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.

The oldest form of medicine.  This involves boiling raw herbs and minerals in a pot for a set period of time. Patients would then drink a cup of medicine at certain periods throughout the day.  The oldest form yet one of the strongest for the patient to see results quicker.  Each herbal decoction is custom designed to fit the patients exact needs.

An ancient technique where raw herbs are ground together and compacted into little pellets.  Then coated with honey for preservation.  Patients with chronic conditions are generally given this type of medicine.  Herbal pills are usually custom tailored which can be given to patients with certain criteria.

Raw herbs can be ground up or extracted for easier ingestion (or for those who don’t like herbal taste from tea). Recommended for, but certainly not limited to, kids and adults. Preparation usually entails mixing the powder with warm water or in any liquid until dissolved and taken at certain times throughout the day.  

For those who can’t stand the taste of herbal tea AND herbal powder, herbal capsules can be given. Eight to twelve capsules per dose, they take the place of powder and tea in a much simpler form.