If you are sick and tired of antibiotics, antihistamines, antacids, and all these over-the-counter drugs, you might want to try giving Chinese herbal teas a chance. I'm not talking about herbal teas that are sold inside boxes in your local drug store. I'm talking about a nifty idea called prescription herbal teas. Just like a conventional medical clinic, you go see a doctor, tell him what ails you, and the doctor writes a list of ingredients to put in your tea. The prescription is then given to a pharmacist, who grabs dried herbs, barks, and other strange-looking things (beetles and bees included), and bunches them up inside a plastic container.
It's then off to the kitchen with you. Throw all the dried ingredients in a saucepan, pour several cups of water (quantity will depend on the doctor), and heat it for a certain duration (will also depend on the doctor). The eventual result is this sometimes murky, sometimes clear, dark brown to black substance that you must chug down... satisfied smile at the end not required... and not quite possible, in my opinion.
This stuff can be real nasty. It's bitter, sweet, salty, sour, and spicy, all at the same time. The smell can be quite overpowering as well. I recommend a candy or two beside you so you can suck on them after your drink. I also recommend that you recite a mantra, "I need this drink", inside your head over and over for your psychological wellness.
Needless to say, this stuff may be able to help you if you've gone astray from those pesky tablets and capsules. It can cure anything from insomnia to common colds. Some forms of this Chinese herbal tea can be used as vitamins to stimulate growth or your appetite.
Side effects? It may cause a few stomach problems, but they are only temporary. If you can get past the taste, then you should consider it.
~ Fit FactorY
