Understanding Chinese Herbal Medicine, from an Herbalist in Oakland

Many people who are considering using herbal medicine ask me the following questions:

• Will it work, is it strong enough?
• Is it safe, especially if I am taking other medicines?
• How does it work

The answers are yes, yes, and I’ll explain!

Chinese herbal medicine has been around for over two thousand years. These herbal formulas treat many, many, conditions, including:

• Pain
• Viruses
• Circulatory problems, including high blood pressure and cholesterol
• Inflammation
• Anxiety and depression
• Gastrointestinal concerns
• Endocrine problems (including reproductive, thyroid, and other hormonal concerns)
• Urinary problems
• And more!

Will It Work? Is it Strong Enough?

Chinese herbal medicine is so powerful that medical researchers have been working to isolate the chemical compounds in some of the herbs to understand how they work and potentially make pharmaceuticals out of the active compounds. In 2015, the Nobel Prize was given to Tu Youyou for isolating a compound in a traditional Chinese herb that had been used to treat fever; that compound was found to be highly effective for malaria. When prescribed correctly, these herbal formulas can create powerful changes within the body.

Is It Safe?

It is important to let your acupuncturist or herbalist know if you are taking other herbal formulas or pharmaceuticals. That will help the herbalist to ensure that any herbal formulas prescribed to you will not be interacting with other drugs that you are taking. When this is accounted for, properly prescribed herbal formulas are quite safe.

How Does It Work?

Chinese herbal formulas typically include at least four and sometimes up to fifteen or more herbs. They are formulated to balance out any potential side effects they may cause. Whereas for western pharmaceuticals you typically receive one drug that may have side effects, Chinese herbal medicine will compile the main herbs to treat the problem (such as antiviral herbs), and will then include additional herbs to help address potential side effects (such as digestive support herbs so that the body can assimilate the herbal formula). This makes herbal medicines easier for the body to absorb without negative effects. Furthermore, because herbs can be combined into formulas, multiple symptoms and imbalances can be addressed within a single formula.

Do you have more questions about herbal formulas? Call me to find out how herbal formulas can support you and your family members!