Chinese Herbal Medicine/Internal Medicine

Herbal Medicine, zhong yao, is a system of medicine that uses the natural properties of plants, trees and animals to bring about a state of health. It is holistic in that it uses all parts of the plants and trees, including the flowers, leaves, stems, vines, bark and roots. Each part has been documented as containing innate temperatures, tastes, organic functions and contraindications.

How are they used?   Chinese herbs are used in combination, usually 6-20 herbs in a formula. This formula is decocted in water and is ingested as a tea. Traditionally herbs are taken either in tea form, in a tincture or teapills. Chinese herbs are commonly used in combinations and rarely used by themselves. The combination of herbs allows the Herbalist to develop a formula that best matches the individual’s pattern diagnosis. It also helps to moderate or accentuate the temperatures, tastes and functions of the herbs.

When a practitioner diagnoses a person, she will choose herbs that correspond to the person’s Chinese patterns. Herbs are chosen for several reasons: based on the channels they enter their temperature and tastes. There is an art to decocting a Chinese formula. The herbs in the formula take on various roles depending on what patterns are seen as primary. Some herbs serve as the Chief(s) in the formula, meaning that they will usually have the strongest effect and have the largest dose. Others may serve as Envoys or Guiding Herbs, supporting or accentuating the Chief herbs. Other herbs are placed in the formula in order to minimize the temperature, taste or toxicity level of another herb.

For example, Shi Gao, gypsum, is a very cold herb. Many times a warmer herb is used with shi gao in order to prevent the very cold nature of shi gao from damaging the digestive system. Gan Cao, licorice, is often used in formulas to harmonize the formula for proper digestion.