Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbs are becoming more common as many people opt for natural remedies in lieu of Western drugs; primarily since the common tradeoff for fast acting results is often unpleasant side effects that lead to new health concerns, thus trading one illness for another. Of course there is a place for Western drugs, they can be lifesaving and very effective; but Chinese herbs offer therapeutic results without the side effects and often dependency of Western drugs.
Chinese herbs are regulated, tested, and safe. They are not merely ‘supplements’, but are natural plant medicines, minerals, and other natural substances that have been used for thousands of years, which has led to our current understanding of them. When prescribed correctly, Chinese formulas produce strong therapeutic effects without disturbing the body's balance or producing additional health problems. Formulas can address various complaints when tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and constitution.
Herbal formulas are prescribed in different ways: raw herbs, granules, pills, patents, tinctures, to name a few. Herbs can be taken individually but more often are selectively combined into a formula.
An herbal formula can be viewed as a synergistic melding of specific herbs resulting in a 'formula' which addresses symptoms and specific patterns of illness, as seen through Chinese medicine principles. Formulas are often adapted from classical Chinese herbal formulas that are thousands of years old which can be modified to suit a specific individual’s constitution and symptoms.
Raw herbs are the strongest method of absorption. Dried herbs are bundled together and can be prepared at home; or the herbs can be prepared by the Chinese herbal pharmacy and delivered to your home in ready to drink vacuum sealed bags (easy method).
Tinctures are herbs that are prepared with alcohol; this is the second best manner of absorption. They can be taken easily with a dropper or diluted in water.
Granules are herbs that have been processed and dried; these are taken by adding hot water and consumed as a tea. Granules are also made into pills, if preferred.
Patents are ready-made pills, granules, or tinctures that have been created by a company holding the patent in which the ingredients and expected outcome are known; the ratio of herbs are exclusive to the manufacturer. Most formulas are available in patents.
Chinese herbs should only be prescribed by a nationally board certified Chinese herbalist, certified in either Chinese Herbology or Oriental Medicine by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). Herbal certification takes years to achieve and a lifetime of continued learning, a true labor of love for any herb nerd. For your own safety, be sure to use a certified Chinese herbalist.
As with any medication or herbal supplement, drug interactions must always be considered. Therefore it is of extreme importance to inform your practitioner of any medications, herbs, or supplements that you are taking. And, if you are pregnant or nursing, always inform your practitioner.
White Lotus Acupuncture provides Chinese herbal services suited to your specific needs. Carla Giannobile is an NCCAOM board certified Chinese herbalist and acupuncturist with several years of experience and extensive training.
Laboratory Testing and Quality Assurance:
White Lotus Acupuncture chooses herbal manufacturers, products and supplements based on high quality standards and strict laboratory testing. Manufacturing herbal testing assures the safety and efficacy of Chinese herbs. Analysis testing is performed to verify each species of herb and screens for pesticides, heavy metals, sulfites, and bacterial contamination.
Herbal products dispensed at White Lotus Acupuncture meet the current international GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. White Lotus Acupuncture does not dispense any products containing endangered plant or animal species.
Visit the links below of our herbal manufacturers to view specific information regarding laboratory testing.