Herbal Medicine FAQs, research, reources

TCHM has been used for thousands of years to address many health concerns. We have seen it be effective for hundreds of ailments from musculo-skeletal issues to chronic complex disease including symptoms such as: headaches, allergies, colds and flu, digestive disorders, dysmenorrhea, irregular menses, dermatological conditions, trauma, and symptoms of stress. TCHM is entirely customized to you, your symptoms and state of health. It is best to ask a practitioner trained in TCHM whether herbal medicine is right for you, rather than seek herbal treatment for a specific complaint on your own.

What Can Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Treat?

When used by a practitioner with training in TCHM, herbal medicines are generally very safe. They are whole plants or whole plant extracts and so are often considered a form of high potency whole food therapy, rather than drug therapy. The herbs we source come from companies that use rigorous 3rd party testing for contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals. None of our herbal materials contain drugs or other additives. Be clear with your herbalist about other herbs and supplements you are taking as well as any medications you take regularly. There are some, though not many contraindications to prevent. Ask your herbalist about any concerns.

Is it safe?

There are several formats or preparations we use. We refer to these as bulk, granule, tincture and patent preparations. Bulk herbs are dried materials such as roots, bark, leaves, berries and minerals. They are prepared by boiling or "decocting" them and then drunk as a tea one to several times per day. Granule preparations have been cooked for you and dissolve in water to make a tea. Tinctures are alcohol or glycerin concentrated extracts of herbs. They are taken by the dropperful or put in water to make a tea. Patents are pills and tablets that are made commercially.

How is it prepared?

There are six flavors that are used for their medicinal properties: bitter, acrid, sweet, sour, salty and bland. Herbs with these flavors are used in combination for a specific effect. So, some combinations taste better than others. But, it's important to remember that it's medicine, not a beverage! There are many tricks and tips for taking strong tasting medicinals, ask your practitioner!

Does it taste bad?

Traditional herbal medicine uses whole plant and mineral materials in specific combination. Because of these checks and balances, a formula rarely has any discernible side effects. If there are unwanted effects, this can be changed by talking with your practitioner to determine what the cause might be, and eliminating it.

Are there side effects?

The treatment goal of herbal medicine is always to resolve the underlying issue that is creating the symptom. Once the issue is resolved, you can stop taking the formula. There are a few instances in which herbal medicine may be taken long term such as for inherited imbalances or in chronic illness. However, most of the time, symptoms resolve and the formula is changed or no longer prescribed.

How long will I take it?

Unlike pharmaceutical medicine which is chosen by symptom or disease, herbal medicine is chosen by pattern differentiation. One pattern may create many symptoms. Herbal medicine works to change the pattern of illness, not just resolve symptoms. Because of this, its effects are often experienced gradually. This also means that two people with the same symptom may not have the same pattern. For this reason, herbal medicine should never be shared.