As one of the Five Branches of Chinese Medicine, herbs can play an important role in health and wellbeing. While Qi Gong allows us to use our consciousness to guide our energy to cultivate vitality, sometimes, it’s important to have a little extra support in our wellness journey.
Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to prevent health problems and help people maintain their good health. Just as Qi Gong can help us to absorb the positive energetic qualities of the world around us, herbs can be used for the same purpose in the physical realm.
Today, we’re going to talk about some of Lee’s favorite herbal remedies that he uses for preventative medicine. It’s important to note that these are to prevent ailments from occurring, not to treat sickness or disease.
If you’re feeling ill and need care, it’s very important to consult with a medical doctor in order to find the appropriate remedy for your specific condition. Lee recommends that you not take these herbal remedies if you’re feeling sick or have a runny nose. Additionally, various pre-existing medical conditions can lead to different effects, so it’s also wise to speak with your doctor before trying new herbs.
When you’re feeling healthy, it’s a great idea to focus on nourishing the energy that is already flowing within you. As Lee points out, the right time to dig your well is when you’re still strong, not when you’re dying of thirst. Similarly, it’s wise to fortify your immune system and inner resources while they’re still vital. Therefore, Lee seeks to use herbs that boost the body’s natural energy system.
The first three of these are plants that grow in harsh climates and have an abundance of resilient energy to help strengthen the immune system. These herbs are adaptogenic, which means they can help your body adapt to stress and whatever is going on in your surrounding environment.
Siberian Ginseng: Siberian Ginseng is a small, woody shrub that is native to Northeastern Asia. It is also sometimes referred to as Devil’s shrub, Kan Jang, Shigoka, or Touch-Me-Not. In addition to helping people prevent flu and colds, it was also traditionally seen as a way to increase longevity and cultivate vitality. It is widely used in Russia.
Rhodiola: Rhodiola is a perennial flowering plant that grows in the cold, mountainous parts of Europe, North America, and Asia. It is also sometimes referred to as Golden Root, or Arctic Root.
Rhodiola is used to help people increase their strength, stamina, and mental capacity. Like all of the adaptogenic herbs, it can be very effective for helping the body adapt to external stress.
Maca: Maca is a herbaceous biennial plant that makes its home in the high Andes mountains in South America. In addition to the health benefits mentioned earlier, it also is known for its ability to increase libedo and fertility, as well as reduce menopausal symptoms and blood pressure.
Maca also is used to elevate mood and improve memory. It can be added to drinks or food, making it easy to consume.
The second three are different species of mushrooms. They can be great for the respiratory system and help combat colds and other illnesses.
Lion’s Mane: Lion’s Mane is a mushroom that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Its uses include boosting the immune system and reducing anxiety, inflammation, the risk of heart disease, and other ailments. There is also some evidence that it can speed the recovery of some nervous system injuries and protect against dementia.
Reishi: Reishi is another mushroom that grows at the base of maple trees and other deciduous trees. It is often consumed in the form of tea to strengthen the immune system and reduce stress. It also helps to center the body’s energy, both by reducing fatigue and improving sleep.
Chaga: Chaga is a mushroom that grows in Asia, northern Europe, Canada, and parts of the United States. It primarily grows on birch trees.
Chaga can be consumed as a supplement or tea and is full of antioxidants. It’s known for improving the immune system, reducing inflammation, cholesterol, and even helping to fight cancer.
When the right use of herbs is combined with Qi Gong, the two complement one another and can lead to synergistically elevated energy and vitality. Also, some of these can taste quite good and can be enjoyable to consume.
We encourage you to use this blog post as a starting point, but not as a final resource to guide your decision about what herbs are best for you. Each person is unique, so it’s important to do thorough research or speak with a professional about your individual needs.
We hope you enjoyed this article and look forward to sharing more Qi with you soon.