Asian American Herbalism and Tea Asian American Herbalism and Tea

Journal

Eight Treasure Decoction // Ba Zhen Tang

Eight Treasure Decoction // Ba Zhen Tang
A tonic formula to strengthen and harmonize Qi and Blood. 

Used in clinic many times this last month for people who are feeling energetically and physically drained and vulnerable. We modified this one in clinic for someone with one week of dizziness, fatigue and a heavy downward bearing sensation.  Continue reading

Cold and Flu Tea Recipes

Cold and Flu Tea Recipes

Two herbal tea recipes for Wind Heat // early stage cold and flu

In Eastern theory, early stage cold/flu is considered an invasion of Wind. Pathogenic Wind draws Heat or Cold into the body, weakening the body’s defenses and triggering cold/flu symptoms. The current COVID-19 coronavirus is considered a warm disease. So here are the recipes for Herb Folk's house blends for Wind Heat early stage cold and flu.

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Elderberry Elixir Recipe

Elderberry Elixir Recipe
A classic remedy for preventing and treating an early stage cold or flu.

This formula balances elderberries (cooling) with cinnamon and cloves (warming) to strengthen the immune system. Elecampane and licorice are a pair of expectorants that clear airways, congestion and phlegm. It’s most effective when taken regularly or right at the onset of symptoms. Studies show that elderberry syrup can reduce the duration of a cold or flu by four days. Continue reading

Calm Heart, Cool Mind

Calm Heart, Cool Mind
An herbal tea recipe for self love.

The Heart and Mind connection is a cornerstone of Eastern energetic herbalism. Our Calm Heart, Cool Mind Tea blend speaks to this dynamic by both nourishing and clearing. Continue reading

Blood Deficiency // Eastern Energetics

Blood Deficiency // Eastern Energetics

During these deep winter months it is common to feel more and more aware of how the body is depleted, particularly with Blood* and body fluids.

This is a season when Blood nourishing herbs can come into play in a powerful way. Blood deficiency affects everyone differently and some of us are more susceptible this type of depletion depending on constitution and lifestyle.

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What Are Decoctions?

What Are Decoctions?
Decoctions are herbal teas made of the more dense, fibrous plant materials—berries, roots, barks.

This traditional method is how I was taught by my teacher, Dr. Hua Ling Xu, and she always stressed that it is the most potent way to take Eastern herbal formulas. Continue reading

Kits for Herbal Medicine at Home

Kits for Herbal Medicine at Home
We believe holistic and herbal medicine should be accessible, affordable and empowering. This is one of the reasons why all of our medicinal house products come with recipes. This transparency allows you to come back with your recipe card and purchase the bulk goods to make your own broth herbs or elderberry syrup recipes (for example) or we have kits measured out and ready for you to take home. Continue reading

Herb Folk Community Medicine // Shop + Clinic

Herb Folk Community Medicine // Shop + Clinic
Herb Folk is an Asian American herb shop and holistic clinic specializing in local herbs and Eastern medicine energetics.

At the shop we offer custom-blended herbal medicine using locally sourced Eastern and Western herbs, as well as, organic teas, extracts, powders, plant-based skincare and unique holistic products. Continue reading

Five-Peel Powder – Wu Pi San

Five-Peel Powder – Wu Pi San
A formula to drain damp.

A formula to drain damp. While it’s a classic for skin edema, I use most often for Spleen Qi deficiency with long term, stubborn damp. It’s a draining formula so it’s often combined with tonic herbs to balance it out for weak constitutions. The formula in this photo was modified for someone with one week of dizziness, fatigue and a heavy downward bearing sensation. Continue reading

What is Moxa?

What is Moxa?
Moxibustion therapy is the use of moxa herbs to warm acupuncture points and meridians for therapeutic benefit.

Moxa is made from the leaves of the mugwort plant (Artemisia argue) and is processed into various forms. It provides a deep penetrating heat that is healing and comforting. Its use predates written history and is thought to have paved the way for mapping out the acupuncture channels that we use today. Continue reading