Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine has a long and rich history that spans over 2,000 years, with its roots dating back to ancient China. It is based on the use of natural plant, mineral, and animal substances to restore balance and health in the body. Here is a brief overview of its development:

The earliest records of Chinese herbal medicine can be found in archaeological finds and historical texts, where rudimentary herbal knowledge was passed down orally. Early Chinese medicine was deeply connected to the Taoist philosophy of balance between Yin and Yang and the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water).

Chinese herbal medicine continues to evolve, blending traditional knowledge with modern scientific research. The rise of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a formal system of healthcare, helped integrate herbs into the mainstream medical system, with the Chinese government promoting TCM alongside Western medicine.

Today, Chinese herbal medicine is practiced globally, with many herbs being studied for their medicinal properties and used in modern pharmaceutical research.

What to Expect

For an in-person office visit, we ask that you fill out all intake forms prior to the scheduled appointment so there is time to review health history. Please take the time to list any and all medications, vitamins and supplements you are currently taking. This is very important as there can be drug-herb interactions that could diminish or enhance the effects of existing protocols in unforeseen ways. 

We will discuss your main concerns and goals for treatment. The diagnosis process will include pulse analysis, tongue reading and abdominal palpation for further nuance.

Depending on your preference and/or the availability, herbal medicine can be prescribed in a variety of different formulations; capsules, vacuum sealed packs, raw herbs, granules and tinctures. We will discuss the pros and cons to each method and determine the best delivery method for you.

If the appropriate formula is on hand, you will be able to start immediately on the course of treatment. If a more customized blend is needed,or the formula is not on-site, it will be ordered and shipped to your home address. 

Remember, for best results, consistency is key!

Introducing New Herbal Services

More ways to integrate Chinese Herbal Medicine into your treatments! Options include: In-person, Virtual or Herbal Concierge Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the formulas taste bad?

Sometimes! Depends on the formula and which herbs it contains. There can be sweet, bitter, salty, and sour tasting formulas, but fear not! Your practitioner will help you with modifications to make them more palatable.

I have allergies/intolerances/food aversions

Please let your practitioner know and modifications can be made.

Is it safe?

Yes! But like any medicine, to minimize risk and to optimize results, seek guidance from a licensed Chinese Medicine practitioner and herbalist. Remember that high quality herbal medicine should come from GMP-certified (Good Manufacturing Practice) brands. Beware of contamination and adulteration. Some products have been found to contain pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, or incorrect plant species, so know your source. Caution must also be used if you are:
1) Pregnant, or trying to conceive
2) Have a liver/kidney condition
3) Taking certain medications, especially blood thinners, antidepressants, or heart medications.

When should I start to see results?

Depends on the duration and severity of your condition, your age, constitution, diet, lifestyle and more. Ideally, you will start to see changes within the first few weeks.

Will taking Chinese herbs make me fail a drug test?

It is possible. Anti-depressants , anti-psychotics, other CNS medications like Buspirone, Quinilone antibiotics may trigger false positives on a drug test. Some herbal products (especially unregulated ones) have been found to contain pharmaceutical drugs like steroids, stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), or sedatives — which can trigger a failed drug test.
Studies show morphine and codeine are derived from opium poppy seeds, the intake of relatively small amounts of poppy seeds may result in false-positives for opiates, including the consumption of poppy-seed cookies (having ~1 tsp of poppy-seed filling) or poppy-seed bagels.2 Additionally, the ingestion of foods containing hemp, such as hemp-seed oil, have resulted in positive marijuana UDS results, and ephedra-containing products may cause false-positive methamphetamine results.
Other herbal supplements may be less likely to cause false-positive test results. A study of gingko biloba, saw palmetto, St. John’s wort, ginseng, garlic, green tea, valerian, and cranberry did not cause any false-positive reactions.18 Similarly, herbal teas and drinks did not cause any false-positives.19 Carefully assessing patient use of these products can help minimize misinterpretation of UDS results.
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/urine-drug-screening-minimizing-false-positives-and-false-negatives-to-optimize-patient-care

Treatment Details

Location

Radiance Natural Health

314b Central Ave

Dover, NH 03820

2nd Floor | 2nd Suite | Third Room

*Upon arrival, please relax and enjoy refreshments in the inner waiting room*

Or Via Telehealth appointment on the client portal (https://radiancenh.clientsecure.me)

How Long?

  • In-Person Herbal Consult, 45min
  • Telehealth Herbal Consult, 30-45min
  • Herbal Concierge Service – Appointment only. For raw herbal formula preparation. May be booked as an add-on prepared while in session  or scheduled for pick-up

 

Pricing

Cost may vary depending on quantity, formulation and scarcity of specific herbs, but in general, expect between $10-25 for a 1-2wk course of herbal medicine)

**While no retainer fee is charged, if we do not have the formula on hand, you will be responsible for the shipping fee charged by the dispensary (usually $7-8)

Gift Cards In time for the Holidays!