The practice of Chinese herbal medicine has evolved over centuries of empirical observation and clinical use, with written records extending back over 3,000 years. Like acupuncture, herbal medicine is a holistic system, with diagnosis and treatment based on assessment of a patient’s complete symptom picture and overall health. For example, when treating a cold or flu, an herbalist will choose a formula that targets the infection, decreases the severity of symptoms, strengthens the immune system and supports the patient’s individual constitution.

 

The cornerstone of Chinese herbal medicine is the customized formula. A trained Chinese herbalist can prepare an individualized formula that addresses all of a patient’s health needs. Chinese herbs are effective at treating both acute and chronic conditions, and are an excellent complement to acupuncture treatments.

 

Chinese Herbal Medicine Theory

Chinese herbal medicine is a complex and precise branch of medicine that requires years of study and practice to master. Chinese herbal formulas are tailored combinations of herbs that work together to create specific changes in the body. A typical formula is comprised of herbs that treat the illness or complaint and herbs that support the underlying health of the patient. For an acute condition, a brief treatment program is usually all that is needed to correct the problem. In patients with chronic conditions or depleted constitutions, longer term use may be indicated for best results.

 

When combining herbs in a formula, an herbalist will consider the individual properties of herbs and the needs of the patient being treated. Herbs with similar functions may be combined for mutual reinforcement. Herbs with different functions may be selected if each has a desired treatment effect. As individual herbs have specific organ affinity and directional action, they may be selected based on which area of the body is to be treated. If a particular herb is difficult to digest, herbs that support digestion will be added to the formula to improve assimilation. In a complex case, herbs with a variety of functions may be combined into one formula that treats a multitude of symptoms. Often, the final herb is chosen for its function of harmonizing the formula, making sure all the other herbs “get along.”

Preparations/Dosing

A traditional Chinese herbal formula is prepared by boiling fresh or dried herbs in water and then drinking the resulting herbal tea. Modern formulas are prepared as pills, tinctures and powders for internal use, and as salves and sprays for external application. Chinese herbs are easy to add to your daily routine. Most patients prefer to take their herbs in pill form, but some prefer a powdered form they can add to hot water and drink like tea.

 

Chinese herbs are very safe and appropriate for pediatric use, with dosage adjusted to the weight and constitution of the child.

 

Conditions Treated

Most medical conditions respond very well to Chinese herbs. Herbs can treat acute and chronic injuries, and help speed healing and reduce scarring after surgery. As many herbs have antiviral and antibacterial properties, they are extremely effective for treating colds, flu and water/food-borne illnesses. Many patients take herbs to control seasonal allergies. Skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis and acne respond well to herbal medicine.

 

Herbs are excellent regulators of endocrine function, and I see many patients for thyroid disorders, menstrual pain and irregularity, menopausal symptoms and infertility. Many patients take herbs for insomnia, stress reduction and emotional balancing.

 

Treating acute and chronic infections has become a specialty area of my practice. I regularly employ Chinese herbs in the treatment of Hepatitis B and C, gastrointestinal yeast and parasites, and Lyme disease and co-infections.

Chinese Herbs and Prescription Pharmaceuticals

You can take Chinese herbs if you are on prescription medications. Very few herbs interact with pharmaceuticals, and herbalists are extensively trained to identify and avoid any potential drug/herb interactions.

 

Some patients prefer natural products to prescription drugs. If you are trying to discontinue the use of a prescription medication, I will work with your physician to design a safe program for tapering off your medication and monitoring your progress while introducing herbs. Most patients respond very well to this approach.

 

A note on products from China: All of my herbal products are purchased from companies that manufacture in the United States using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines. All raw materials are tested for heavy metals, pesticides and other contaminants. I stand by the quality and efficacy of all my products. I personally use all of the products in my pharmacy, and I do not recommend any products that I would not take myself.