Herbology
Herbs affect the Qi and promote healing in one or more systems of the body. Usually herbs are combined into formulas that address the main health problem and support the mind-body system.
How Are Herbs Administered?
Chinese herbal medicine encompasses a pharmacopoeia composed of over 10,000 plant, mineral and animal substances. Despite this, most herbalists work with 200 to 300 herbs.
Traditionally formulas were raw herbs, taken home by patients and cooked. Today there are many options available to practitioners and patients, including prepared pills, capsules and powders. Also used are externally applied plasters and liniments.
Some Conditions Treated By Chinese Herbs
- Respiratory—
- Colds & flu, allergies, asthma, emphysema, sinusitis, bronchitis
- Emotional—
- Anxiety, depression, mood swings
- Gastrointestinal—
- Acute or chronic diarrhea or constipation, indigestion, gastritis, ulcers
- Urogenital—
- UTI, prostatitis, sexual dysfunction
- Gynecological—
- Irregular, painful or absent menstruation, infertility, PMS, menopausal symptoms
- Musculoskeletal—
- Low back pain, knee pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, painful hands and feet
- Neurological—
- Neuralgia, migraine headaches, dizziness
- Circulatory—
- Anemia, hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis
- Chinese Herbs also offer supportive therapy for other chronic, painful and debilitating disorders such as fibromyalgia and hepatitis
Herbs have a balancing or regulating effect on the body and are usually more gentle than pharmaceutical drugs. While side-effects are possible from herbal medicine, they are usually minor. Herbal medicine can effectively address a wide variety of conditions and has a long clinical history. A wide variety of traditional formulas are available for practitioners to use, however, most will customize formulas to match each individual patient’s needs and constitution.
