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Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) Therapy involves prescribing specific formulas to
remedy the disharmony and symptoms that thepatient is experiencing. Choosing from
several hundred singleherbs and formulas, Tamie is able to prescribe unique
customized formulas for each individual. The herbal prescription is usually a
combination of pharmaceutical-grade raw herbs or herbal powders. Tamie can also
prescribe a combination of pre-made herbal formulas in capsule or tablet form.
Does Chinese herbal medicine interfere with Western medications?
Chinese herbs are natural plants, animal or mineral materials, or their natural extracts. They rarely interfere with other
medications. Due to the powerful effects of certain herbs, however, you should always obtain prescriptions from trained
herbalists and discuss with them any other medications you are taking before taking any forms of herbal medicines.
What type of herbs should I choose?
The commonly prescribed herbs include raw or bulk herbs, scientific Chinese herbs, and Chinese patent medicines.
1. Raw or bulk herbs: These types of herbs are the easiest for the body to absorb, have the fastest and strongest effects,
and are administered to address acute and severe conditions. Patients boil these herbs at home. The time-consuming
cooking procedure and unpleasant taste of the decoctions greatly limits their usage.
2. Scientific Chinese herbs: These types of herbs include powders, capsules, tablets, and pills that are manufactured
from concentrated herbs. Of these, the powders are the most effective. Because the concentrated powders are easy to
prepare (simply mix all ingredients and take with warm water) and the others require no preparation, this form is well
accepted by most American patients.
3. Patent Chinese medicines: These types of herbs are made on the basis of classical or modern research for herbal
formulas. Unlike the other types of herbs, the patent Chinese medicines are not formulated specifically for a particular
patient. In general, patent medicines are absorbed slowly and over a long period of time, are more easily stored, and are
less expensive. They are more commonly used for treating chronic disorders associated with deficiencies.
Are concentrated herbs as effective as raw herbs?
Currently used herbal powders are concentrated extracts (5:1 ratio of herb to water) made from individually cooked raw
herbs. The manufacturing process has very strict quality control for properties, water content, solubility, concentration,
harmful bacteria, fungi, and heavy metal content. The special low-temperature boiling process that is used to create the
herbs provides a 95% return of the active components. Therefore, all of the natural properties of raw herbs are retained. A
clinical study in 14 hospitals in China found that the concentrated herbs have greater effectiveness than raw herbs. Other
reports suggest, however, that they are slightly less effective due to the loss of interactions between the active principles
of raw herbs that results from the decocting process.
(I create your own tincture by blending the
fine quality extracts.)
