What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is a major component of traditional Oriental medicine, a comprehensive health care system used for over 3,000 years in China and throughout the world today.

Oriental medicine view the body as a dynamic, interrelated whole possessing a vital energy or life force called Qi (pronounced as “chee”).  Health depends on the free flow of this energy and the interplay of the body, mind and spirit.  When disease occurs, specific herbs are chosen to rebalance the energy and allow the body to heal itself.

Herbs affect the Qi and promote healing in one or more systems of the body.  Usually herbs are combined into formulas that address the main health problem and support the mind-body system.

are chinese herbs safe?

Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used over thousands of years.  Generally speaking, Herbal medicine is safe.  Herbs have a balancing or regulating effect o the body and are usually more gentle than pharmaceutical drugs.  Side effects of herbs are rare.  In fact, herb-drug interactions are rare.  However, in order to allow your health care providers to treat you effectively and work in partnership, it’s best to inform all practitioners of what prescription medicines and what herbs you’re taking.