Individual substances are rarely prescribed alone in Traditional Chinese Medicine. A carefully balanced recipe of several different herbs is specifically tailored for each person's entire health condition. Each herb is chosen for its own specific functions. In addition, herbs can enhance the strengths and reduce the side effects of each other. The combination of substances in a formula creates a new therapeutic agent that can treat much more effectively and completely than a single substance.
The key to effective treatment is ensuring each individual's particular needs be addressed. We tailor each herbal remedy to meet each client’s specific needs.
What is the difference between Western herbs and Chinese herbs?
Western Herbal Medicine tends to use one or two herbs to treat just a specific symptom. A Chinese Herbal formula has as many as 20 different herbs. The herbs are selected to work synergistically to treat the whole person. In Chinese medicine, due to our diagnostic system, we are able to assess a person's whole constitution (the health of their whole body) and treat the root (or cause) of a health concern along with a branch (or symptoms) of a health concern. In this way, we are able to treat a person's whole body, rather than just a symptom.
One of the most appealing qualities of Chinese Herbal Medicine is the low risk of adverse reactions or side effects. The most commonly reported adverse reaction with Chinese herbal medicine is minor gastrointestinal upset. Modifying the herbal formula or adding herbs to strengthen the digestive system can remedy this. If you do notice any side effects, please stop taking your herbs and call Natural Health and Fertility Center immediately.
Are Chinese herbs expensive?
Granular herbal formulas cost approximately $30-$40 per week. We outsource our formulas from a local herbal pharmacy, but you are welcome to purchase them in the pharmacy of your choice.
Safety of Chinese herbal medicine
Recently, products (including medicines) produced in China have been brought into question. There are good reasons for caution in using products from mainland China, so we would like to address the quality and safety of the herbal products we use in our treatments to reassure our clients:
GMP standards: The herbal granules and other products we use for treatment are all produced in accordance with standards dictated by Australia’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). These are very specific standards set by the Australian government for production of medicines and other products for human consumption. While the raw herbs used to make these granules or pills are originally from mainland China, most granules we use are produced in Taiwan.
Any company that follows GMP regulations is held to a high standard of production and safety. Products from a GMP-certified company are tested for things such as active ingredients, contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides, etc.), and other aspects that relate to the safety, authenticity and quality of the product.
New federal regulations imposed by the United States government through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have recently become effective for producers of dietary supplements, which include Chinese herbal medicines. These standards will further ensure the safety and authenticity of products made in other countries and sold in the United States.
The Natural Health and Fertility Center would like to reassure our current and prospective clients that we use herbal products of the highest safety and quality available.
Herb-drug interactions
As trained herbalists, we are aware that there can be interactions between herbs and medications or supplements our clients may be taking. We specifically ask our clients to list any medications they are currently taking to help us prevent any undesired effects from using herbal medicines and other substances simultaneously. We encourage our clients to raise concerns about any herb/drug interactions they may have.
