About Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Herbs naturally contain powerful agents that can help with a variety of ailments and boost your body's natural resilience against disease.

Through a simple consultation I can find the herbs that will help you the most. I enjoy using herbs on their own and in conjunction with acupuncture treatments, as I find that they can help extend and amplify the benefits of a solid acupuncture treatment.

Learn more below through some commonly asked questions.

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FAQs:

How do I know if my TCM Herbalist is qualified?

All Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbalists have a master’s degree at minimum, maintain licensure in the state of Texas, and carry their own malpractice insurance. As part of their 4+ year clinical education, practitioners are trained in biochemistry, pathophysiology, and basic pharmacology, in addition to extensive training in herb-drug interactions, contraindications, and possible side effects. TCM Herbalists require patient health history intake, treatment consent forms, and pulse and tongue diagnosis. They then determine the TCM diagnosis, prescribe a custom formula, some offer additional supplements and at home lifestyle suggestions. All practitioners are fully responsible for the care they provide.

What’s in my formula?

Your formula will consist of a blend of Chinese herbs, sometimes as few as 3 herbs, but most often the formula will consist of 8-15 herbs. Generally there are 2-3 chief herbs that target the illness, 2-3 assistant herbs that support the function of the chief herbs, 2-3 additional herbs to address specific symptoms, 1-2 herbs that decrease any possible toxicity, and other herbs that help harmonize the formula. This type of formulation diminishes/eliminates side effects while still addressing each patient completely. In regards to COVID-19 and other cold & flu type illnesses, the pathology shifts quickly and therefore the herbs must be tailored to the specific phase of the virus and will most likely need to be adjusted every 4-6 days.

Are there side effects?

Due to the way the formulas are composed there are very few side effects. Occasionally the patient may experience slight digestive changes, in which case is sometimes desired. With lung phlegm issues it is important to be sure the bowels are moving and not constipated. One way to clear out this phlegm is through the stool. Another side effect may be an increase in energy that could possibly disrupt sleep, so taking the last dose earlier in the evening is sometimes best. Since each formula is customized to the patient and their current medications are considered, most side effects are avoided.

What are the herbs treating?

From the research we have received out of China the primary concern is less about using antivirals and more about minimizing dampness in the body, boosting gut health, and enhancing immunity, especially in the prevention phase. During Active Phase 1 we would assess whether the pathogen was primarily in the lung or also in the gut, how much heat was present, and what other organs may be affected. The formula would then most likely focus on clearing damp, damp heat, and toxic heat from the lungs, gut, liver, or other associated organs. It is absolutely key that this Active Phase 1 formula is taken AS SOON AS SYMPTOMS APPEAR. In some cases your practitioner may be able to send you home with a suitable formula that will address all possibilities above until you are able to receive another quick phone consult and updated custom formula.

How do I take them?

This will depend on what type of pharmacy your TCM practitioner carries.

• Most custom blends will be in the form of powdered granules that are mixed into 4oz of hot water and taken like a tea or shooter.
  
• Some pharmacies include raw herbs that are cooked down like a soup, strained, and then consumed.
  

The benefit of these two forms is that the herbs are able to coat your mouth and throat therefore more readily aiding the mucous membranes. Other forms of herbs may include custom granules put into capsules, or pre-made capsule/pill formulas.

They will ALL work, it just depends on which form you will be able to consume regularly.

They will ALL work, it just depends on which form you will be able to consume regularly.
Dosage for prevention is usually 2 times per day. With the onset of symptoms, dosage and frequency will increase significantly, hopefully for only a short time as the herbs are fast acting and will hopefully kick out these initial symptoms quickly.

**See the How The Heck Do I Take These Herbs page for more details