Guest guest Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 why don't we have a discussion about prevention next year when the season is about to change? Prevention is an underutilized strategy in my observation. Oregano oil has been a great discovery for me for immunity. I am not familiar with oregano in the chinese pharmacopeia. Nor with oil extractions of herbs. Any comments on this? Has anyone experimented with pressure cooking herbs in a pressure cooker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2003 Report Share Posted December 20, 2003 Dec. 21,2003 Dear Pamela, I support your suggestion about prevention. I also agree with you that oregano (which is also referred to as wild majoram and is botanically named as origanum vulgare ) is something that we can tap in preventing against the flu. Probably, we are already using it as a preventative substance when we use it as a condiment in some of our Italian cooking . In the contemporary Chinese pharmacoepoeia like the 'Dictionary of Chinese Materia Medica' Zhong Y ao Da Ci Dian (Jiang Su New Medical Academy,1977 , Vol I p,95) oregano is referred to in many names like tu xiang ru, ye jing jie, man po xiang, bai hua yin chen, xiang cao etc. The Dictionary also list the traditional medicinal therapeutic value of oregano as : being able to release the exterior (jie biao); regulates the Qi (li Qi) as well as being able to transform dampness ( hua shi) . Hence, it can be used to treat cases of Gan Mao brought about by injury from the wind heteropathy (shang feng gan mao) . This type of gan mao is clinically pictured by the dictionary as one having fever, vomitting, congestion in the chest and abdomen etc. The Dictionary characterizes oregano (the whole plant is used) as having a 'cooling nature' (xing liang) ; pungent taste (wei xing) and non -toxic (wu du) . Merry X'mas to all of the list members. Warm regards Rey Tiquia , Pamela Zilavy < yinyang@i...> wrote: > why don't we have a discussion about prevention next year when the season > is about to change? Prevention is an underutilized strategy in my > observation. Oregano oil has been a great discovery for me for immunity. > I am not familiar with oregano in the chinese pharmacopeia. Nor with oil > extractions of herbs. Any comments on this? Has anyone experimented with > pressure cooking herbs in a pressure cooker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 , " rey tiquia " <rey@a...> wrote: > Dec. 21,2003 > > Dear Pamela, > > I support your suggestion about prevention. I also agree with you > that oregano (which is also referred to as wild majoram and is > botanically named as origanum vulgare ) is something that we > can tap in preventing against the flu. Probably, we are already > using it as a preventative substance when we use it as a > condiment in some of our Italian cooking . > > The Dictionary also list the traditional medicinal therapeutic > value of oregano as : being able to release the exterior (jie biao); > regulates the Qi (li Qi) as well as being able to transform > dampness ( hua shi) . Hence, it can be used to treat cases of > Gan Mao brought about by injury from the wind heteropathy > (shang feng gan mao) . This raises a clinical question for me related to pattern diagnosis. At one stage does one use an exterior releasing herb? Is it common in chinese texts to see exterior releasing herbs used as preventives prior to the onset of symptoms, in cooking or in medicine. My access is limited, but I have not seen this. While one overused preventive rx uses fang feng (yu ping feng san), it is not for releasing the exterior. While I have no doubt that oregano benefits digestion and can be used to release the exterior when decocted with other herbs in much higher doses than commonly used in food, I am curious about the pathomechanism this herb addresses to PREVENT cold and flu. I use supplementing,harmonizing, phlegm transforming for this purpose. I will use oregano or ginger or perilla or mint as single herbs to release exterior in a pinch right at the onset of the vaguest wind sx, but not before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 This raises a clinical question for me related to pattern diagnosis. At one stage does one use an exterior releasing herb? >>>>I have seen, by a Taiwanese practitioner, Ge Gen Tang together with Gui Zhi Tang given as a preventative in winter. Alon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 , " " wrote: > This raises a clinical question for me related to pattern diagnosis. At one stage does one use an exterior releasing herb? Is it common in chinese texts to see exterior releasing herbs used as preventives prior to the onset of symptoms, in cooking or in medicine. >>> You should use exterior releasing herbs only when the problem is at the exterior. If the flu starts at a deeper SHL level, as it has for the past few years and this year, you should preventatively use the formulas indicated for those depths. The flu doesn't start at the Taiyang level. I tell my patients to take 2-3 500 mg capsules (formula of concentrated herbs) preventatively at night before they go to bed if they have been exposed to people coughing and sneezing around them when they don't feel any symptoms developing. But once they feel symptoms developing or I see in their pulses that they are fighting the condition, I tell them to start taking a regular regimine of 3-4 500 mg 4x day. Jim Ramholz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 Pamela had mentioned using oregano essential oil. This is from Kurt Schnaubelt's " Advanced Aromatherapy " : Oregano Oil " Main Components: phenols (carvacrol) Main effects: antibacterial, stimulating