Alternative medicine has long been practiced around the world and Chinese herbal remedies have been around longer than most. The first work on Chinese herbal remedies, the Shennong Herbal Classic, was completed in the 5th century B.C., it is from this reference that some important herbal remedy formulas originated.
There are 3 Groups of Chinese herbal remedies. The first group is called 'food herbs' which are eaten as part your diet for general fortification, prevention and maintenance. The remaining two groups are called 'medicinal herbs' which are dispensed as individual herbal formulas based on one?s constitution, environment and medical condition.
After diagnosing a condition and having administered acupuncture treatments, a Chinese herbal remedy specialist can create a herbal formula from over a thousand common herbal formulas or from the more effective traditional family formulas.
Medicinal herbal therapy works with acupuncture by providing the nourishing support for the energetic 're-programming' and 're-balancing' efforts of acupuncture.
Depending on the condition being treated, when someone takes a Chinese herbal remedy, if the remedy has been mixed to be in balance with the body, little or no side effects are felt. However, this is not always the case as it does depend on the condition as well as the skill of the herbologist who has mixed the herbal remedy.
What has Western medicine to say about Chinese herbal remedies?
While there is always a degree of scepticism from the Western medical community, there have been many articles published in Western medical journals supporting the use and benefits of some Chinese herbal remedies.
One example from 1999 is a UCLA School of Medicine report that stated a natural supplement based on Chinese red-yeast-rice is highly effective in lowering cholesterol levels. In 1998 medical researchers at the University of Sydney released a report showing that Chinese herbal remedies are indeed effective in the treatment of Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Ginseng is certainly the best known and most popular of all Chinese herbal remedies. It is known as the "King" of Chinese herbs. It is true to say that with Ginseng, you get what you pay for. Some Ginseng roots can cost thousands of dollars and most consumers will not be seeking out the highest quality Ginseng. The more affordable Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) may be substituted in most situations.
Chinese herbal remedies are typically created in carefully prepared combinations. Unless you are a specialist in Chinese herbal remedies, you may not be able to find the individual ingredients. Chinese herbal remedies are available through numerous sources, including prescriptions given out by health professionals (acupuncturists and others trained in the use of Chinese herb formulas), health food products sold in stores, and some products marketed by individuals. Also, some research on the Internet into Chinese herbal remedies does not go amiss.
As always with any type of remedy, consult with a specialist in the area (in this case, Chinese herbal remedies) to get a safe and appropriate diagnosis.
