Herbalese FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

We have received many questions from our web site visitors regarding Chinese Herb Medicine. Dr. Zhang reviewed these questions. Those very common and important questions are selected and answered by Dr. Zhang

Q: What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

In China, people have been using natural herbs to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions. These herbs are called herbal medicine, which are composed of roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, and branches. It is well known that Traditional Chinese Medicine has over 3000 years history and Chinese herbal medicine is one of most important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which also includes acupuncture. In China, there are over 3000 different herbs that can be used for medical purposes. However, about 300 to 500 of these herbs are commonly used. Chinese herbal medicine is based on an individualized pattern diagnosis as well as a disease diagnosis. Your pattern is made up of your signs and symptoms, and the constitution of your body (weak, strong, hot, cold, young, old etc.) Herbal treatment is designed to treat your individual pattern as well as the symptom or disease. Western medicines are prescribed for their effectiveness on a group of people with a disease, such as bronchitis. In Chinese Herbology a condition such as bronchitis can be classified and treated as one of many diseases such as Lung dry heat, Lung Hot Phlegm, Lung Cold Phlegm, Liver attacking Lung etc. and each conformation is treated differently based on the symptoms and the patients constitution.

There are no chemical additives involved in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Each kind of herbal formula normally contains about 12 herbs, selected for their synergistic qualities. It is the selection and combination process that enables each formula to be individually designed. Chinese herbal medicines are classified as food and they very seldom have unwanted side effects. They are a gentle treatment with gradually increasing results. Even though herbs are foods they do possess strong medicinal properties, and when used correctly they contribute many benefits to a person.

Q: What can Chinese herbs do for me?

Chinese Herbal therapy or herbal medicine has three main functions:
To treat acute diseases and conditions such as killing bacteria or a virus;
To assist you to heal chronic illness such as gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder,
allergies, immune system deficiency, etc. by strengthening the body, helping it to recover,
To maintain daily life health by keeping the balance of human body.

In general, herbal remedies can treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions. Comparing with pharmaceutical or chemical medicine, Chinese herbal medicine is much gentler and safer because it is made of natural herbs. Most of Chinese herbs do not cause side effects. Even some side effects that do occur among a few herbs, those side effects can be easily counteracted with other herbs. For these reasons, people turn to herbal therapy for a number of indications. More and more people rely on Chinese herbal medicine as alternative after chemical medicine failed.

Chronic illness treatment - As we know, many people with chronic illness may take a number of different conventional drugs daily. Chinese herb medicine is a very good alternative for those who are looking for a natural alternative for the conventional western medicine. There are many very efficient Chinese herbal patent medicines and prescribed herbal formulas for the medications taken for pain syndromes, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, stress related syndromes, respiratory disorders, heart problems, sexual dysfunction, allergies and immune system deficiencies, as well as replacements for antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Side effect reduction - As mentioned early, Chinese herbs are safer and have less side-effects. Actually they can be taken to reduce the side effects of other medication such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc. It is well known that antibiotics weaken the immune system. Herbal therapy can strengthen the system. Also, during chemotherapy, the white blood cell count drops which causes fatigue, lack of energy and appetite. Herbal therapy has proven quite successful in relieving the side effects of chemotherapy.

For Prevention and Longevity - People may take Chinese herb medicine for disease prevention. For instance, for a person suffering from frequent headaches, taking herbs to prevent the headache from ever starting is a much better option than taking a pain reliever after the fact. Herbs are also used to prevent the flu, menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome, among other things. For health maintenance- Herbal therapy can also be used for general health maintenance. Tonic herbs are used to increase energy and to slow the aging process. They are also used for enhancing sexual energy and for cosmetic purposes. Herbs are also used to treat minor symptoms that are not severe enough for heavy chemical drugs, symptoms that cannot be diagnosed by Western medicine, and symptoms and illness that are not easy to treat, such as mononucleosis and immune system deficiencies.

Q: Have herbs been processed before use by patients?

Yes. Chinese Herbs have been processed before use.
Why? First of all, the processing can reduce any possible side effects of herbs by detoxifying the herbs. The second reason for processing herbs is for filtering out impurities such as dirt and sand. Another reason is the processing can soften the strong taste or smell of herbs. Finally, it is very important to address that processing herbs can enhance their functions.

Q: Can you tell me the difference between Chinese patent and prescribed herbs?

Chinese Patent herbs are premixed herb combinations according to the traditional formulas developed by experts in traditional Chinese medicine through over 3000 years. They are similar to over-the-counter-medication and usually in the form of pill. The advantages of Chinese patent herbs are convenient, easy to take, inexpensive. However, patient's symptoms must fit the patent herbal’s indications.

Prescribed herbs are mixed by an herbalist according to an individual patient's symptoms and diagnoses. Generally, prescribed herbs are more effective than patent herbs because the prescribed herbs are tailored to your symptoms and conditions exclusively by your herbalist if he or she is properly qualified at traditional Chinese medicine.

