Chinese herbal remedies has been used in China since a few thousands years ago. Over the years, formulas of herbs had been tested and developed for different medical problems. Formulas mostly compose of different kinds of plants, minerals and at times animal parts. In treatment using Chinese medicine, practitioners focus on both the “manifestation” and “root” of problems. In acute disorders, manifestations are treated first, after symptoms are under control, and then focus will switch to the root of problems. With chronic disorders, treatments are focused on the root of the problem.

• Seasonal Allergy [more info]
• Headache
• Respiratory problems: asthma, cough, bronchitis, wheezing, cold
• Sinusitis
• Insomnia
• Digestive problems: constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
• Women's Health [more info]
• Night sweat, spontaneous sweating
• Tidal Fever
• Emotional problems: depression, anxiety, anger

The formulas in Chinese medicine are complex recipes of inter-related substances, each of which affects the actions on the others in the formula. It is this complex interaction which makes the formula so effective.

Construction of an effective formula involves more than simply putting ingredients together. One needs an organizing principle to guide the construction so that the ingredients are combined in an optimal fashion, without ingredients counter-acting on each others.

A formula may combines with the “Chief”, “Deputy”, “Assistant”, and “Envoy” herb(s) .
 

• Chief Herbs – The ingredient that has the greatest effect upon the disease or the principal pattern.
• Deputy Herbs – Aids the Chief herbs or serves as the main ingredient against the co-existing pattern or disease.
• Assistant herbs – Reinforces the effect of the chief or deputy herbs; moderates or eliminate the toxicity of the chief or deputy ingredients.
• Envoy herbs – Harmonizes and integrates the actions of the other ingredients. Focuses the actions of the formula on a certain channel or area of the body.

Each formula may includes from 2 to over 10 different kinds of herbs.

Decoction – The ingredients are boiled with water for a specific period of time. The liquid is strained from the ingredients and drank by the patient.

• Advantages: Rapidly absorbed with strong; immediately effects. Practitioner can easily modify the formula to fit a particular patient at a given time.
• Disadvantages: Relatively expensive; time consuming in preparing. Taste is usually bad.

Powders – The ingredients are ground up and sifted into powder form. They can be taken directly, followed by a liquid, or dissolved into a small amount of hot water and drunk.

• Advantages: Easy to prepare; able to be formulated specifically for a particular patient.
• Disadvantages: Effect may not be as strong as decoction.

 

Pills – The ingredients are ground up, other viscous medium is added, and round pills are formed.

• Advantages: Relatively inexpensive; more easily stored and ingested than decoctions; easily stored for long a period of time.
• Disadvantages: Absorbed slowly and over a long period of time; not as effective as decoction and powder form; practitioners unable to modify the ingredients.

Traditional Chinese medicinal substances are in general very safe and easy to use. However, there are substances that should be avoided from being combined in the same formula which may either reduce the medicine's effectiveness or causes toxicity. Certain herbs and formulas are contra-indicated for pregnancy.

With proper use, Chinese medicinal formulas will definitely affect the healing process. Discuss with your therapist for the best herb for your condition and any possible side-effects.