CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
Chinese herbal medicine is the oldest and most comprehensive form of herbal medicine in the world. Along with acupuncture, it is a main component of traditional Chinese medicine. Herbal treatments are most commonly combined with acupuncture treatments to accelerate and maintain the therapeutic effects of the treatment. Furthermore, Chinese herbal medicine may be used to treat conditions that are not as effectively treated by acupuncture.
I already take herbal supplements. Why do I need Chinese herbal medicine?
Most herbal supplements sold in the US are single western herbs and are based solely on western herbal knowledge. The Chinese system of herbal treatment is much more complex and usually a more effective approach to treatment. Chinese herbs are almost always prescribed as a formula, consisting of multiple herbs. This combination of herbs increases their overall effectiveness while reducing the chance of side effects. These formulas can also be individually tailored to each patient’s specific condition. In other words, two people may have the same disease, but we may treat them with different formulas (or variations of one formula). The type of formula prescribed to a particular patient depends on their age, constitution, other signs and symptoms, severity of disease, etc.
Just as with western pharmaceuticals, patients should not self-prescribe Chinese herbal medicine. It takes a highly-trained practitioner to effectively and safely treat patients with Chinese herbal medicine. Our practitioners have completed this training and are nationally board certified by the NCCAOM in the practice of Chinese herbology. Furthermore, the Charlotte Acupuncture and Wellness Center uses the highest grade of herbal formulas available. These formulas have been tested for potency, consistency, and safety (for heavy metals or pesticides), and the manufacturer makes these formulas available only to qualified practitioners.
How is Chinese herbal medicine dispensed & administered?
The three methods of taking Chinese herbal medicine are decoctions, granule powders, and tablets. Each method has its advantages, and our practitioners will work with you to figure what method is best for you.
Decoctions
Decoctions are one of the major traditional methods for administering herbs. A customized herbal formula prescription is written for each individual patient. A typical herbal formula consists of 6 to 20 individual herbs, depending on particular condition being treated and the patient's constitution. The patient cooks these herbs in water to extract the active ingredients and then removes the cooked herbs by straining the liquid (decoction). This decoction is then drunk as a tea or soup, 2 to 3 times per day.
The main advantage of decoctions are that they are the most potent way to take an herbal formula. The desired clinical result is usually achieved much quicker than it is with other methods. Another important advantage of decoctions is that the herbal formula can be customized and tailored to the needs of each individual patient. The practitioner can increase or decrease the dosage of each individual herb, as well as add or remove herbs in the formula. This allows for a more accurate treatment of the patient.
A disadvantage to decoctions is that the uncooked herbs can spoil without proper storage techniques and turnover. The Charlotte Acupuncture and Wellness Center has taken the proper steps to eliminate this problem. First of all, we use the most trusted herb distributors in the US. These companies take steps to make sure the herbs are of high quality and do not contain any pesticides, heavy metals, or sulphur. We also have the formulas put together directly by the distributor and mailed right to the patient's house. This step ensures that the patient receives the freshest, highest quality herbs for the decoction.
Kamwo
Mayway
Granule Powders
Granule powders are a modern invention. The herbs are cooked and strained to form a decoction. The decoction then goes through a low heat, high pressure process to extract the water. What is left over is a highly concentrated granule powder that contains the active components of the herbs. The individual granule powders can then be mixed into a customized formula, just as in a decoction. After the herbs are mixed, small scoops are mixed with warm water and taken as a tea, 2 to 3 times per day.
The advantage of granule powders is that they are more convenient for people who are always on the go or that do not want to cook the herbs themselves. All you need is some warm water, and you can have an instant decoction. Granule powders are extremely potent and are only available to qualified practitioners. Although granule powders are very potent, they are not quite as potent as the decoctions. There is some give and take...more convenience but slightly less potency. One analogy you could make is that decoctions are more like freshly ground and brewed coffee, whereas the granule powders are like a super high quality instant coffee. They both get the job done, but one clearly has an edge over the other.
Just as with the decoctions, the Charlotte Acupuncture and Wellness Center has the herbal distributor put the granule formula together and mail it directly to the patient. Again, this ensures that the patient receives the freshest, most potent formula available.
Kamwo
Mayway
Tablets
Tablets are, of course, the most convenient way to transport an herbal formula. Tablets also have a longer shelf life than uncooked herbs and granule powders. Tablets are commonly used in acute conditions, such as colds, flu, & minor sports injuries. They are also highly useful as preventative medicine or for long-term maintenance and balancing. Also, some people just prefer tablets over the other forms.
Golden Flower Chinese Herbs
Institute of Traditional Medicine
How much do the herbal formulas cost?
We use pharmaceutical grade herbal formulas, and a 10-14 day supply generally costs between $15-75. The actual cost will depend on the method (pills/granule powders/decoction), size, and specific herbs. |
