Chinese Herbal Medicines
Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine to date, with an illustrious history dating back nearly 5000 years. Its effectiveness is to such an extent that it remains relevant in the modern age of western medicine and pharmaceutical drugs. Licensed practitioners can prescribe Chinese herbs both as a supplement to acupuncture treatments or as a main form of treatment. Chinese medicine has no side effects and comes in many forms and preparations
The unique characteristic of Chinese herbal medicine is the degree to which formulation is done. In other forms of herbal medicine, especially western herbal medicine, herbs are often delivered singly or combined into very small formulas of herbs with the same function. In contrast, Chinese herbalists rarely prescribe a single herb to treat a condition. They create formulas instead. A formula usually contains at least four to twenty herbs.
Herbal formulas can be delivered in all manners of preparation. Pre-made formulas are available as pills, capsules, powders, alcohol-extracts, water-extracts, etc. Most of these formulas are very convenient as they do not necessitate patient preparation and are easily taken.