Q: What is Chinese herbal medicine?
A: For thousands of years the Chinese people have used natural herbs, including roots, barks, flowers, seeds,
fruits, and leaves to treat a wide variety of health problems and diseases. There are more than 3,000 herbs that can be
used for medicinal purposes in China, however, only about 300 to 500 are commonly used. It is important to use
herbs sourced from their native land of China where soil and weather conditions and cultivation techniques are
optimal in bringing out their effectiveness.
fruits, and leaves to treat a wide variety of health problems and diseases. There are more than 3,000 herbs that can be
used for medicinal purposes in China, however, only about 300 to 500 are commonly used. It is important to use
herbs sourced from their native land of China where soil and weather conditions and cultivation techniques are
optimal in bringing out their effectiveness.
Q: How can Chinese herbs benefit me?
A: Modern research has discovered many effective compounds in Chinese herbs. They are regularly used for the treatment of many health
problems and for disease prevention. In comparison with conventional Western medicine, Chinese herbal therapy is natural, holistic, and affordable.
problems and for disease prevention. In comparison with conventional Western medicine, Chinese herbal therapy is natural, holistic, and affordable.
Q: Are Chinese herbs processed before usage by patients?
A: Yes, Chinese herbs are processed before use. Processing separates the herbs from dirt and sand, reduces potential side effects by
detoxification, and softens possible strong taste or smell. Very importantly as well, processing can enhance the herbs' effectiveness.
detoxification, and softens possible strong taste or smell. Very importantly as well, processing can enhance the herbs' effectiveness.
Q: What is the difference between Chinese patent and prescribed herbs?
A: Chinese patent herbs are herbal mixtures formulated according to traditional recipes. All patent herbs have been used for over hundreds and
even thousands of years in China and have shown effectiveness. They are similar to over-the-counter drugs and are usually in the forms of pill,
capsule, or liquid. The advantages of Chinese patent herbs lie in their convenience, ease of usage, and affordability. However, a patient's symptoms
must fit the patent herb's narrow indications. Prescribed herbs are mixed by a doctor or herbalist according to an individual patient's symptoms and
diagnosis. In general, prescribed herbs are more effective than patent herbs because the prescribed herbs can be tailored to a patient's symptoms and
condition.
even thousands of years in China and have shown effectiveness. They are similar to over-the-counter drugs and are usually in the forms of pill,
capsule, or liquid. The advantages of Chinese patent herbs lie in their convenience, ease of usage, and affordability. However, a patient's symptoms
must fit the patent herb's narrow indications. Prescribed herbs are mixed by a doctor or herbalist according to an individual patient's symptoms and
diagnosis. In general, prescribed herbs are more effective than patent herbs because the prescribed herbs can be tailored to a patient's symptoms and
condition.
Q: Can I buy Chinese patent herb medicine from herbal stores directly?
A: Although Chinese patent herbs are relatively safe and have minimal side effects, it is recommended that a patient consults with a doctor
or a certified herbalist before undertaking any herbal regimen.
or a certified herbalist before undertaking any herbal regimen.
Q: Are concentrated herbs as effectively as raw herbs in prescribed herbs?
A: Yes! Concentrated herbs are made from raw herbs. The process starts from the selection of the best herbal sources in China. Raw herbs
from these locations are purified. After purification they are processed through steaming and cooking, and are finally condensed into fine granular
particles for better absorption by your body and ease of usage.
from these locations are purified. After purification they are processed through steaming and cooking, and are finally condensed into fine granular
particles for better absorption by your body and ease of usage.
Q: What do I need to know before taking Chinese herbs?
A: Some herbs may cause miscarriage in pregnant women, so let the herbalist know of any pregnancy or expected pregnancy. Certain foods
can interfere with herbal therapy. Generally, when taking Chinese herbs, one should avoid foods that are raw (fruits are okay, but vegetables should
be cooked), greasy, strong in taste or smell, difficult to digest (such as beef), or irritating to the digestive system (like spicy foods). It is always
recommended to get advice from a herbalist before you take Chinese herbs.
can interfere with herbal therapy. Generally, when taking Chinese herbs, one should avoid foods that are raw (fruits are okay, but vegetables should
be cooked), greasy, strong in taste or smell, difficult to digest (such as beef), or irritating to the digestive system (like spicy foods). It is always
recommended to get advice from a herbalist before you take Chinese herbs.
Q: How are herbs taken?
A: Prescribed herbal medicine is traditionally taken in concotion form. Herbalists often prescribe condensate herbs which are dissolved in
warm water and drank like tea. Sugar and honey can be used to correct the bitter taste of some herbs. Capsule or tablet forms exist also. Generally,
it is best to take herbs about 30 minutes before mealtime. You should consult a herbalist for specific instructions. For example, tonic herbs, to
promote health, are best taken before meals. Purgative herbs, to cleanse the system, are best taken on an empty stomach. Herbs that either irritate
the stomach or are taken to protect the stomach should be taken after meals. Herbs for insomnia and other sleeping disorders should be taken at
bedtime.
warm water and drank like tea. Sugar and honey can be used to correct the bitter taste of some herbs. Capsule or tablet forms exist also. Generally,
it is best to take herbs about 30 minutes before mealtime. You should consult a herbalist for specific instructions. For example, tonic herbs, to
promote health, are best taken before meals. Purgative herbs, to cleanse the system, are best taken on an empty stomach. Herbs that either irritate
the stomach or are taken to protect the stomach should be taken after meals. Herbs for insomnia and other sleeping disorders should be taken at
bedtime.
| About Chinese Herbal Therapy |
Evergreen Chinese Medicine
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