Q: Can I buy Chinese patent herbs from herb store directly?

Yes, Chinese patent herbs are safe and have less side-effect than prescribed herbs. They can be purchased from herbal stores and even through this web site delivered direct to you. I recommend that you only buy Chinese patent herbals that have been indicated for your needs. If in doubt, do obtain advice from a qualified herbalist. You may seek a recommendation from me through this site by visiting my health survey page.

Q: Do concentrated herbs have the same potency as the raw herbs in prescribed herbs?

Yes! The concentrated herbs are made from the raw herbs. First of all, best herbal sources from China are selected. Then these raw herbs are purified. After that they are processed through steaming, cooking, finally condensed into fine granular particles. Therefore, they are easy to be dissolved and absorbed and enhance the healing process.

Q: Why are Chinese herbs always mixed in formula to use?

Chinese herbalists usually do not prescribe single herb for their patients. Chinese herbs usually are used in combinations of 8 to 15 herbs. There are three major reasons to support the combination practice. Mutual Reinforcement involves combining two or more very similar herbs together to create a stronger effect. Mutual Assistance is the way to use one herb to help another work better. Mutual Restraint is meant to use one herb to reduce or eliminate side effects of another herb in the combination.

All of these demonstrate that the herbalist should be experienced and knowledgeable about herbs before attempting to combine them. Otherwise, Mutual Inhibition occurs when one herb reduces another's Effectiveness; Incompatibility occurs when the combination of certain herbs produces side effects or becomes poisonous.

I received many emails and phone calls regarding where to buy single Chinese herb. I think that many people misunderstood Chinese herbal medicine when they tried to use single Chinese herb to treat some diseases and conditions. One of the most important advantages of Chinese medicine is the power of mixing.

Q: Could you offer me some precautions while I take herbs?

Like anything else you put in your body, you should be taken a certain amount of caution when you take Chinese herbs. For instance, some herbs are too strong for pregnant women and may cause miscarriage. Certain foods can have adverse effects on the herbal therapy. In general speaking, when taking Chinese herbs, one should avoid food that is raw (fruit is okay, but vegetables should be cooked), greasy, strong tasting or smelling, difficult to digest (such as beef), or irritating to the digestive system (like spicy foods).

Q: How are herbs taken?

Prescribed herbal medicine is traditionally taken in tea form. The Human body absorbs tea easily and quickly so it is the most commonly used method. Sometimes, if the smell or taste of the herbal medicine is unpleasant, a pill, capsule or tablet form of this herbal medicine is recommended. Tea should always be warm, and capsules or tablets should be swallowed with warm water. Generally, it is best to take herbs just before you serve meals. You should consult your herbalist for specific instructions on taking herbs. For example, tonic herbs, to promote health, are best taken before meals. Purgative herbs, to cleanse the system, are best taken on an empty stomach. Herbs that either irritate the stomach or are taken to protect the stomach should be taken after eating. Herbs for insomnia and other sleeping disorders should be taken at bedtime.

Q: Do I have to stop taking other medicines?

Normally there is no reaction between Chinese herbs and prescription drugs. However since little information is available on interactions, caution and consulting a trained herbalist is important. Herbs should be taken apart from the prescribed medication if possible to limit any interaction. It is advisable that patients inform their Doctor that they are seeing a Chinese Herbalist, and that no medication is stopped unless advised to do so. The dosage of a prescription medication may need to be adjusted as the need the drug decreases. You should leave a 2 hour gap between taking any medication.

Q: What are the advantages of Chinese herbal medicine?

The most significant advantages of the Chinese Herbal Medicine are:
     Thousands of years in usage
     Revitalizes the body's natural ability to heal
     Treats the root (cause) not the symptom (branch)
     Long-term results
     Individualized treatment
     Little or no side effects
Like western medications, Chinese herbal medicines can relieve symptoms. However, they also nourish and regulate the Qi, blood, and body fluids thereby aiding the function of internal organs to alleviate the root cause of the disease e.g. support the immune system to heal the bronchitis.

Q: How do I take Herbalese Remedies?

You may take 5 pills twice a day only with water. Do not take with alcohol, fizzy drinks, coffee, or tea.

Q: Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

yes, you can combine formulae to increase the benefits of Chinese Herbal Remedies.

Q: How long do I take them before getting a result?

At least three bottles should be taken as a course. Herbs are strong nutrition and as such should be included in our daily intake of food on a regular basis. Herbalese Remedies are formulated to be taken as a dietary supplement to your normal food.

Q: What do they contain?

Each formula is prepared from only organic, natural herbal ingredients. They do not contain any stimulants or synthetic chemicals.

Q: Are they safe to take?

Yes, provided you do not mix the herbals with other drugs or chemicals together. Please refer to caution component found on each Remedy description page.

Q: Are there any side effects?

We have had reports that side effects such as skin spots, mild mood change can occur while taking Piao Yi tea. These were short lived and a natural sign of detoxification.

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