Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal medicine is the main modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is the world’s oldest continuously practiced, professional medicine! Its written history stretches back to over 2,500 years and its practice is undoubtedly much older than that. Chinese herbal medicine is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular and effective alternative therapies in the West.
The most common method of taking Chinese herbal medicine is in a decoction. This means that the herbs are boiled for approximately 45 minutes and then strained and drunk 2-3 times per day. However, there are also herbal pills, tinctures and powdered extracts for those who do not have the time or taste for drinking traditional decoctions.
In acute conditions, results can be experienced in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. Although chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time, nonetheless, signs that the medicine is working should be readily apparent to both patient and practitioner.
