Additionally, as Chinese people generally have an understanding of TCM principles and practice, passed down to them by previous generations, they know which herbal medicines to take for the myriad of non-serious, day-to-day ailments that may affect them. These medicines (often ready-prepared in pill form) are purchased from local stores and pharmacies without the need for professional advice.
What is Chinese herbal medicine good for?
Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine can prevent and treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. Often the two therapies are combined for best results. TCM views each of us as unique individuals therefore treatment for any complaint is specifically tailored to suit each patient at that particular time. When prescribing any herbal medicine the practitioner must take into account the patient's body constitution; their lifestyle; type of work; diet; emotional state and other factors uniquely theirs. As a result there is no definitive list of conditions suitably treated by Chinese herbal medicine.
Some of the more commonly treated conditions however include: coughs and colds; constipation; diarrhea; menstrual irregularities; fatigue; skin conditions like acne; high and low blood pressure and emotional stress.
My advice is to consult a qualified TCM practitioner for a thorough assessment of your particular condition according to TCM principles. Also check my web links for more information on Chinese herbal medicine theory and practice.
How do I take it?
Traditionally herbal medicine is administered by first boiling the ingredients in a suitable pot for the required time then straining the liquid and drinking like tea. Taken on an empty stomach this method ensures easy absorption of the medicine and requires minimal digestive energy.
There are various other traditional methods of preparation such as grinding the herbs into a powder and rolling them into small balls with honey, before chewing. Alcohol is also used to prepare herbs and extract the active ingredients from them. The ancient Chinese found that alcohol not only preserves the herbs as well but also speeds up the absorption process into the blood stream.
These traditional herbal forms are often not convenient for Western people to prepare and take. Also they are used to modern pharmaceuticals prescribed to them by their doctors. Additionally many people find the taste of a raw herb decoction to be rather unpleasant. Fortunately with the advent of modern technology in the East, many Chinese herbal medicine formulas these days are produced in pill and tablet form and are readily available throughout Western countries, particularly in those cities that have large Chinatown areas.
