In Chinese Medicine, herbs are used both internally and externally to treat a wide range of diseases, and can be understood to include plants, animals, and minerals.  There are currently 5,767 medicinal herbs listed in the Materia Medica, and are categorized by function, area of treatment (which organs and meridians they affect), taste, temperature, flavor, and any cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions which they may elicit. There are currently 27 categories for herbs: such as Drain Damp, and Tonify Qi, Tonify Blood, and Expel Parasites, to name a few. There are conditions which require herbal medicine as a primary form of treatment, and acupuncture as a secondary and complementary modality. The range of conditions which herbal medicine can be effective in treating include headaches, fertility, menstrual disorders, GI and Endocrine diseases and imbalances, arthritic and osteopathic conditions, in addition to maintaining overall health and preventing dis-ease.

Herbs can be used in singularly, or in combination to create a formula. Often, TCM practitioners will used two or more substances together to create a balanced and synergistic effect to fully address the particular diagnosis. Traditional formulas from China are often modified to reflect individual needs, conditions, deficiencies, and dietary restrictions.

Chinese Medical formulas can be prepared in a number of ways:

Decoctions: this is the most traditional method for preparing an herbal formula, and involves the timely cooking of herbs to create a drinkable “tea”. This method is the strongest and most potent way to consume an herbal formula, and is often noted for its strong, pungent  flavor and aroma, and are therefore not as popular in the West.

Powder/Granules: Herbs are granulated into their smallest compounds and then added with hot water or tea and dissolve into a drinkable beverage. These are not as potent as raw herbal decoctions, but are less timely and have more mild flavoring, and are a more common way to consume herbs in the West.

Patent Formulas: These herbal formulas are pre-made and often come in capsules or tincture in an easy to administer fashion. These are less potent than both raw decoctions and granules, but are the easiest to consume, and are therefore the most popular form of administration in the West.

Syrups: These are often based in vegetable glycerin, and are used for conditions such as sore throats and coughs. These are most commonly used for pediatric and weak geriatric patients.  

Liniments/Salves/Plasters/Compress: Herbs are prepared for external application to treat wounds, inflammation, bruising, or weakness in a particular are of the body.

*Source: Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica: 3rd Edition (1986).

**Herbs are an incredibly powerful aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and should always be cross-referenced with a Primary Care Physician and/or Licensed Acupuncturist before being taken alongside other prescribed pharmaceutical, naturopathic medicine, supplements, and over the counter medications.