- What are Chinese herbs?
- How are Chinese Herbs Used?
- What can Chinese herbs do for me?
- Why are several Chinese herbs mixed together in a formula?
- Are there side effects to these herbs?
- How are herbs taken?
What are Chinese herbs?
In China, people have been using natural herbs to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions. These herbs are composed of roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, and branches. Traditional Chinese Medicine has over 3000 years of history and Chinese herbs are an important part. Chinese medicine will combine 5 to 15 herbs to create a formula that is specific for treating a condition.
How are Chinese Herbs Used?
Herbs are used as a complement to acupuncture and sometimes by themselves. Herbal medicine by itself is a powerful method of healing. To compare them to Western drugs, they are usually used to control symptoms but do not alter the disease process. For example: antibiotics kill bacteria but do not improve a person's resistance to infection; diuretics drain excess fluid from the body but do not improve the kidney function. Chinese herbs can also rid the body of symptoms but they also nourish and balance the body in very specific ways, thereby improving organ function and building a person's constitution and immune system.
What can Chinese herbs do for me?
Chinese Herbal therapy or herb medicine has three main functions:
- Treat the acute diseases and conditions such as colds & flus, and traumas.
- Treat chronic illness such as gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, allergies, immune system deficiency, etc. by strengthening the body, helping it to recover;
- Maintain daily health by keeping the balance of human body.
- Reduce side effects of other medications.
In general, herbs can treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions.
Why are several Chinese herbs mixed together in a formula?
Chinese herbalists usually do not prescribe a single herb for their patients. Chinese herbs usually are used in combinations of 5 to 15 herbs. There are three major reasons to support the combination practice.
- Mutual Accentuation involves combining two or more very similar herbs together to create a stronger effect.
- Mutual Enhancement is using two herbs with different actions which also enhance each other.
- Mutual Counteraction means using one herb to reduce or eliminate side effects of another herb in the combination.
The advantage of Chinese medicine is the power of mixing specific herbs.
Are there side effects to these herbs?
A few of the herbs may have side effects. The Chinese formulas are combined to reduce these side effects. If there is an adverse reaction, it is best to consult with your practitioner. The formula may need to be modified or stopped.
How are herbs taken?
Prescribed herbal medicine is traditionally taken in tea form. The body easily and quickly absorbs tea easily. Traditionally you are given a bag of herbs which have been specially prepared for you and then you would cook these herbs for 45 minutes to an hour. This has been the traditional method of taking herbs. In our society, the time to cook the teas is not always convenient. There are prepared teas in which warm water is added, eliminating the cooking time. These teas can be made specifically for a person based on their condition. There are also capsules or tablets that are available.
Generally, it is best to take herbs just before your meals. You should consult a herbalist for specific instructions on taking herbs. For example, tonic herbs, to promote health, are best taken before meals. Herbs that either irritate the stomach or are taken to protect the stomach should be taken after eating. Herbs for insomnia and other sleeping disorders should be taken at bedtime.