Contraindications: not to be used on the skin (dermocaustic) ....When it comes to combating bacterial infections, oregano is aromatherapy's heavy artillery. It also has stimulating qualities. Because its phenols can cause varying degrees of skin irritation, it recommends itself for internal use. Ideally oregano oil is taken in a carrier oil, such as sunflower. The amount of oregano oil should be about 50 milligrams per application. Oregano oil is well suited for treating acute bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract and the bronchi. When a strong response to a bacterial infection is needed, taking up to 10 dosages of 50 mg of oregano (1-2 drops per application) will do the trick. Thyme and mountain savory oils have similar effects... In general, use of oregano oil should be limited to treating acute conditions. The French aromamedical literature advises that the long-term use of this oil, or generally oils with a high phenol content, can lead to undesirable changes in the liver metabolism. " Hope this helps. Catherine - " " < Monday, December 22, 2003 12:51 AM Re: wind heat epidemic > , " rey tiquia " <rey@a...> wrote: > > Dec. 21,2003 > > > > Dear Pamela, > > > > I support your suggestion about prevention. I also agree with you > > that oregano (which is also referred to as wild majoram and is > > botanically named as origanum vulgare ) is something that we > > can tap in preventing against the flu. Probably, we are already > > using it as a preventative substance when we use it as a > > condiment in some of our Italian cooking . > > > > > The Dictionary also list the traditional medicinal therapeutic > > value of oregano as : being able to release the exterior (jie biao); > > regulates the Qi (li Qi) as well as being able to transform > > dampness ( hua shi) . Hence, it can be used to treat cases of > > Gan Mao brought about by injury from the wind heteropathy > > (shang feng gan mao) . > > > This raises a clinical question for me related to pattern diagnosis. At one stage does > one use an exterior releasing herb? Is it common in chinese texts to see exterior > releasing herbs used as preventives prior to the onset of symptoms, in cooking or in > medicine. My access is limited, but I have not seen this. While one overused > preventive rx uses fang feng (yu ping feng san), it is not for releasing the exterior. > While I have no doubt that oregano benefits digestion and can be used to release the > exterior when decocted with other herbs in much higher doses than commonly used > in food, I am curious about the pathomechanism this herb addresses to PREVENT cold > and flu. I use supplementing,harmonizing, phlegm transforming for this purpose. I > will use oregano or ginger or perilla or mint as single herbs to release exterior in a > pinch right at the onset of the vaguest wind sx, but not before. > > > > > Chinese Herbal Medicine offers various professional services, including board approved continuing education classes, an annual conference and a free discussion forum in Chinese Herbal Medicine. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 , " Catherine Hemenway " <spiritgatechina> wrote: > Pamela had mentioned using oregano essential oil. This is from Kurt > Schnaubelt's " Advanced Aromatherapy " : > > > ...When it comes to combating bacterial infections, oregano is Thanks for the added information about oregano. Keep in mind, though, that (Western) colds and the flu are both viruses, rather than bacterial infections. Brian C. Allen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 That's true. There are other oils which have anti-viral properties. In the same book he mentions: thyme -- thujanol type " It is one of the few oils effective against chlamydia. It is also effective against viruses and stimulates immune response as well as the regneration of liver cells. Its broad spectrum of action against many infections conditions makes it appropriate for a traveler's first-aid kit. Especially suitable for treating flu, bronchitis, vaginitis... and a general weakened condition. " and thyme - geraniol type .... very mild in its application, yet it is extremely strong and has broad action against baceria, viruses, and fungi (yeast infections). ... especially suitable for use in bronchitis and viral intestinal infections... " and a whole list of others, including lavender, rosemary, all citrus oils, tea tree, eucalyptus, dill, lemongrass, geranium etc. Their different chemical components, of course, have an effect on different pathogens. Therapeutic use of essential oils is a whole world in itself I'd like to know more about the ways Chinese medicine folks use them in their practices. I know Jeffrey Yuen does, but have never taken one of his workshops.... Catherine - " bcataiji " <bcaom Monday, December 22, 2003 8:46 AM Re: wind heat epidemic > , " Catherine Hemenway " > <spiritgatechina> wrote: > > Pamela had mentioned using oregano essential oil. This is from Kurt > > Schnaubelt's " Advanced Aromatherapy " : > > > > > > ...When it comes to combating bacterial infections, oregano is > > Thanks for the added information about oregano. Keep in mind, though, > that (Western) colds and the flu are both viruses, rather than > bacterial infections. > > Brian C. Allen > > > Chinese Herbal Medicine offers various professional services, including board approved continuing education classes, an annual conference and a free discussion forum in Chinese Herbal Medicine. