China has been utilizing herbal remedies to treat afflictions, diseases, and common ailments for centuries. Alternative medicines and therapies are commonplace in Chinese culture, and often, they succeed in curing or relieving an individual's particular ailment where Western medicines might fail. Some of the Chinese herbal medicines discussed within this article are currently well-known and increasingly practiced by Western society, while others may be more elusive.

But as America strives to be health-conscious, seeking safer, natural forms of healing rather than prescription drugs and expensive medicines and treatments, we are turning toward herbal remedies, and Chinese herbal remedies in particular, as a popular alternative.

According to David Hoffmann in his book Healthy Digestion [Storey Books, 2000] "Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder characterized by crampy pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. It might manifest as constipation or diarrhea or swing between both and can result in headaches and anxiety."

Herbal Remedies for the IBS Patient

Peppermint - enteric coated peppermint oil capsules may help reduce the symptoms of gas, crampy pain and bloating associated with IBS. The enteric coating allows the capsule to pass undigested through the stomach and reach the intestines. If the capsule were to digest in the stomach side effects such as heartburn would likely occur.

Fennel and dill - these two herbs have been used for years to help treat colicky babies. Fennel and dill seeds can be brewed into a calming tea which helps to reduce the symptoms associated with gas and bloating.

Apple cider vinegar benefits are a well-known, and apple vinegar cider has long been used for herbal remedies. It is made from the fermentation of apple juice. The fermentation process gives alcoholic apple cider that is combined with oxygen to produce acetic acid. Here are 5 medicinal health benefits of apple cider vinegar.

Yeast Infections

Yeast fungus infections are caused by the overgrowth of a microbial fungus called candida. The Candida fungus occurs naturally, and exists harmlessly in the healthy body. However, in the event that certain conditions in the body change, such as a compromised immune system, then it can grow out of control thus leading to related yeast infection symptoms. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial to yeast infection sufferers by redressing the imbalance of acid levels in the body. Making a solution of apple cider vinegar in warm water and douching can help with the symptoms.

Super Food