Meet a Pungent, Warming Herb from Deep Within China

Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

immune systemHere is a piece of health news about a highly useful Chinese herb. It’s called “psoralea” and it lives and grows in Asia, particularly Vietnam and China. Its Chinese name is “bug u zhi” and it is linked to the flow of “Qi” through kidney and spleen. It can exert powerful effects on a body that is out of whack.

The seeds of this plant, which can grow to a height of two feet, are the part that’s used medicinally. Farmers harvest them in autumn when they are most ripe. The seeds are then dried in the sun, and either left raw or baked in salt water before added to herbal mixtures.

The herb is pungent, bitter, acrid, and contains warming qualities. The seeds contain a slew of amino acids, flavonoids, lineoleic acid, and the essential nutrients potassium, iron, selenium, and calcium.

What can psoralea do for you? In Chinese medicine, it can be used to help treat many different conditions. It is an excellent general tonic for improving the body’s vitality. Its uses center on the gastrointestinal system, urinary tract, immune system, and overall pain relief. Let’s look at some specific uses for the herb.

Diarrhea: Psoralea could clear up cases of diarrhea as a result of a health problem, which tend to strike in the a.m.

Pain: It could reduce pain, especially in the lower back. It has demonstrated promise for rheumatoid arthritis.

Urinary symptoms: Psoralea could improve incontinence, frequent urination, and other issues of bladder control.

Weakened immunity: Psoralea may help raise and strengthen your white blood cell count. The herb could kill parasites and exert an antibiotic effect.

Circulatory issues: The herb could expand your coronary arteries, which improves the flow of blood and could help treat atherosclerosis.

On the skin: Psoralea could help treat alopecia and lesions on the skin. It may help with corns and warts as well.

RECOMMENDED: Controlling a Troublesome Bladder

Several studies have found that psoralea could help you sleep, and helps refresh your liver during the night. Its ability to increase your white blood cells is established, even during chemotherapy. One study even found that the herb could significantly improve memory by removing the internal disruption causing it.

If you’re interested in psoralea use, a typical dose is three to nine grams, usually decocted in liquid. It is best to seek advice from a practitioner as to proper dosage. You can find seeds at Asian stores and herbal shops. You can also find dried psoralea fruit. The herb in powder is also quite common, and is best used to make a decoction.