The oldest form of medicine in the world is the use of medicinal and healing plants. Physical evidence of the use of herbs was found at a Neanderthal burial site 60,000 years old. Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian written records have preserved early herbal information, and one manuscript, records 876 prescriptions made up of more than 500 different substances. The practice of Chinese herbal medicine, itself, is more than 5,000 years old. Many substances mentioned in these ancient texts, such as ginseng, myrrh, and mint are still in use. In China, herbal medicine not only uses botanicals, such as leaves, roots, bark, berries, and rhizomes, but includes the use of animal and mineral substances as well. Today, many people are returning to herbal medicine because they cannot or will not tolerate the side effects of Western medicine's powerful drugs.
Herbs can be used singularly, or in formulas, depending on the problem or ailment presented by the patient. Chinese formulas are powerful, yet elegant combinations that treat the root of your problem while also alleviating discomforts. The formulas can be used to treat a condition after it has occurred. They can also be used as a tonic to strengthen the immune system, promote longevity, fertility, or to prevent fatigue.
They can regulate the menstrual cycle, help to manage pain, and soothe
The traditional Chinese way to take these wonderful healing substances is to cook, strain, and drink them as a tea two or three times a day for 7 to 10 days. They are very powerful taken this way, but most people in this country prefer to take them in pill or capsule form, which is easy to incorporate into our busy lifestyle.
Energetically, herbs support one's ongoing acupuncture treatment, although, they can be taken without acupuncture. An herbal consult can help to decide which herb or formula is right for you.
