Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbs in China

In China, herbal medicine is considered as the primary therapeutic modality of internal medicine. Over 3000 years, Chinese physicians have systematically observed and classified more than 5000 plant, animal and mineral substances according to the medicinal effect. One classic example of Chinese herbal medicine is the use of various mushrooms, like Reishi (Ling Zhi) and Shiitake (Xiang Gu), which are currently under intense study by ethnobotanists and medical researchers for immune system enhancement.

Rather than being prescribed individually, herbs are combined into formulas designed for the specific needs of individual patients. An herbal formula can contain anywhere from 2 to 30 herbs. Although Chinese herbal formulas were traditionally decocted in a pot and consumed as a tea, they can also be used as granules, pills, tinctures, wines, and topical creams, pastes, and plasters.

Chinese herbal medicine is often used as an important adjunct to acupuncture treatment. Herbs greatly enhance the effect of acupuncture by nourishing and redistributing essential substances of the body. As dietary supplements, Chinese herbs can boost internal deficiencies and eliminate harmful substances that have been accumulated pathologically.

Our Herbal Pharmacy

Acupuncture Wellness Center herbal pharmacy carries Chinese herbs in granule extracts from E-Fong Herbs and MayWay. Granule extracts are manufactured by extracting the raw herbs into a powdered form with 5:1 concentration rate.

Traditionally, raw herbs are believed to be most effective among various forms of herbs; however, raw herbs have relatively low compliance rate because of the complicated process and unpleasant odor during decoction at home. Granules are consumed by simply melting herbs into hot water or taking in capsulated form. Unlike pre-manufactured herbal tea pills, granular extracts can be easily customized and modified for the specific needs of individual patients.

At New Orleans Acupuncture Wellness Center, we offer granule extracts in both capsule and powder forms. Although powder can be more effective, capsules are easier to consume for some patients.

Certain formulas are available in pre-manufactured 5:1 extract tea pills.