CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE is the use of herbs in the form of pills, powders, teas, tinctures, or liniments, for the treatment of disease or illness. The herbs consist of flowers, seeds, roots, fruits, leaves, bark and branches. Sometimes animal products may be used. It can be used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance the treatment or can be used alone or as a separate therapy. It is a safe and natural alternative to western pharmaceuticals. Herbal medicines are rapidly increasing in economic importance, with the U.S. claiming over $60 million in world market herbal sales including raw materials.
In China, herbal medicine has traditionally been the most fundamental method of treatment. Medicinal herbal formulas are dispensed to each patient based upon the patient’s individual constitution and current medical condition.
Unlike western herbs, Chinese herbs are used in very specific combinations, as opposed to singular herbs. An herbal formula may be comprised of as many as 15 herbs, all having specific purposes within the formula. These herbal formulas, like acupuncture, work to unlock the Qi, to nourish, and to repair the organs.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is prescribed for many conditions for people of any age or constitution. The herbs can be used singularly or most often combined together to work synergistically in formulas. Your practitioner will take any previous or current illness or medication into account before prescribing herbs to you. With suitable adjustments for dosage and with some provisions, which your practitioner will determine, children, and pregnant women can be treated successfully with Chinese herbs. The focus of herbal formulas is to treat illness and disease. Herbs may also have different effects on different channels or parts of the body.
Ask your practitioner if herbs are right for you!