Every herb and plant component used in TCM is more than just a bundle of chemical compounds; it's a natural ally, selected based on your unique symptoms and your body's energy state. This approach doesn’t merely target symptom relief; it digs deeper, aiming to restore balance within your body's systems.
Recognized by WHO, herbal medicines are integral to TCM, serving as the backbone of primary healthcare for over half the world's population. These plant-based remedies, with their myriad intrinsic properties, complement our bodies' innate healing capabilities. TCM uses these herbal formulas not just to address specific health challenges but to achieve a comprehensive, systemic balance. This practice, steeped in centuries of wisdom documented in historical texts, is a testament to TCM's holistic and personalized approach to health and wellness.[7]
The difference between the Western and TCM approaches to health can be likened to the difference between viewing the body as a machine and viewing it as an ecosystem. TCM, with its holistic ethos, sees us as intricate, interconnected systems, where every part plays a pivotal role in overall health and wellness[6]. This perspective is at the heart of TCM's herbal medicine practice, which addresses health issues at thh root rather than just treating symptoms[3].
TCM's holistic approach embraces several key principles:
- Customization for Individuals
TCM respects the uniqueness of individual, tailoring herbal remedies to individual’s health and lifestyle[4].
- Balancing Body Systems
The aim is to restore harmony within and among different body systems[3].
- Integration with Modern Health
The WHO endorses TCM as an important part of a holistic healthcare strategy[2].
- Maintenance and Prevention
TCM places a strong emphasis on proactive health maintenance, with herbs serving as a means to fortify the body's defenses and balance.
TCM offers a proactive, holistic approach in our often reactive healthcare environment. It paves the path towards a healthier, more balanced life, upholding the wisdom of centuries-old practices that honor the human body's complexity and unity.Interested in learning more about TCM's holistic wellness practices? Explore our insightful blog page for more TCM knowledge and tips.
Within TCM, certain herbs and roots are especially valued for their efficacy in treating hangovers. Two of the most notable ingredients traditionally used to alleviate hangover symptoms are Licorice Roots and Kudzu Roots.
1. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Cultural Significance
Licorice Root has been documented in ancient Chinese medical texts, written around 200 CE. In Chinese culture, Licorice Root, known as ‘Gan Cao(甘草)’, has been treasured for millennia. It is often referred to as the ‘grandfather of herbs’ due to its versatile applications. Licorice Root has been commonly employed to counteract the ill effects of alcohol consumption, such as nausea and headaches.
- Traditional Application
It has been traditionally used in herbal concoctions to 'harmonize' other ingredients and enhance their effects. This practice is particularly popular during celebrations and festivals, where alcohol consumption is common, as a preventive measure or to alleviate hangover symptoms.
2. Kudzu Root (Pueraria lobata)
- Cultural Significance
Kudzu Root, known as ‘Ge Gen(葛根)’ in Chinese, holds a special place in Chinese households for its ability to alleviate hangover symptoms. It is a common ingredient in traditional recipes, often consumed before/after drinking alcohol.
- Traditional Application
In TCM, Kudzu Root is believed to have properties that help in releasing muscles and enhancing fluid circulation, beneficial in relieving headaches and discomfort associated with hangovers. It is also believed to have a soothing effect on the stomach, reducing nausea and vomiting.
Licorice Root and Kudzu Root have been both cultural mainstays and invaluable components of TCM for hangover relief. Their widespread use in Chinese culture reflects a deep-rooted understanding and appreciation for these natural remedies to fight alcohol-induced discomforts. Further, modern scientific research continues to explore and affirm the traditional wisdom surrounding these potent herbs.
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We believe in the transformative power of TCM's wisdom to guide us toward better health, and we're committed to making this wisdom accessible and meaningful to you. We're here to empower you with knowledge, to support you on your health journey, and to celebrate your progress. With b.Ready, you're not just investing in a product; you're joining a community that values health, balance, and the power of holistic wellness.
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- Tian, G., Qian, K., Li, X., Sun, M., Jiang, H., Qiu, W., Xie, X., Zhao, Z., Huang, L., Luo, S., Guo, T., Cai, R., Wang, Z., & Schuller, B. W. (Year). Can a Holistic View Facilitate the Development of Intelligent Traditional Chinese Medicine? (2023)
- World Health Organization. "WHO traditional medicine strategy: 2014-2023." (2013).
- Zhao, Zhongzhen, et al. "A unique issue on a unique medicinal system." Chinese medicine 5 (2010): 1-2.
- Ma, Huijuan, et al. "Traditional Chinese medicine as a source of molecules with antiviral activity." Antiviral research 97.1 (2013): 1-9.
- World Health Organization. "Noncommunicable diseases." (2018).
- Fung, F. Y., Linn, Y. C. (2015). Developing Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Era of Evidence-Based Medicine: Current Evidences and Challenges. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; 2015: 425037. Published online 2015 Apr 8. doi: 10.1155/2015/425037. PMCID: PMC4407626. PMID: 25949261.
- Hock, F. J., Gralinski, M. R. (2020). Traditional Chinese Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology. Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Methods in Clinical Pharmacology, 455–482. Published online 2020 Mar 2. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-68864-0_60