In traditional Chinese medicine, we often come across similar names for herbs, such as dried ginger and fresh ginger, prepared Polygonum multiflorum and raw Polygonum multiflorum, processed Aconitum carmichaelii and raw Aconitum carmichaelii, raw Rehmannia glutinosa and prepared Rehmannia glutinosa, etc. It may seem like they are the same herb, but they are actually differentiated based on their effects. The different forms of Chinese medicinal herbs do have distinct effects.
1. Fresh herbs and aged herbs have different medicinal effects
Some herbs are only effective when fresh, like garlic. When garlic is cooked or dried, its active ingredient allicin is destroyed, and it loses its efficacy in treating diseases. It must be consumed raw to be effective. However, some herbs actually become more effective with age, such as tangerine peel and pinellia.
2. Dried herbs and fresh herbs have different effects
Although dried ginger and fresh ginger are both types of ginger, they have different effects and are considered as two separate herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Dried ginger is used to warm the middle, dispel cold, promote blood circulation, dry dampness, and dissolve phlegm. Fresh ginger is used to harmonize the middle, stop vomiting, induce sweating, and release exterior conditions. Similarly, dried Rehmannia glutinosa and fresh Rehmannia glutinosa have different effects, with the latter not only clearing heat, generating fluids, and cooling blood, but also nourishing yin.
3. Different processing methods lead to different effects
Many herbs undergo special processing after drying, known as "paozhi" in Chinese medicine. Some herbs can have their toxicity reduced through processing, such as bitter almond, Aconitum carmichaelii, pinellia, and Arisaema erubescens. Other herbs, when processed, have their effects changed. For example, raw Polygonum multiflorum can detoxify, resolve abscesses, moisturize the intestines, and promote bowel movements, while prepared Polygonum multiflorum can tonify the liver and kidneys, nourish essence and blood, darken the hair, and strengthen the tendons and bones.
In conclusion, when using medicinal herbs in prescriptions, it is crucial to follow the instructions and not arbitrarily substitute herbs. This is especially important for toxic herbs like Aconitum carmichaelii and pinellia, which should not be used without proper processing.
