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Patient Information Center... Chinese Herbology
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Herbology
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What is Chinese Herbology?
Chinese herbal medicine is one of the main modalities within the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will hear me use the word medicinals instead of herbs. Chinese Herbology may use substances such as plants, roots, minerals, animal parts and more. So the term "herbs" can be very limiting.
You will find some answers to commonly asked questions below. It is of the utmost importance to seek the advice of a qualified practitioner before assuming which medicinals to take. Additionally, if a practitioner recommends a formula that does not mean you can take it when ever these symptoms arise or for a continual period of time. It is important for you to maintain communication with your practitioner while taking formulas and individual medicinals. As your symptoms change the different medicinals your need to take will be modified to suit your progression..
Chinese medicinals can be taken in several methods to best suit the patient. Liquid decoctions are medicinals that are cooked on a low boil for an hour or more, strained and consumed generally three times daily. For those who don't like decoctions tinctures may be an option, which are concentrated extracts generally in an alcohol base. The tinctures can be put in hot water to eliminate most of the alcohol. Other forms range from, powders, granules, pills, capsules and patents. The most powerful method would be a taking a decoction, but all methods are effective.
What are the benefits of drinking Chinese herbs in a
decoction?
There are several benefits in drinking decoctions.
They are the strongest method of taking Chinese medicinals.
Your practitioner can select the highest quality medicinals.
Most importantly you can have a formula written developed just for you and your needs.
The only real down side is the taste.
What are the benefits of pills and powders?
Pills and Powders are more often used for long term administration in the case of chronic disease. Pills can be taken for acute patterns, it's just that acute patterns change frequently and with decoctions your formula can be altered as needed.
Are there side effects with Chinese herbal medicinals?
No, there would be no side effects when the correct formula has been correctly chosen and written. Most of the medicinals used in Chinese herbology have a very low toxicity in comparison to Western drugs. Basically, when formulas are prescribed according to the correct TCM pattern diagnosis, there should be no detrimental effects and only provide beneficial healing for the patient. However, if a patient does experience any discomfort after taking Chinese herbs, they should notify their practitioner. At this point, the practitioner should modify the formula to prevent them from occurring again.
What is Chinese herbology good for treating?
Chinese medicinals in the hands of a skilled practitioner can treat a full range of human diseases. With Chinese medicinals one can treat acute and chronic diseases the list would be entirely to long to write every symptom down. In addition to treating numerous diseases and ailments, Chinese herbal medicine can play an extremely important role as a preventive medicine.
Can pregnant women take Chinese Herbs?
Yes, for over 2000 years Chinese medicinals have been used to treat mothers and the fetus for many symptoms. ONLY TAKE CHINESE MEDICINALS WHEN RECOMMENDED BY A PROFESSIONAL TCM PRACTITIONER.
Can children take Chinese herbs?
Yes, Pediatrics is a specialty of TCM and the dosages are modified for children and safe.
How long does it take to see results when taking Chinese
herbs?
Results may vary depending on length of illness. With acute conditions, improvements can be experienced in just minutes. However, with chronic conditions results should become apparent within a few weeks. In chronic conditions it is more likely that recovery will require more time on the medication, yet, it is important to note that signs the medicine is helping should be recognized from the beginning of administration.
How do I know who is qualified to recommend Chinese
Medicinals?
Qualified practitioner have completed a masters program in TCM (four year program) and have passed the NCCA exam on Chinese Herbology.
