What is Chinese herbal medicine?

By Dr. Mark-Ian VanOtterloo DAOM

Have you ever wondered how people in ancient times treated various illnesses? Well, they had a different way of healing, and it wasn’t just about acupuncture. They used a combination of therapies to improve blood flow and promote healing. One of the most fascinating methods they employed was Chinese herbal medicine.

Chinese herbal medicine has a rich history that goes back thousands of years. It is a highly sophisticated system of medicine that is still widely used today. People in China have been using herbs to treat a wide range of ailments, from the common cold to certain types of cancer. 

Traditionally, when you visit a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, they create a personalized formula just for you. This formula will contain various herbs carefully chosen to address your specific condition. You’d then have to go home and cook the ingredients to prepare your particular formula. Currently, we’ve been able to skip all those steps and will pre-cook formulas into capsulated formulas. This does not mean the formula isn’t tailored directly to an individual but is an effective administration route.

What do I do to prepare for an appointment?

When you prepare for your appointment, it is crucial to inform your practitioner about any medications or supplements you are currently taking. This is important because certain herbs may interact with other substances and cause unwanted effects. Your practitioner can adjust your formula accordingly to avoid any potential complications.

How many different herbal formulas are there?

Interestingly, there are thousands of herbs in the Chinese materia medica, but only 300 are commonly used. These herbs have been studied and refined over centuries to provide the best possible results for patients. We’ve isolated various active ingredients within the herbal compounds, but it is difficult to know how all the compounds work together for their intended therapeutic effect. Regardless, we know that the formulas themselves are effective both as internal and external routes of administration. 

So, if you’re curious about exploring alternative approaches to healing, Chinese herbal medicine might be worth considering. It’s a time-tested tradition that continues to offer valuable insights into the art of healing. We advise and provide patients with external and internal herbal formulas and supplements based on their health goals. Remember to consult with a qualified practitioner and share all your medications and supplements to ensure the best possible outcome.