What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is the use of plants to treat diseases or relieve symptoms. Perhaps the most widely known and respected system of medicinal herb use is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Why choose herbal medicine?

TCM herbal medicine is a more holistic, natural approach to restoring health. It treats the body as whole, considers the interconnectedness of the different organ systems, and seeks to improve the body’s own healing ability. TCM herbal therapy also helps prevent recurrences and maintain health. That is because it addresses not only the symptoms but also the body’s functional imbalances, which are often the root causes of illnesses.

Importantly, medicinal herbs, when prescribed by knowledgeable TCM practitioners, are effective yet safe, without the undesirable side effects of many drugs. Furthermore, some stubborn conditions resistant to modern drug treatment may respond well to herbal therapy.

How are herbal medicines prescribed?

During a TCM consultation, the practitioner first questions about the patient’s signs and symptoms as well as medical history, followed by an inspection of the patient’s face, body, tongue, voice and breathing. Then the practitioner palpates (examines by touching) different areas of the body, especially the pulse at both wrists, and arrives at a diagnosis of the pattern of disharmony that requires rebalancing.

Based on the diagnosis, the practitioner prescribes a customized blend of herbs, or herbal formula, that can correct the patient’s mix of imbalances. The herbal ingredients used to be dried whole herbs that need to be boiled to make a water extract, but more commonly today they are in powder form, ready to be taken by mouth.
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In a multi-modality TCM treatment plan, the herbal medicine would be the “internal” component of the plan, whereas acupuncture or tuina massage could be the “external” component.

How do herbal medicines work?

Pharmaceutical drugs usually consist of single active chemicals. In contrast, each herb typically contains hundreds of natural plant substances called phytochemicals.

Some phytochemicals may represent the main therapeutic substances of specific herbs, whereas other phytochemicals might strengthen the beneficial effects or help counteract potential side effects.

The variety and complex interactions of phytochemicals make herbal medicines gentler on the body than synthetic drugs, yet uniquely effective. The term “synergistic effect” describes the way phytochemicals or herbs combine produce a much more powerful effect than an individual phytochemical or herb alone.

By understanding the detailed properties of medicinal herbs, a TCM practitioner is able to prescribe the best combination of herbs, in the right doses, to treat each patient’s specific condition.
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An ever-increasing number of scientific studies are validating the remarkable biological activities and clinical effectiveness of medicinal herbs and their phytochemicals.

When to go for herbal medicine

​TCM herbal medicine can benefit a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, including the following:
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• Colds and flu
• Allergies
• Fatigue or low energy
• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Indigestion
• Arthritis
• Headaches
• Chronic pain
• Hormonal imbalance
• Menstrual disorders
• Menopause symptoms
• Infertility
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Immune disorders
• Age-related cognitive decline
• Cancer treatment side effects

​Because some herbal ingredients can interact with pharmaceutical drugs, patients taking prescription medications should consult with their physicians before taking herbal medicines, as well as inform their TCM practitioners about those medications. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should exercise similar caution.

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Related topics:  

     >  Acupuncture​
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     >  History of Acupuncture

     >  Physical Therapy

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