What does your garden grow?

Chinese medicine has a vast cabinet of herbal therapies ranging from common weeds to rare minerals and even some animal products. Many of the herbal medicines we use may already exist in your garden or pantry. This time of year I love digging in the dirt and while I’ve been (not so) patiently awaiting the first blooms on my peony, I was inspired to share some plant medicine that might be right in your own backyard!

​What do you have growing in your garden this year? I’d love to hear from you!

Bai Shao (Peony)
When we use peony medicinally, the most potent part of the plant is the root. It is traditionally sliced and dried and then brewed as a strong tea or decoction. Most Chinese herbs are used in a formula - a recipe of several herbs designed to address a holistic symptom pattern. Peony root is prevalent in formulas that are nourishing the blood and easing spasms or pain that would typically be worsened by stress. It is commonly used in menstrual disorders, as well as conditions where a person is feeling easily fatigued and pale with symptoms that mirror anemia. It can also be helpful in easing muscle spasms after strenuous activity when the body needs to rebuild its resources. 

Bo He (Mint)
Mint is one of the more common herbs you will find in many gardens. Known for proliferating the area it is planted, mint is a rapidly growing widely available herb with many uses. The menthol will evaporate quickly so it is best to add mint leaves to a cup of tea just before you are ready to drink it rather than cooking or steeping it for a long period of time. Mint is used for easing headaches and congestion, making it a wonderful support during spring allergy season. It is also useful in soothing an upset stomach and is a common go-to for nausea and indigestion.
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Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower)
Honeysuckle flower is one of the chief herbs in a very common Chinese formula called Yin Qiao San which is used for treating head colds with fever. It clears heat to reduce inflammation and lessen a fever, with a special tendency to benefit problems in the chest and head. This herb is most often used for the type of head cold that is migrating to the chest and producing a yellow nasal discharge. The flower is the most potent part of the plant and it is optimal to harvest when the flower bud is just beginning to bloom. While less potent, the vine also has similar actions in addition to being useful in relaxing tendons and easing pain. ​

Pu Gong Yin (Dandelion)
Dandelion is the most commonly seen herb on this list, but be careful when harvesting as we often regard it as a weed and many dandelion plants may be contaminated with herbicide sprays. Almost every part of the dandelion plant has medicinal and nutritional value, and it is also the earliest food source for many pollinators in our area, so there are good reasons to let it grow in your yard. It was originally used to treat mastitis and abscesses by preparing it as a juice or tea to take internally as well as applying externally to the area of pain. Its use has broadened tremendously and today it is used to treat a variety of painful sores and nodules. It is also used to address several conditions of the eyes, and systemically reduces inflammation and supports healthy function of the liver. While it can be used both fresh and dried, the fresh herb is strongest.