TCM Herbs of the Month: July
— 2 min read —
It’s berry picking season, and there have been some bountiful offerings here in Toronto this season. My wife Rubinah and I have been busy gathering off of some of our favorite trees and bushes and it seemed like a good idea to share while the getting is good. Now, if you aren’t familiar with foraging and are not sure what to look for, these berries can be found either in fresh or dried form at certain grocery stores or places that sell bulk ingredients.
Mulberries
The Mulberry family, Moraceae, is a division of the Urticaceae family (Nettle family). While there are upwards of 50 genera and about 900 species of mulberries, the two most commonly referenced varieties are the white (Morus alba) and black (Morus nigra) varieties.
They have some overlapping properties. It is the white variety that is most commonly used as medicine. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) the berry, the leaves, and the bark are differentiated for treating differing symptoms.
Among its many healing compounds white mulberries are high in nutritional value containing iron, fiber, fatty acids, peptides, and significant amounts of vitamins A, B1, B2, and C. They are bottled as a beverage to enhance immunity and promote good health.
In Western Herbology, the Black mulberry is used as a Laxative. The White mulberry has laxative, antiseptic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Medicinal Uses: Black Mulberry – Runny nose, constipation. White Mulberry – Lowers cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, and treats digestion, anemia, cancer, diabetes, gum disease
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as Sang Shen, and it nourishes Blood, cools and moistens Kidney and Liver Yin, treats deficient Blood and Yin conditions, and is a Blood tonic.
It is used for anemia, dry constipation, boosting the immune system, regulating blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, improving digestion, promoting brain health, preventing cancer and premature graying of hair.
Saskatoon/Serviceberries
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), serviceberries (also known as saskatoon berries or juneberries) are considered to have a neutral temperature and sweet taste. They are believed to be lighter in consistency, making them potentially helpful for addressing damp conditions, overweight issues, or stagnant conditions. They are also a good source of nutrients and have potential health benefits, but further research is needed to fully understand their TCM applications.
Serviceberries are not considered to be warming or cooling, making them suitable for a wide range of individuals and conditions.
Saskatoon berries are sweet and sweet foods in TCM are often associated with tonifying the body, nourishing tissues, and harmonizing the digestive system.
The lighter consistency of serviceberries may be helpful in situations where there is excess dampness in the body, such as certain types of edema or sluggish digestion.
Saskatoon berrries are a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper, and carotenoids.
They contain compounds like terpenes, phenolics, glycosides, and alkaloids, with high levels of polyphenols, suggesting potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
In some traditions, serviceberry juice has been used to address stomach ailments, and bark tea has been used for blood sugar regulation and postpartum healing.
While traditional uses are interesting, it's important to note that scientific research into the specific TCM applications of serviceberries is still limited.
In summary, while serviceberries are not a primary TCM herb, their neutral temperature, sweet taste, and potential benefits for dampness, combined with their nutritional value, suggest they can be a valuable addition to a TCM-informed diet, particularly for those seeking to address specific imbalances or support overall health.
Saskatoon berries are rich in antioxidants that effectively reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress.
The flavonoids and anthocyanins in Saskatoon berries neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage.
Incorporating fresh or dried Saskatoon berries into meals can provide a natural remedy for reducing inflammation.
High antioxidant levels in Saskatoon berries support cardiovascular health by lowering inflammation and preventing heart disease.
Saskatoon berries’ anti-inflammatory properties offer natural relief for joint pain and other inflammation-related issues.
Raspberries
In Western herbology, they have astringent, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, Emmenagogue characteristics.
Can be used for stimulating menses, cancer, constipation, diarrhea, PMS, easing labor contractions, protecting the liver, and sunburns.
In TCM, also known as Fu Pen Zi or Shan Mei and it stabilizes and binds, tonifies the Kidney, supports Jing (Bind Essence), builds Kidney and Liver Qi.
It is used for Impotence, bed wetting, frequent urination, premature ejaculation, incontinence, improves eyesight, clears blurred vision, low back pain, infertility due to cold, nocturnal emissions, premature greying of hair, and thin leucorrhea.
This post was written by wellbe’s Registered Acupuncturist, Matthew Morrow. Click here to learn more about acupuncture and book your next visit. If you are interested in learning more about Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, or dietary and lifestyle advice, feel free to contact Matthew.