Have you ever been curious about Chinese herbal medicine? Or maybe you’re looking for a more natural alternative to standard pharmaceutical medication. You’re not the only one seeking an alternative. As with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine has been used for healing and disease prevention for thousands of years. In fact, many people in China are still using Chinese Herbal medicine as their first line of healthcare. And there is a reason why this medicine is still SO prevalent in modern day society to this date.
So what is it?
Chinese herbal medicine uses a huge range of different Chinese herbs to help with many diseases ranging from colds and flus to chronic pains. Contrary to western medication, herbal medicine is not a “one size fits all”. This is what makes Chinese herbal medicine such a powerful and effective way to treat many conditions. Chinese Herbalists know that everybody is different and show different signs and symptoms even if the condition is the same. Take the example of a simple cold/flu. You may experience fevers, sore throat, headaches and body aches however the person sitting next to you who also has a cold/flu may experience a runny nose, chills, lethargy and coughing. Why is that? It is because everyone is different.
This is where Chinese herbal medicine excels in assisting so many conditions. Chinese medicine practitioners will always ask questions about your signs and symptoms, feel your pulse and look at your tongue in order to gather an image of the internal environment of your body. From there, the herbalist will mix and match from the large range of herbal medicine that they can choose from in order to create a herbal mixture that is catered to your body’s condition. Therefore, your cold and flu mixture will most likely be different than the mixture of the person sitting next to you.
Effectiveness?
Because the herbs are natural, the results will be effective yet gentle on the body with little to no side effects. Most people don’t experience many side effects. If they do, it is usually just stomach discomfort, slightly loose stools or constipation at most. If you do take herbs and experience anything you feel uneasy about, always take note of it and talk to your Chinese herbalist doctor. They will most likely adjust the herbs to suit your body.
How to take the herbs
Herbal medicine comes in a couple of different forms to take nowadays. The most original and effective form of taking herbs would be to take the raw herbs and boiling them into a tea. Though it is most effective and potent, it can be troublesome and time consuming. Nowadays, there is a powdered form that you can mix with water which is convenient and also effective. Lastly there is a pill form which is great for those who have difficulty drinking the tea.
Jasmy is an Acupuncturist and Herbalist practicing at Burwood and Castle Hill healthspace. If this article resonates with you, contact Jasmy at either Burwood healthspace on (02) 9745 3700 or Castle Hill Healthspace (02) 9659 1200
