Our Pharmacy:

We carry a full pharmacy of approximately 200 single herbs and 50 traditional formulas. Our herbs come from two main companies on the West Coast: Evergreen and Mayway. These companies receive their herbs from Mainland China. All of the herbs go through strict testing to ensure the highest quality. Both companies are approved by the Good Manufacturing Product, GMP. These reputable companies are continually researching their herbs in an effort to provide updated pharmacological effects.

Herbal Preparations:
All of our herbs are prepared in granular, or powdered, form. This process begins with the raw herb. It is then decocted into a tea form in large vats. After the tea is made, it is dried into a concentrated powder. It keeps all of the original properties of the herb, unless it was specially processed with honey, ginger, charred or quick fried: all of these change the properties of the herb, modify the temperature, or accentuate a particular function. For example, herbs that are honey fried, have a warmer, tonifying effect on the digestive system.  Those that are charred help to stop bleeding.

All formulas are written and prepared by the Chinese Herbalist to best address your individual Chinese pattern diagnosis. This means that no one ever receives the same formula, even if they are diagnosed with the same Western condition (ex. Back pain, headache).

Frequency and Dosing:
The formula is taken in tea form by adding hot water to a specific serving size. The frequency varies, but commonly it is taken 2 – 3 times a day. Taking an herbal formula acts as self care, something that is added into your daily routine. It has been shown that taking an herbal formula with acupuncture care produces faster and more effective results.

Safety:
The herbal formulas are safe and effective when recommended by trained Herbalists. Your Herbalist will review all medications and supplements you are taking, as well as all allergies you have before a formula is written.  The formulas are safe to take even if you are on several different medications. Adjustments will be made to your formula as well as the times during the day that you take it. All precautions are taken to ensure that there are no interactions.

Side Effects:
There has been very few side effects associated with Chinese herbal formulas. The most common side effects include an upset stomach and nausea. If there is any possibility of an allergy, you may experience tingling around the lips. We always recommend that you stop your formula immediately if experiencing any symptoms and call your Herbalist so that he/she may examine you and adjust the formula. 

Blood Tests:  We recommend regular bloodwork for most of our patients.  We find they act as excellent indicators to how your body is responding to treatment and to the herbs.  This is especially necessary when coming in for low blood cell counts, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, elevated liver enzymes and autoimmune conditions.  When needed we refer out for more complete blood tests.