Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is the main portion of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). There are over 3000 herbal medicines according to book record. It is called “herbal medicine” because most Chinese herbal medicines are plants (over 70%). In fact, Chinese herbal medicines also include animal, mineral, and artificial products. All of the individual herbs are called “Crude herbs”.

Chinese herbs can be used individually. However, in most circumstances, several or dozens of herbs are used together which are called “Formulas”. Formulas are varied not only in different ingredients but also in different dosages among ingredients. The way of cooking herbs and the process of preparation of herbs also affect curative effects. In addition, the diagnostic methods of Chinese medicine are also very complex. This is why people search for good and famous doctors with many years of experience.

Herbal formulas can be taken in a variety of ways. There are many different types of Chinese herbs. You may be prescribed raw herbs. You will take them home, and following simple instructions, steep these herbs and cook them into a tea to drink at home. Although we call it "tea," some patients find the taste to be a little less than "delicious." For this reason, many practitioners also offer herbal supplements in pill and capsule form. Herbal formulas tend to be created for a single patient and their specific pattern of disharmony.

Herbs in the forms of pills, capsules, tablets, syrup, or powder, which are in different formula ingredients and produced in different manufactures, are called patent herbs. There are hundreds of patent herb formulas with different brand names in United States. The characteristics of patent herbs comparing to crude herbs are easier to use, slower in effects, and convenient to take. Therefore, patent herbs are good supplementary methods to be added to acupuncture, Tuina massage, and Qigong treatments.

Not all crude herbs are bitter and with strong smells. Some herbs are bland and some herbs are tasty. The category of these herbs can be cooked with food. It is called “Chinese Medicinal Meals”. It is very beneficial to have their proper Medicinal meal recipes recommended for someone who likes cooking.

We offer herbal medicine in Tampa, Clearwater, Westchase, Oldsmar, Town 'n' Country, Lutz and Safety Harbor.