Chinese Herbs
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Chinese herbology is an artful science that has been developed over the last 5000 years in the East. What began as trial and error or perhaps shamanic explorations has become the realm of modern medical science. In China today, herbs are decocted for patients in hospitals and given to the patients there along with their standard Western therapy. Herbs are known to reduce the side effects and the necessary dosage of medications, as well as to actually effect healing.
In acupuncture school, we learn to make a diagnosis in terms of Chinese
medicine. We are
then taught acupuncture protocols for each disease category, and finally herbal
regimens that go with each syndrome. Our formulation of botanical substances
will then treat the diagnosed condition very specifically with a number of herbs
working together, somewhat like a
team that has different members with unique responsibilities, yet works as a
whole.
In a Chinese herbal pharmacy, a practitioner may carry either bulk whole herbs, powdered herbs, or herbal capsules or pills. The bulk herbs have the strongest action, but some patients may find them unpalateable. Pills and powders are easier, yet somewhat less effective. Your herbalist will create a custom formula for your specific health care concern, mixing and matching as needed.
Over 25% of modern medicines are derived from plants- Chinese herbology uses
these
same plants, only whole, so that they can be properly assimilated and keep the
patient free of side effects. Side effects do happen, but are much milder than
in cases of medications. Whereas the hazards of medications range from mild
discomfort to death, the side effects of herbs range from mild discomfort to
moderate discomfort. A little difference there...
Although the ancient Chinese utilized up to 9000 substances in their materia medica, today between 100 and 400 individual herbs constitutes a good selection. You may not really want to know what some of the things were that the ancient Chinese used as "medicine"- or still do to this day- but I am going to tell you anyway. Here's a short list: charred human hair, earthworms, snakes and lizards (whole on a stick), bat excrement, heavy metals like cinnabar and iron fillings, and the inner lining of the chicken gizzard. Luckily for you , I use mostly pre-formulated pills and capsules, because it's just easier for both of us.