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What is
Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine is the oldest
and most comprehensive form of internal medicine, with an
unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC.
Because of its systematic approach and clinical
effectiveness it had a huge influence on the theory and
practice of medicine in the East, and more recently has
grown rapidly in popularity in the West.
Over 10,000 natural substances are
catalogued in the Chinese herbal pharmacopia. These
substances, refered to as "herbs", consists of thousands
of plant species from all over the world as well as both
mineral and animal materials. Chinese herbs are most often
taken as a formula (combinations of herbs) rather than
alone as a single herb. By combining herbs, synergies have
been discovered that vastly increase the medicinal
effects. Blending herbs in this way also allows the
herbologist to neutralize unwanted side-effects. These
blends (formulas) consist of principal herbs, assisting
herbs, directional herbs, and herbs that reduce the side
effects, or aid the digestion of a particular herb. Herbs
can be ingested as boiled teas called decoctions, ground
powders, pills, tablets, granulated or tinctured extracts,
or draughts (steeped like tea). Topically, herbs are used
in poultices, plasters, soaks, ointments, washes, and
fumigants (burning herbs).
Herbal
Medicine and Modern Pharmacology
Herbal medicine is distinct from
medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs because of the
complexity of plant materials are far more balanced than
medicine based on isolated active ingredients and is far
less likely to cause side-effects. Secondly, because herbs
are typically prescribed in combination, the different
components of a formulae balance each other, and they
undergo a mutual synergy which increases efficacy and
enhances safety. Thirdly, herbal medicine seeks primarily
to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat
symptoms alone, and therapeutic intervention is designed
to encourage this self-healing process.
What kind of
results can I expect?
The results that can be expected will
depend on the severity of the condition, its duration, and
the general health of the patient.
Give us a call today to set up an
appointment for herbal consultation.
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