Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbal medicine has been used for over 4,000 years in China to treat many diseases and conditions. There are over 470 single herbs and more than 400 herb formulations currently used by most Chinese medicine practitioners.

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbs are comprised of minerals, shells, plants, and animal products, and only a licensed herbalist should dispense them. Our clinic uses only the highest grade and quality of herbs to ensure patient safety. We have chosen sulfur free and pesticide free herbs from Taiwan to ensure the best clinical outcome. Herbs combine well with acupuncture to balance the body’s energies both externally and internally. Many Chinese herbs are prescribed in America under a different name. (e.g., Chaste tree or Vitex is also Man Jing Zi)

How Chinese Herbs Work

Chinese herbs are processed in many ways and have different effects when processed differently. For example, herbs can be dry fried, roasted, baked, or honey coated. Herbs are also classified by function, taste, temperature, and channels entered.

Herbal Tastes and Channels Entered Are:

1. Pungent: these herbs disperse and move qi and blood. They belong to the Metal energy and the organs of lung and large intestine.
2. Sweet: these herbs tonify and harmonize. They belong to the Earth energy and the spleen and stomach channels.
3. Sour: these herbs stabilize and bind, and reduce and prevent loss of body fluids. They belong to the Wood energy of the liver and gallbladder.
4. Bitter: these herbs sedate heat, purge fire, and dry damp. They belong to the Fire energy of the heart, small intestine, pericardium, and triple burner.
5. Salty: these herbs purge excess and soften masses. They belong to the Water energy and the channels of the kidney and urinary bladder.
6. Bland: these herbs are diuretics.
7. Astringent: these herbs stabilize and bind, and reduce and prevent loss of body fluids.

Chinese Herbs Effect on Fertility and Pregnancy

• Reduce morning sickness
• Reduce nausea
• Reduce recurrent miscarriage and threatened miscarriage
• Reduce premature labor
• Induce labor
• Balance hormones
• Strengthen and improve general health
• Treat uterine fibroids, Endometriosis, PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), POF (Premature Ovarian Failure), PID (Pelvic
• Inflammatory Disease), LPD (Luteal Phase Defect)
• Thicken the endometrial lining
• Lower or elevate FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
• Balance immune system
• Regulate menstrual cycle
• Increase egg production and quality
• Increase and alter sperm production, morphology and motility
• Increase lactation

Few Side Effects to Taking Chinese Herbs

Herbs are relatively safe to take, but it is advisable to notify us of all current medication that you are taking so that we can prevent any side effects or incompatibilities. Also, any food allergies or medication allergies should also be brought to the herbalist’s attention to prevent unwanted side effects.

Forms of Chinese Herbs

Herbs are taken in many forms:

• Medicinal decoction or tea
• Liquid extract
• Powder or granulations
• Pills

In our clinic, we tend to prescribe powders and granulations so that we can customize a formula specifically to each individual. By using granules, we are able to add and subtract herbs as your condition improves and changes. The powder easily mixes with water or juice.

Foods to Avoid When Taking Chinese Herbs or Herbal Formulas

You should try to avoid foods that are cold, raw, greasy, rotten or spoiled and other foods that are difficult to digest when taking herbs. Your herbalist will advise you specifically of which food to not eat near or around the time that you will be taking your herbs.