Let's begin with Thorowax Root, or Chai Hu as it's translated in Chinese.  But first, a primer: According to Chinese philosophy, we primarily live our lives in two realms, the visible and the invisible. What connects these two dimensions is us, as in our whole presence and being, and the law of cause and effect. The visible is the tangible, the easily seen, felt, and understood, while the invisible is that which operates as an energy at the level of the universe, the essential life force: Qi.

Our bodies can experience Qi naturally, as it is all around us and is the same energy that vitalizes. However, any imbalance, disturbance, or obstruction to this flow of energy can cause emotional, physical, and mental health issues.

This disharmony is where Traditional Chinese Medicine theory flourishes, offering alternatives and safer methods of healing found in nature and comes to the rescue for those seeking to restore and balance themselves, both physically and emotionally, in a natural way.

Don’t Get Stressed by Traditional Chinese Medicine: Relax with It

Through the use of the ageless herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine theory aims to activate the self-healing core everyone is naturally born with, removing disharmony between the various internal organs. But with a practice thousands of years in the making, with countless herbs to choose from, where does one begin to help drive emotional harmony and balance?

With all of our formulas, we’ve picked only the best and most beneficial, driving a natural flow that supports the busy mind and body. To this end, particularly if your routine has been hectic as of late, sending you into a stress overdrive, then an introduction to Thorowax root and its incredible sense of calm and Qi-enhancing benefits is in order.

Frazzled nerves and a clouded mind is never fun: Thorowax root supports in calming one's spinning head, promoting emotional bliss and a wonderful sense of calm.

Origin of the Thorowax Root

Thorowax Root, known scientifically as "Bupleurum Chinense" or by its Chinese pinyin translation, Chai Hu, is a plant of the Apiaceae family. This medicinal herb has its origin in East Asia and has a reed-like appearance. The first mention of this herb is found in a text dating back to the first century BC.  In present times, it is widely produced in Hebei, Hanan, Liaoning, Sichuan, and Hubei provinces of China.

Mildly fragrant and bitter in taste, this root herb has been consumed in China for thousands of years.

Thorowax Root Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Thorax Root is considered a "liver tonic" in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, and its versatility is obvious to practitioners and those who incorporate it into their wellness routines.  From the standpoint of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Thorwax's benefits include:

• Harmonizing Qi Flow: Thorowax Root is primarily known for its ability to regulate the flow of Qi in the body. In Chinese Medicine theory, disruptions or stagnation in Qi flow can lead to various health issues. Thorowax Root helps to smooth the flow of Qi, promoting overall balance and well-being.
• Liver Qi Stagnation: Chinese Medicine theory identifies the liver as a vital organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and emotions. Liver Qi stagnation can lead to symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and digestive disturbances. Thorowax Root is often prescribed to alleviate liver Qi stagnation, helping to restore emotional equilibrium and digestive harmony.
• Supporting emotional ease: Due to its traditional role in regulating liver Qi and promoting energy flow, Thorowax Root is often used in Chinese Medicine theory to support emotional balance during times of occasional stress and internal tension.
• Supporting Digestive Health: In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the liver plays a role in the smooth functioning of the digestive system. When liver Qi is stagnant, it can manifest as digestive discomfort such as bloating, belching, and irregular bowel movements. Thorowax Root's Qi-regulating properties extend to the digestive system, making it beneficial for promoting healthy digestion.
• Heat Clearance: Thorowax Root is also valued for its ability to clear heat from the body. "Excess heat" in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory can manifest as symptoms like fever, thirst, irritability, and inflammation. By clearing heat, Thorowax Root helps restore balance and alleviate heat-related symptoms.
• Menstrual Health: In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, Liver Qi stagnation can contribute to menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menstrual pain. Thorowax Root, with its Qi-regulating and liver-harmonizing properties, is often included in herbal formulas to support menstrual health and ease associated discomfort.
• Vitality and resilience: In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, balanced Qi is believed to promote overall vitality and resilience, supporting the body’s natural ability to adapt to environmental stressors.

Furthermore, the herb is traditionally valued for its potential to support a healthy inflammation response and provide antioxidant benefits. Thorowax Root is effective when consumed along with other herbs -  particularly ginger, white peony root, and the Chinese angelica root. It is commonly used to support emotional balance and promote a sense of calm during times of occasional irritability or tension.

We've incorporated Thorowax Root in several of of formulas, but if you're new to the herb, we'd recommend starting with Emotional Balance - an incredible formula that addresses many of the items listed above, but in a way that makes it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.  Simply add the herbal powders to your water and go. 

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations  from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.