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2003 Report Share Posted December 21, 2003 December 22,2003 >>I am curious about the pathomechanism this herb addresses to PREVENT cold and flu. The pathomechanism in the use of oregano to prevent cold (gan mao) and flu lies in understanding the symbiotic relationship between the Zheng Qi (medicatrix naturae) and the Xie Qi (heterapathy) or in the words of British acupuncturist Peter Mole, the relationship between the " vital force " and the " infective agent " ( Peter Mole ,1991, Acupuncture Energy Balancing For Body, Mind and Spirit ,Great Britain, Element Books, p.10) . Oregano has a 'cooling nature " which makes it effective in neutralizing warm or hot exterior infective agents of Xie Qi . It also has pungent or acrid taste which can disperse accumulating 'wind' infective agents on the surface of the body. This taste wei of the oregano can also aid in 'spreading' the lung Qi and thus endhance one's vital force or Zheng Qi. Regards, Rey Tiquia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 22, 2003 Report Share Posted December 22, 2003 Hello, FYI thoughts on oregano. Oregano has an aromatic and pungent quality. Thus, it's ability to release the exterior and resolve dampness. Oregano is also a member of the mint family possibly presenting similiar actions as those seen when using Bo He. From a western point of view; Oregano contains tannins, gallic acid, and tocopherols. The latter providing a potent natural source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E aids in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cataracts and helps improves the immune system, and circulation in the body. It also has the ability to aid in the healing of wounds thus can be used in external applications. I was curious myself with the actions of oregano, thanks for the brain stimulation. If you find anything more with regards to channels entered and specific actions please do share your thoughts. Happy and Safe Holidays to all. Oh, and a Happy New Year Pep < wrote: , " rey tiquia " <rey@a...> wrote: > Dec. 21,2003 > > Dear Pamela, > > I support your suggestion about prevention. I also agree with you > that oregano (which is also referred to as wild majoram and is > botanically named as origanum vulgare ) is something that we > can tap in preventing against the flu. Probably, we are already > using it as a preventative substance when we use it as a > condiment in some of our Italian cooking . > > The Dictionary also list the traditional medicinal therapeutic > value of oregano as : being able to release the exterior (jie biao); > regulates the Qi (li Qi) as well as being able to transform > dampness ( hua shi) . Hence, it can be used to treat cases of > Gan Mao brought about by injury from the wind heteropathy > (shang feng gan mao) . This raises a clinical question for me related to pattern diagnosis. At one stage does one use an exterior releasing herb? Is it common in chinese texts to see exterior releasing herbs used as preventives prior to the onset of symptoms, in cooking or in medicine. My access is limited, but I have not seen this. While one overused preventive rx uses fang feng (yu ping feng san), it is not for releasing the exterior. While I have no doubt that oregano benefits digestion and can be used to release the exterior when decocted with other herbs in much higher doses than commonly used in food, I am curious about the pathomechanism this herb addresses to PREVENT cold and flu. I use supplementing,harmonizing, phlegm transforming for this purpose. I will use oregano or ginger or perilla or mint as single herbs to release exterior in a pinch right at the onset of the vaguest wind sx, but not before. Chinese Herbal Medicine offers various professional services, including board approved continuing education classes, an annual conference and a free discussion forum in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 22, 2003 Report Share Posted December 22, 2003 , " rey tiquia " <rey@a...> wrote: > December 22,2003 > the Zheng Qi > (medicatrix naturae) and the Xie Qi (heterapathy) > I may be wrong, but I think it has been discussed here before that associating the zheng qi with the vis medicatrix naturae is flawed. I believe it was pointed out that chinese literature does not conceive of qi as a self-healing force, nor does it consider the body's natural tendency to be towards health. I think this is actually discussed in the brief history of qi by rose. can anyone remind me about this. Oregano has a 'cooling nature " which makes it effective in neutralizing > warm or hot exterior infective agents of Xie Qi . It also has pungent or > acrid taste which can disperse accumulating 'wind' infective agents on the > surface of the body. So you mean after the cold has been caught already? It is probably a semantic matter, but I don't consider that preventive unless you mean preventing secondary infection. In that case, I believe proper use of exterior releasing agents is the best way to prevent complications of cold. But they do not prevent cold from the outset, IMO. In fact, overuse of exterior releasing in a qi xu patient before getting a cold may allow a wind evil to invade as I learned it. This taste wei of the oregano can also aid in > 'spreading' the lung Qi and thus endhance one's vital force or Zheng Qi. I do not believe this refers to a supplementing of the wei qi, but rather dispersing it after a pathogen has invaded so it may do its job. Again, I suppose this could be considered preventive if the treatment succeeds in expelling the pathogen. From a WM point of view, the patient did not get sick. But from CM, they had the s/s of a wind-heat and were treated succcessfully for it, not prevented from getting it, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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