Chinese Herbal Medicine

Posted on February 20, 2017

Chinese herbal medicine is the largest organized herbal system in the world. In China, it is considered to be a very powerful form of therapy that is used to manage many conditions. Due to its long history, the workings of the classical herbal formulas are extremely well understood.

Depending on your condition, Chinese herbs may be prescribed as a complement to acupuncture treatments or as a primary form of therapy.  I’ve had patients tell me their MD said it was okay for them to take herbal medicine I was RX’ing, your MD does not decide about herbal medicine, unless they want to prescribe, manage and make sure you’re safe on them.

The use of Chinese herbs has spread all over the world for the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, for balancing mental and emotional health, for eliminating pain, post-operative pain, skin conditions, chronic infections, infertility and for the preservation and restoration of health. Through clinical use, classical study and scientific research, Chinese Herbal Medicine has become a very complex and sophisticated healing modality.

How do I know which Chinese Herbs are good for me? You don’t.

If you are considering taking Chinese herbs, you should consult a Licensed Acupuncturists who specializes in Chinese Herbology, with a state license to do so. This is a very important step as the practice of Chinese Herbal Medicine is a complex system which is dependent on the knowledge and experience of a skilled practitioner.  Chinese herbal medicine may be an option for many, but not all.  Chinese herbs can be dangerous if self-prescribed, as they are diagnosis specific.

In what form do Chinese Herbs come?
Chinese Herbal Medicine consists of 5,767 substances derived from plant, animal and mineral sources. The herbs are used in their whole form. They have not had specific chemicals extracted in proportions that are different from what is found in their natural form. The herbs are available in the form of herbal tablets, capsules, granules, poultices and liquid forms for infants and children.

What is the difference between Western Herbs and Chinese Herbs?

Western Herbal Medicine tends to use one or two herbs to treat just a specific symptom. A Chinese Herbal formula contains multiple herbs, never just one. The herbs are selected to work synergistically together, to increase the potency, aid the body in absorption, digestion and elimination of side effects of one single herb.

Can I take Chinese herbs with my regular medication?

Your prescribing acupuncturist will take the following into consideration before you receive herbal medicine; all the current medication, vitamins, herbs, and recreational drugs you are taking. As well as what conditions you have to consider if it is safe and beneficial for you to take herbal medicine.  Herbal supplements will not be prescribed if a possible drug-herb interaction may occur.

Who practices Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Licensed Acupuncturists in the State of California (L.Ac.) have passed the minimum educational and board testing requirements necessary to practice Chinese Herbal Medicine.

How long will I have to take Chinese herbal medicine for?

It depends on your condition, if it is for post-operative pain and healing; it will be a few weeks. If it is for a skin condition, you will take the supplement until the condition resolves, which could be within a few weeks or few months, depending on the severity of the issue and how long you’ve had the problem. If it is a chronic condition like genital herpes, you will take it every time you get a flare up. Patients tend to get flare ups less often when they take Chinese medicine for genital herpes than the pharmaceuticals alternative.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe?

It is safe if prescribed and monitored by a licensed provider.  In my office, you may be sent for blood work to assess safety over time.  Herb-drug interaction will be considered. If Chinese herbs are found not to be a safe option by the licensed acupuncturist, they will not be given to you.  For information on quality control & manufacturing process visit https://www.evherbs.com/evshop/quality/quality-control-and-manufacturing-process

Fun Facts about Chinese Herbal Medicine:

The anti-viral medication Tamiflu, used for the H1N1 virus, has a connection to Chinese herbal medicine.  The main component is a Chinese herb: star anise.  At some point Roche purchased most of the star anise in the world, until they figured out a way to make a synthetic version of it.  Check out this article for more on the story: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104191227