Chinese herbal medicine: What It’s Good for And How to Find the Right Herbalist

Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is widespread and highly demanded because of its effectiveness. With just a single search on the internet, you’ll come across numerous testimonies of people who have suffered complications and risks from taking allopathic and conventional treatments. While they are effective, at times they can further complicate the issue. This has led to many people searching for a safer but more effective approach.

Chinese herbs

It is no wonder there’s been an exponential growth in people searching for ‘Chinese herbalist near me‘ on the internet. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is growing by leaps and bounds, registering 12% yearly growth. The USA, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan remain hotspots for this alternative medicine. This billion-dollar industry is slowly spreading its tentacles everywhere.

Chinese herbal medicine remains a significant element of TCM. Using rare and potent herbs, these remedies offer relief from various illnesses.

Chinese herbal medicine – second major TCM approach.

Chinese herbal medicine has been in practice for thousands of years. It adopts a holistic and natural approach to healthcare and provides remedies for numerous ailments. It doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach but has various herbs that may be recommended by themselves or combined with other herbs depending on the condition.

It forms a larger part of the TCM healing system and aims to restore Yin and Yang’s balance. TCM believes that any discrepancies in the balance lead to diseases and illnesses. It not only cures current symptoms but also strengthens the body to prevent future problems. It can be just as effective as pharmaceutical drugs and should be used with caution and professional guidance.

Thousands of Chinese medicinal herbs are derived from mineral, animal, and plant sources. The Materia Medica (TCM book on medicinal substances) provides information on contradictions for each substance, dosage, interactions with traditional drugs, and their uses.

TCM believes the human body comprises five elements: water, metal, earth, and fire. Similarly, the herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine are related to five tastes—sour, pungent, bitter, salty, and sweet—which respond to the five elements.

5 Widely Used Chinese Herbs in Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine comprises various herbs, each with its own usage. If you’re looking for ‘ Chinese herbal medicine near me,’ you’ll have to talk to a qualified herbalist to find effective remedies for your condition. Here are some effective and commonly used Chinese Herbs:

  • Ginseng: #1 on the list of Chinese Herbs. This herb remains one of the most popular remedies and is used in TCM to warm your body and replenish your qi. It also has potent antioxidants that will eliminate free radicals from your body and prevent diseases and infections.
  • Cinnamon: TCM believes that this herb balances your upper and lower body’s energy, improves circulation, and warms your body. This Chinese herbal medicine can be very useful in increasing circulation and preventing allergic reactions.
  • Ginger is another commonly used herb; it can improve circulation, ventilate your drugs, encourage digestion, and even eliminate poison from food. It’s also widely used to deal with nausea and is typically used with tea. On the list of Chinese herbs used for detox purposes, ginger is #1. Sushi restaurants serve you ginger to ensure that even if the raw fish used for sushi preparation is not in perfect condition, ginger will take care of it.
  • Jujube: For centuries, these red dates have been used as TCM remedies for improving circulation and bolstering qi. They can effectively treat insomnia and are recommended for soothing nerves, calming your mind, and promoting blood flow. They possess high dosages of vitamins C and B and can fight off anxiety and lift your mood.
  • Goji berries: These berries possess anti-aging properties and can nourish your kidneys. Potent in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, they can improve your eyesight and nutrition and are typically used in dried forms or with tea.

There are numerous herbs that are used by themselves or in combination with other herbs. Chinese herbs are often combined with other TCM practices to improve effectiveness.

What can Chinese herbal medicine treat?

Herbal therapy aims at restoring balance and strengthening your body’s natural defense against diseases. They can help with the following problems:

  • Diabetes: Chinese herbal medicine can prevent prediabetes from advancing into diabetes.
  • Cancer treatment: Some Chinese herbs can minimize the adverse effects of radiation and chemotherapy for cancer patients.
  • Infertility: Chinese herbs can also balance your hormones and encourage healthy cycles.
  • Menopause: Chinese herbs are also effective in dealing with hot flashes.
  • Insomnia: They can also promote sound sleep.
  • Constipation and diarrhea: Chinese herbs effectively regulate your bowel movements and improve digestion.
  • Sinusitis: Some herbs are also useful in improving breathing and minimizing nasal congestion.
  • Cold and Flu: Some herbs can build immunity and treat cough and runny noses.

How Do You Find the Right Chinese Herbalist?

If you’re searching on Google or Bing for a ‘herbalist doctor near me,’ there are specific requirements you should look out for. Ensure they have a website with information about their practice, education, and certification; it’s better to find another provider if they don’t. Read the reviews online, and you can also contact previous clients to hear their testimonies.

Make sure that they are well-trained and possess adequate experience. Remember that when it comes to herbal medicine, side effects occur predominantly when the herbalist is ill-experienced. Ask all the necessary questions, and don’t book an appointment if you feel uncomfortable at any point. Make sure that the herbalist knows every single one of your symptoms and conditions.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe?

Chinese herbal medicine is predominantly safe; however, side effects do occur. If you’re pregnant or are under any form of blood thinners, immunosuppressants, anti-seizure drugs, or antidiabetics, you must consult a medical practitioner first.

Also, refrain from ordering herbal medicine online. They are not regulated and can often be of sub-par quality.

Conclusion

Chinese herbal medicine can be an effective alternative if you do not see results from prescription drugs and conventional treatments. They are available in various forms and can be effective for a myriad of diseases. They’re also significantly more affordable and can be just as effective as prescription drugs. However, since they’re natural ingredients, it might take some time to see results.

Chinese herbal medicine can be used alone, but in combination with other TCM or alternative treatments, the results can be outstanding. You might have to experiment with a few herbs or remedies before finding the right one.

Chinese herbalists in Philadelphia

Finally, if you live in Philadelphia and are searching for an herbalist doctor near me or a Chinese herbalist in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic will become the #1 TCM provider in Philadelphia and nearby.

Here at the clinic, the team of TCM providers, Shunwei Wang, Adam Walhorn, and David Fletcher, work under the strict supervision of the medical doctor, an internationally recognized specialist in holistic and integrative medicine, Victor Tsan.

Contact Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic to book your appointment for evaluation by a licensed herbalist, or use our online application.