How are Herbs Used?

Herbal medicine is a powerful method of healing in its own right. Western drugs are usually used to control symptoms but do not alter the disease process. For example: antibiotics kill bacteria but do not improve a person's resistance to infection; diuretics drain excess fluid from the body but do not improve underlying kidney function. In the Oriental Medicine tradition, herbs can also rid the body of disease, but they also nourish and balance the body in very specific ways, thereby improving organ function and building up a person's constitution and immune system.

The Chinese herbal tradition differs from Western herbology in that combinations of herbs, rather than single herbs, are used. Each herb in a formula has a specific purpose, and because illness states are often complex, a single formula will contain herbs with multiple functions that act synergistically. For example, a formula for uterine fibroids might contain herbs to reduce clotting and stagnation of blood and qi, nourish the blood to counteract anemia, reduce abdominal pain, enhance circulation, decongest the liver, and clear inflammation. A formula for a specific type of arthritis, on the other hand, might include ingredients that decrease pain, enhance circulation, nourish the Liver and Kidneys, strengthen digestion and bone quality, and clear dampness and swelling from the body.

Herbal formulas are available in many different formats. In my practice, I favor the use of either granule-based formulas that can be taken with warm water as a tea, or concentrated liquid extracts. These formats are easy to absorb, even when a person's digestive functions are compromised. For those whose busy schedules require even greater convenience, herbs are also available in capsule form. "Raw" herbs are another option for patients who prefer to cook their formulas in the traditional way.

All the formulas I use in my practice are manufactured in the U.S., Japan, or Taiwan by certified, inspected facilities using clean-room technology.