Most people are familiar with the more common herbal medicines such as ginseng, garlic, licorice root, gingko biloba and ginger. There are actually thousands of Chinese herbal medicines documented for their medicinal properties and usage. Around 450 of these herbs are more commonly used in clinical practice today.
Chinese herbal medicines are carefully prescribed to each patient depending on their different constitutions, taking into account what signs and symptoms of illness they are presenting with. The herbal medicines are not usually taken individually but rather prescribed in a formula using between 4 to 20 different herbs.
Forms of Herbal Medicines
The herbal medicines used at AcuPlus are offered in various forms. Typically, I prescribe formulas in granular form. Granules are quite powerful because of how they are processed, so I don’t have to use as much as I would if the herbs were only dried and in tablet form. Granules are simple to use – they are dissolved in warm water and then you drink them. While the taste is not always pleasant, the effects are time-proven.
I do prescribe formulas in tablet form as well for patients who don’t like the taste of granule teas or for ease of use. Generally, patients have to take slightly larger doses of tablets than granules, but the effects are the same. Occasionally I offer liquid tinctures which are also very powerful. Which form I choose is based on each patient’s particular needs and what I’m trying to achieve for their health.
Chinese Herbs are Medicines
Unlike medications, herbs are not synthesized individual chemicals, but rather complex mixtures of parts of plants that interact to shift your biochemistry. At AcuPlus, be assured that I do not use animal parts in any of my formulas. I also do not frequently recommend patients take single herbs. They work best in combinations, but must be well chosen for a patient’s particular constitutional make up. It is recommended to seek advice from an educated herbalist before taking any herbal formulas for health issues to minimize side effects and interactions with medications. In my practice, it has been rare for patients to react negatively to formulas.
Are there side effects from Herbal medicines?
If herbal medicines are not chosen correctly or are taken with medications, it is possible to have negative side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, etc. I do my best to be diligent about learning what medications a patient takes, choosing formulas best suited to a patient’s constitutional imbalance, and reviewing instructions for taking the formulas so I can prevent side effects. I want you to feel better when taking herbal medicines. They are safe if prescribed well. I do not recommend self prescribing herbs as they are medicines in their own right and can easily be misused.
If you are unsure what herbal medicines to take for your conditions or if you would like to learn more about how to use herbs to help in your healing journey, contact me at AcuPlus for more information.