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What Is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is the main modality or treatment method within Traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. TCM is the world’s oldest, continually practiced, professional medicine and known more then 2000 years. Acupuncture was the first Chinese modality to gain wide acceptance in the West, Chinese herbal medicine is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular and effective alternative therapies in the West.

What’s the difference between Western folk herbalism and Chinese herbal medicine?

The Western folk herbalism primarily treats diseases or symptoms, such as headaches, runny nose, pain, etc. Chinese herbal medicine, when practice as part of TCM, is based on individualized pattern diagnosis as well as disease diagnosis. TCM patient receives a custom-written herbal prescription designed to treat both the symptom or disease and also their individual pattern. A TCM pattern identifies a person’s emotional temperament and bodily constitution as well as their signs and symptoms. Also Western folk herbalism primarily uses single herbs or groups of herbs that treat the same symptom. TCM formulas include 5-10 herbs and include herbs addressing a person’s main symptoms as well as their particular pattern.

How are Chinese herbs taken?

The most common method of taking Chinese herbs is as a decoction. This means that the herbs are boiled for 30-40 minutes and then strained and drunk 2-3 times per day. However, there are also herbal pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts.

What is Chinese herbal medicine good for?

Chinese herbal medicine treats the full range of human diseases. It treats acute diseases, like intestinal flu and the common cold, as well as chronic diseases, such as allergies, GYN disorders, autoimmune diseases. Chinese herbal medicine is especially good for promoting the body’s ability to heal and recuperate. In acute conditions results can be expected in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. But some chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time.

Does Chinese herbal medicine have side effects?

No, not if the formula has been correctly chosen and written. Most of the medicinals in the Chinese material medica have a very low toxicity compared to common, over-the-counter Western drugs. When TCM formula prescribed according to a correct pattern diagnosis, it should have no side effects, only beneficial healing results.

by Olga Ivashkov

Health Consultant

CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa

201-784-5575 x 124