Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest and most sophisticated branches of Chinese Medicine. Written history of Chinese herbology dates back approximately 2,000 years.
In Chinese Medicine, herbs are rarely given singly. Instead, they are combined in a formula to maximize synergistic effects and to minimize side effects. Some herbs are processed with other herbs to negate their toxic effects. For example, Ban Xia (pinellia rhizome) is commonly dry fried with Sheng Jiang (raw ginger) before being administered.
There are generally three different ways of ingesting Chinese herbs:
- Pills
- Powder
- Boiled decoction from dried herbs
The advantages and characteristics of each are given. At Sequoyah Acupuncture Clinic we usually dispense custom ground powder for our patients.
Pills are the simplest to take and usually the cheapest. The primary disadvantage is that we cannot modify the formula. Although there are hundreds of pill formulas available, sometimes a patient has specific needs that can not be addressed from a standardized formula. In addition, pills usually have the mildest effect on a patient.
Powders are the middle ground. They can be completely customized in terms of herb content and dosage and are relatively easy to take. Simply add hot water to the powder, wait 10 minutes and then drink.
Boiled decoction is what we typically imagine when herbs are mentioned. Dry herbs are soaked in water and then boiled. The resulting liquid is then drunk. The advantage of decoction is their strength, availability of herbs and complete customization. The disadvantage is that boiling herbs can be time consuming (approximately two hours for a two day supply) and smelly.
Herb Safety: in the past few years, there has been some controversy concerning herb safety. Please be assured that all herbs that we prescribe are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified, sulfur free, and have been tested for DDT, Hexachlorabenzene, lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and other contaminants. Unfortunately, organic certification for Chinese herbs is virtually nonexistent at this time.
