Herbal Medicine; The Basics
Many different types of herbal medicine are out there. Here we highlight the common forms, preparations, side affections, functions and more.
Bulk - loose, raw herbs, are blended into custom formulas. This can be purchased in a traditional Chines herb store with preparation instructions and cooked at home, then taken as a tea multiple times daily for a series of days depending on the condition and herbal formula.
Granule - like bulk, granule herbs are blended to make custom formulas to treat any number of conditions. Granule herbs have already been extracted, and the dehydrated liquid is combined with a starch medium to make a powder. This powder is added to water and taken as an herbal tea multiple times daily for a series of days depending on the condition and herbal formula.
Prepared Medicines (pills, tinctures or extracts) - are blends of herbs that are pre-made into pill form, liquid in a dropper, topical patch or other form. Classical Pearls are encapsulated granules without the starchy fillers. Other pills come in different forms, sometimes with a binding agent.
Dosing
Granule - a typical dose is 5 level scoops twice daily using the designated spoon. The dose could be lower or higher based on the formula, condition being treated, the patient’s age, weight and constitution. Taking a lower dose or missing doses may render the formula ineffective. It is better to take herbs away from food, so standard instructions are to take between meals, with one dose in the morning and one in the afternoon but they are safe to take with food as well.
Pills or tinctures - again dosages range. For Classical Pearls, a typical dose might be 4 pills twice daily, but more or less may be indicated. The dose listed on the bottle is generally a safe dose but not necessarily the dose that will be effective for the specific individual.
Sourcing & Ingredients
Chinese herbs are sourced from China and generally manufactured into medicines there as well. China and Taiwan both have strict regulations around production of herbal medicine, in many ways more stringent than the USA. It’s ideal to get all of your herbal medicine and supplements from manufacturers that lab test for the presence of heavy metals and pesticides.
Side Effects
As with any medicine, it is possible to experience side effects with taking herbs. More common side effects would be a little bit of bloating or digestive discomfort, sleepiness or a dull headache. For these mild, and rare adverse reactions, we suggest taking herbs with food or adjusting the formula or dosage. In general, if it is clear that the individual is experiencing an adverse reaction to the herbs, then we would advise them to discontinue the herbs and discuss the formula with their practitioner.
The Function of Flavor
Herbs may not taste good. Many medicines are bitter. Bitter flavor, along with other flavors, serve a function in our body and are often indicative of the potent medicinal compounds that are found in the herbs. If you can tolerate the earthiness of your herbal tea, you are doing your body a favor, but if you can’t get it down, opt for a pill!