Chinese Herbal Medicine is part of the larger system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which also includes acupuncture, massage, movement and nutrition. For over 2,000 years, Chinese herbs and herbal formulas have been used to strengthen organ function, support good health and help the body achieve harmony.
One of the major benefits of taking Chinese herbs is that it’s like getting a dose of acupuncture everyday. Herbal medicine is a stand alone treatment, but when combined with acupuncture, allows the treatment to continue outside of the clinic.
Conditions most indicated for herbs include: women’s health, fertility, menopause, digestion, undefined chronic illness, long haul COVID, sleep, mood, and immunity.
Chinese herbal medicine is powerful. Like Western medicine, it must be prescribed appropriately for each individual based on their personal health history. Herbal medicine can also have side effects, but they are usually minimal.
Precautions: Pregnancy, other medications, and supplements. Talk to your provider about these considerations. Chinese herbal medicine is not a replacement for prescription medication.
What to Expect
Your initial consultation for Chinese herbs will involve a thorough discussion of your health history and other pertinent information. Diagnostics such as pulse and tongue examination are assessed, along with your presenting symptoms, to create a customized prescription for you.
Chinese herbal medicine comes in many forms – capsules, teas, liquid extracts and powders. Based on your preference, your acupuncturist will create a formula in either tincture or powder form, with powder being the most potent.
You can expect your course of herbal treatment to last at least two weeks, or much longer. Just like acupuncture, acute symptoms clear up quickly with herbs, while chronic issues take longer.
Cost
30 min. consults = $55 (available in-person and online)
60 min. acupuncture including herbal consult = $100 (insurance applicable)
Herb costs range from $30-$50 for a 2 week-1 month supply
Refills: simply email your provider
FAQ
Generally speaking herbs are combined into prescriptions that are composed of several herbs. The process of combining herbs allows the herbalist to customize a formula that is specific to your particular needs. The vast majority of the herbs are derived from the various parts of plants (roots, leaves, stem, bark, etc.). Some herbs are made from animals* such as oyster shells, while others are extracted from minerals found in nature such as talcum. Many of the herbs are common in a typical home kitchen. For instance, cinnamon, ginger, scallions, cloves, orange peels and licorice are all commonly used herbs in Chinese formulas.
* Due to the use of animal products in some herbs, be sure to let your acupuncturist know if you are vegetarian/vegan.
Herbs can taste earthy, bitter, sour, bland and sometimes mildly sweet depending on whether your prescription is a tincture (liquid), powder or tablet. Believe it or not, people do get used to the taste after a while and even come to crave the flavor!
Herbal prescriptions need to be taken at regular intervals, often twice per day for several weeks at a time, in order to achieve the desired results. Your herbalists will give you specific directions on how to take your prescription.
Yes, in certain instances, depending on the drugs and the herbs that are involved. Rest assured that drug/herbal safety is addressed on a case-by-case basis. Please be sure to indicate any medications you are taking on your intake form.