Herbal medicine originated in China about 2000 years ago and is known to be one of the best modalities to combine in a holistic approach to wellness. In Chinese medicine, Herbal medicine can be combined as an integrative approach alongside Acupuncture or can be standalone.
Herbal medicines are prepared according to the patient’s needs and very specific to the condition and patient’s constitution. As a patient comes in for an initial consultation and assessment, we ask a series of questions, perform some physical assessments and will write a formula (which is a combination of various herbs) targeting the condition that needs to be treated. When a herbal formula is given, the expectation is to take according to the dosage level prescribed and preferably between meals for the herbs to be absorbed into the system.
How Are Herbs Prepared
As A Decoction: When making a decoction, whole plant material is used by soaking in cold water to rehydrate them completely. Then, they are placed in a pot and allowed to boil for a desired amount of time suggested. The nutrients of the herbs are completely extracted, and the decoction is expected to be very potent.When the desired amount of boiling is complete, it is then strained and liquid is consumed for therapeutic effect and herbs can be composted.
As Granules: Another form of taking herbal medicine is to consume granules, which are basically made into a tea form, the herbs are pre-processed into a fine powder and powders or formulas can be mixed directly into warm water and consumed for the ease of modern day.
As Pills: Herbs are also made into tea pills for ease of taking for generalized conditions.
Do Herbs Taste Bad
It depends! Herbs can vary in taste depending on what the patient needs. Some can be quite bitter, some sweet, some pungent, some astringent, some salty and so on. In Chinese medicine, the more we taste the herbs on our tongue, the better the healing process.