Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is considered one of the more important branches of traditional Oriental medicine. The theory and practice of Chinese herbal medicine has developed over thousands of years and today that knowledge is combined with the latest pharmacological and clinical research. The medicinal herbs included in this ancient healing system consist of plants, animal products, and minerals.
Although there are thousands of documented Chinese herbs, several hundred of those are most commonly used today. A large majority of Chinese herbs are derived from parts of plants (leaves, seeds, bark, roots, etc). Examples include ginger, cinnamon, ginseng, turmeric, and tangerine peel. Some Chinese herbs are derived from animals, such as deer antler or oyster shell and other herbs are minerals found in nature, such as gypsum or talcum.
Chinese herbs are almost never prescribed individually. Instead, herbs are generally prescribed in a formula, a combination of about 10 different herbs in specific ratios. These formulas are custom-tailored for a particular individual, based upon the individual’s specific situation. The advantages of combining herbs into a formula are numerous: to increase healing properties, to address multiple imbalances, to direct the formula to specific parts of the body, to reduce side effects of certain individual herbs, and to moderate harsh properties of certain individual herbs.
Traditionally, Chinese herbs were boiled in water and given to the patient to drink as a warm tea. Today however, Chinese herbal medicine is available in a variety of forms: tablets, capsules, tinctures, syrups, lozenges, powders, and granules to be dissolved in water. These methods are more convenient for patients and yet still remain safe and effective.
Chinese herbs are often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Chinese herbs are a powerful adjunct to acupuncture treatment and can help promote healing between acupuncture treatments.
Although there are thousands of documented Chinese herbs, several hundred of those are most commonly used today. A large majority of Chinese herbs are derived from parts of plants (leaves, seeds, bark, roots, etc). Examples include ginger, cinnamon, ginseng, turmeric, and tangerine peel. Some Chinese herbs are derived from animals, such as deer antler or oyster shell and other herbs are minerals found in nature, such as gypsum or talcum.
Chinese herbs are almost never prescribed individually. Instead, herbs are generally prescribed in a formula, a combination of about 10 different herbs in specific ratios. These formulas are custom-tailored for a particular individual, based upon the individual’s specific situation. The advantages of combining herbs into a formula are numerous: to increase healing properties, to address multiple imbalances, to direct the formula to specific parts of the body, to reduce side effects of certain individual herbs, and to moderate harsh properties of certain individual herbs.
Traditionally, Chinese herbs were boiled in water and given to the patient to drink as a warm tea. Today however, Chinese herbal medicine is available in a variety of forms: tablets, capsules, tinctures, syrups, lozenges, powders, and granules to be dissolved in water. These methods are more convenient for patients and yet still remain safe and effective.
Chinese herbs are often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Chinese herbs are a powerful adjunct to acupuncture treatment and can help promote healing between acupuncture treatments.
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