Chinese herbal medicine is another of the major forms of treatment used in TCM. It is also based on the wholistic approach that focuses as much on the prevention of illness as it does the treatment of the disease process itself.
The origins of Chinese herbal medicine can be traced back far as being one of the oldest and most long-standing health care systems in the world. It uses Chinese herbs in many different forms to treat many different diseases and illnesses.
There are over 450 commonly used herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, most of which are of plant origin (leaves, sees, twigs, stems, roots, flowers, fruits) though some animal and mineral substances are also used. Some herbs that were once used in traditional medicine and that are now endangered are no longer used in professional Chinese herbal medicine practice.
Chinese herbs can be used in a number of different ways. Traditionally, raw herbs are combined and simmered in a clay pot and the resulting liquid (decoction) is then taken as prescribed. More commonly in recent times, individual herbs are processed into granule or powder form and are prescribed in much the same way.
The difference is that the patient doesn’t then have to go through the decocting process; rather they simply add a small amount of water and take as prescribed. Herbal formulas are also processed further to make tablets, capsules and pills. Externally, Chinese herbs are also used as external washes, ointments, tinctures, plasters and creams.
Although Chinese herbal medicines can be easily bought over the counter in health food stores, supermarkets and Chinese herb shops it is strongly recommended that a qualified Chinese herbalist is consulted rather than self-medicating as this may cause aggravation of symptoms or unwanted side effects.