Chinese Herbs

China has been using herbs to treat diseases for thousands of years. While there are many current studies that show the benefits of using Chinese herbs and acupuncture, it is hard to argue with thousands of years of trial and error. Many of the formulas that we turn to today are still the original ones that were used in ancient times. The use of multiple herbs comprise a formula. The formulas are developed to treat diseases by treating the whole pattern. It is very rare that a single herb is recommended by itself. The reason for this is to prevent any single herb from "over doing it". For example: you are phlegmy and you want the phlegm to go away, but you do not want to become dried out. There may be three herbs in a formula that focus on phlegm but one or two that are going to prevent you from becoming too dried out as a balance to the primary function of the formula.


Chinese herbs are all natural and are essentially berries, roots, twigs, nuts, and seeds. The herbs help to enhance the effects of the acupuncture treatment. They also treat the presentation on a deeper level, and often help a person to heal faster. Herbs/ formulas can be taken in the form of raw (which have to be cooked then the strained liquid drank), granules (powdered herbs dissolved in warm water and drank), pills, or tinctures (herbs steeped in wine or alcohol).


Many patients often ask why they must take so many pills. In order to receive the highest therapeutic effect from the pills you must take the equivalent amount to that of a raw formula. So, that means that you are often taking 12+ pills a day in order to achieve an effective dosage. The reason for this is because raw herbs are the most potent followed by granules and tinctures, then pills. The pills that we carry are 10:1 or 5:1 in ratio, which equates to a higher dose of pills. Recently, people began to believe that all ingestable therapeutics are supposed to taste pleasant. However, this just isn't the case. Depending on the formula, raw herbs and granules can taste somewhat bitter. Pills are often less expensive and don't taste nearly as bad. The down side to taking pills (besides taking so many) is that there are just some things that only a raw or granule formula can have an effect on. We will soon be carrying granules in our pharmacy for better efficacy and to eliminate high pill doses.

Another common question is, "Are herbs safe to be taking with my already prescribed medications?". Chinese herbs have been around for a long time. When a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, that has been well taught in Chinese Herbs, recommends a formula to someone we generally know what kind of reaction to look for and are already three steps ahead on how to prevent it if it does happen. We are trained in what reactions to look for with each individual formula, as well as education on conventional medications. You should not have adverse reactions on any formula. If you do, it means that it is not the right formula for you, or that it needs to be adjusted to your needs. When taking formulas in combination with your other medications be sure to take them two hours prior or two hours after your medication dose in order to avoid potential herb-drug reactions. This is done for precautionary measures. Unfortunately, there are not many studies out there that show herb vs. drug interactions. However, because we know what our formulas do, and because we are treating underlying conditions, we can take into account what your medications do and build a formula around your current medications. The benefits of taking formulas while on medications is that often times the patient is able to eliminate or decrease the medications that they are taking. (All dose changes of drugs are decided by you and your primary physician. NOT YOUR ACUPUNCTURIST) For those on multiple prescriptions, we will work with you and your medical practitioner to ensure the highest quality of health care.