HERBAL FAQs
WHAT IS CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE?
Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world. Chinese herbology has existed since prehistoric times. The earliest known records are attributed to Shen Nung, 3494 B.C. The ancient Daoist monks left detailed records of extensive herbal studies aimed at finding “elixirs” to provide a healthy and long life. These lead to many theories about herbology (the Shang Han Lun, 206 B.C., etc.) Today, the basis of most common formulas often dates back 2,000 years or more.
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ARE CHINESE HERBS EFFECTIVE?
Yes. Chinese herbs, used for over 4,000 years, are still commonly used today in modern Chinese hospitals, often preferred over drugs as some are safer and more effective. Herb cultivation and harvesting has been a traditional art in China for thousands of years. Chinese herbs have been studied and documented as to their energetic natures, medicinal functions, and remarkable effectiveness.
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ARE CHINESE HERBS DANGEROUS?
As they have the power to heal when used properly, they also can be dangerous if misused. There are many herbs that are contraindicated in certain conditions. This is why it is so important to only take herbs that are prescribed by a TCM practitioner or herbalist who has undergone the training to know which herbs are the correct ones to safely get the proper results.
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HOW ARE CHINESE HERBS USED DIFFERENTLY FROM OTHER HERBS?
Most western herbs are used singly and symptomatically, such as valerian for insomnia, white willow bark for headache, etc. The body constitution of the patient and root cause are not always considered. In contrast, Chinese medicine looks carefully at the energetic nature and functions of herbs to balance these qualities with the patient’s body constitution while treating the disorder. Chinese herbs are usually used in combinations in order to be more effective and establish balance in the body. They are rarely used singly.
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IS IT ADVISABLE TO COMBINE CHINESE HERBS WITH ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be extremely effective when used together. Often times the herbs are able to sustain the effects of an acupuncture treatment for much longer than if acupuncture alone was used. Some conditions respond better to herbs than to acupuncture, and others respond better to acupuncture than to herbs. Your TCM practitioner will discuss these issues with you.
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HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO TAKE CHINESE HERBS?
This can vary on a case-by-case basis. Generally, if an acute condition is being treated, you can expect to see results fairly quickly using herbs. If the condition is more chronic, you may need to take the herbs for a longer period of time before you achieve lasting results. Please keep in mind, this is a natural medicine and just like in nature, things change and grow gradually and organically. It is also important to keep your practitioner informed of any changes in your condition so that I can modify your treatment accordingly.
I TAKE PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS, CAN I STILL TAKE CHINESE HERBS?
It is very important to let your practitioner know about any pharmaceuticals that you are currently taking. In most cases, taking Chinese herbs are not contraindicated for people who are also taking pharmaceutical drugs.Herbs often work well in conjunction with certain medications. Medical doctors often refer patients to us to support their treatments, such as in infertility, or relieve the side effects of allopathic treatments such as in chemotherapy. It is very important that all your healthcare practitioners are aware and approve of combined types of treatments. There are some exceptions to this, however, so it is very important to only take herbs that have been prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
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HOW DOES CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE DIFFER FROM PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS?
Many pharmaceuticals are derived from herbal medicine. However, drugs usually rely on singular molecular compounds, many of which are isolated extracts of the plants’ active ingredients. Using the whole plant in herbal medicine is more balanced and less likely to cause side effects. Chinese herbs are usually prescribed in combination to increase the efficacy of the formula and help decrease any possible side effects. Most importantly, for an herbalist, the goal of treatment is not to simply relieve symptoms but to treat the internal imbalance at the root of the problem.
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WHAT CONDITIONS ARE APPROPRIATELY TREATED WITH CHINESE HERBS?
Chinese herbal medicine treats the full range of human disease such as acute illness--like flu and the common cold--to chronic disease, such as allergies, gynecological disorders, autoimmune diseases, chronic viral diseases, and degenerative diseases due to aging. Herbal medicine can also help to maintain or create balance and health before disease sets in.
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ARE CHINESE HERBS SAFE IF I AM PREGNANT OR A NURSING MOTHER?
Most herbs are completely safe during pregnancy and for lactating mothers, often offering a solution to treating conditions where pharmaceutical drugs are contraindicated. As is true with any type of treatment, certain substances are inappropriate during these times. Make sure your practitioner is aware of your condition if you are nursing or pregnant so only the correct and safe herbs are prescribed.
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ARE CHINESE HERBS APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN?
Chinese herbs are often preferred over pharmaceutical drugs as they are generally much safer and offer excellent results. Children are often given reduced dosages and respond more quickly than adults. There are also anti-viral herbs that effectively treat and prevent the common cold or flu that have no allopathic counterparts.
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WHAT TYPES OF SUBSTANCES ARE USED IN CHINESE HERBALISM?
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine consists of substances derived from plant (roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, and branches), animal, and mineral sources. It is well known that Traditional Chinese Medicine has over 5000 years history and Chinese herbal medicine is one of the most important parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In China, there are over 3000 different herbs that can be used for medical purposes. However, about 300 to 500 of these herbs are commonly used. It is important to use herbs grown in China rather than outside of their native environment, because different soils and environments can create differing constituents in the plant. One must use the right herb from the right source to get the full benefit. If you are opposed to the use of animal products in your treatment, please let your practitioner know.
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