The use of medicinal substances has long been an integral part of Oriental Medicine and is considered to possess much power. The first major materia medica, compiled in 659 AD., contained descriptions of 844 medicinal substances and was the earliest illustrated herbal book printed. Today, many of the same plant, mineral, and animal substances are used to treat both the symptoms and causes of a broad range of acute and chronic ailments. This is known in Chinese Medicine as “treating the branch and the root” of a pattern of disharmony. This is in part why Chinese herbs are almost always combined into thoughtfully structured formulas. The herbs are formulated not only to reinforce their synergistic powers, but also to create a well balanced formula capable of producing dramatic results while minimizing the possibility of side effects. The art and science of combining and prescribing Chinese herbs is a highly revered study unto itself, and it too is greatly influenced by the underlying theories of Oriental Medicine: the concepts of Yin-Yang and the Five Phases. Each substance in the materia medica has its own unique properties, which makes for endless possibilities when combining herbs.

Many “classic” formulas (those created by well-renowned herbalists of the past) are widely available in pill and tincture form. Like many modern Chinese herbalists, I may use a combination of one or more single substances with one or more classic formulas during herbal treatment. Custom formulas can also be created in order to meet the specific needs any individual. Herbal treatment may be employed over the course of several months or even several years. Acupuncture and dietary/lifestyle suggestions are often used in conjunction with herbal treatment to enhance and ensure optimal results. Chinese herbs are safe to use when prescribed by a qualified practitioner of Chinese Herbal Medicine, even in conjunction with western medicine. However, not all herbs are appropriate for all patients or all conditions, and it can be unsafe to combine certain herbs with other supplements (herbal or otherwise), or detrimental to use certain herbs in order to gain short-term benefit. For these reasons, herbal supplements should never be self-prescribed. Herbal medicine should always be recommended or prescribed by a licensed practitioner who has devoted a significant amount of time to the study of herbal medicine.