Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs are often used in conjunction with acupuncture for added therapeutic effect. While many cultures have herbal medicine traditions, the sophistication of Chinese herbal medicine is unsurpassed. Chinese herbal medicine has a long history reaching back several thousand years, and the resulting system is now used to treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions.

There are thousands of herbs in the Chinese materia medica, of which about 300 are commonly used. Most are plants or minerals, however the rare few are animal products - I will always inform you of what you are taking. You will generally receive a mixture of several different herbs in formulas designed to treat your specific conditions.

Herbs can be taken as decocted teas, as prepared loose powders, as tinctures, or in capsule or tablet form. When asked what's the best way to take Chinese herbs, one of my favorite professors said "Whichever way a person will actually TAKE them!" With our modern lifestyles, I tend to prescribe in pill or tincture form. Chinese herbs are extremely effective and normally have only mild side effects, however it is very important to tell me about all the medications and supplements you are currently taking so that we can avoid any unwanted interactions with your formula.