HERBAL MEDICINE
ABOUT CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
The origins of Chinese herbal medicine and its natural and holistic approach to health care date back more than 5000 years, and it has been used effectively in mainstream health care in China during that time. More than 450 substances are commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine. Most come from plant roots, seeds, leaves, flowers and fruit, though some come from animals and minerals. Many herbal medicine ingredients can be found in the kitchen, such as goji berries and cinnamon. Others can be found in the garden, such as chrysanthemum and the bark of certain trees. The effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine comes from the strength of numerous herbs working together. Combined, the synergistic effect of the herbs work to strengthen your being and support your treatments.
WHAT HERBS DO YOU PRESCRIBE AT LIVING WELLNESS?
Herbs are often recommended as part of a treatment protocol, but it’s your decision whether to include them in your treatment or not. We prescribe customised herbal formulas for each patient to effectively treat the individual health issues and symptoms. As symptoms vary between individuals, herbal medicine formulas vary, even for similar health conditions. The formulas can also change during the course of treatment depending on the stage of recovery and other factors.
At Living Wellness almost all of the herbs we dispense come from plants, none of which are endangered. Two herbs come from shell and bone, but these do not come from threatened or endangered species. There is a myth that shark fin is used as a Chinese herb. While shark fin is traditionally used in Chinese cooking, it is not used in herbal medicine.
IS IT SAFE TO TAKE THE HERBS WITH OTHER MEDICINES?
It is usually safe to take Chinese herbs at the same time as most Western medicine drugs. However, it’s important to tell us about all medication, supplements and other herbs you are taking, so we can confirm they are safe to take in conjunction with Chinese herbs. Chinese herbs may even help you reduce your intake of prescription drugs. To do this, it’s essential that you work with both your doctor and us to carefully monitor your health condition. The herbs can also be effective in reducing the side effects of, and helping with the recovery from, medical procedures such as surgery, anesthesia and chemotherapy.
HOW DO I TAKE THE HERBS?
Chinese herbal medicine is dispensed at Living Wellness in various forms, including raw dried herbs, powder and pills. Raw herbs make the most potent form of tea, but take the most time to prepare. The herbal tea can be quite strong and unusual. Most people find it’s like nothing they have tasted before and it can take some getting used to. But the majority of people find that their tastebuds soon adapt. If you’re struggling to drink the tea, you can try drinking it through a straw or hold your nose while you drink it. Another option is to eat something small like a piece of fruit while you drink it to reduce the taste. Herbs can also be dispensed as a powder, so the tea can be quickly and easily made with hot water. This is useful if you’re going to be away from home for a while, such as travelling for work or on holiday. If you can’t get used to the taste of the tea, the herbs can be dispensed in capsule form, so you can swallow it without tasting them.
HOW DO I COOK RAW HERBS?
Raw herbs are best cooked on the stove in ceramic or clay teapots. Glass, porcelain or enamel-lined pots with lids can also be used, as long as they can go directly onto the stovetop. Traditional Chinese clay cooking pots can be bought at Living Wellness.
Empty one bag of herbs into the cooking pot and add nine cups of filtered water. Soak the herbs for ten minutes. Bring the mixture to the boil over a medium heat, boil for five minutes and then reduce to a low heat and simmer the herbs for 50 minutes. Strain the tea into a glass or ceramic — not plastic — container and leave to cool. When the tea has cooled, it can be stored in the fridge. You can gently reheat the tea on the stove or in a microwave and drink it warm. One bag will make two days worth of tea at three standard (250 ml) cups a day.