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Herbs
Chinese herbal formulas are part of the complete medical system including acupuncture and tui na that is referred to as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In treating disease, herbal medicine, like acupuncture focuses on pattern differentiation. This means that herbal formulas are utilized in treatment for particular patterns rather than particular symptoms. Herbal prescriptions can be used to treat both acute and chronic conditions and are a valuable part of TCM.
Herbal formulations can be administered in various ways:
Decoctions (tea) in this preparation, raw herbs are placed in water and then boiled for a certain period of time.The liquid is strained and the resulting tea is taken by mouth. This is an extremely effective way of taking an herbal formula that is rapidly absorbed and is very potent. Additionally, raw herbal formulas are easily individualized on a per patient basis.
Granules in this modern preparation, ingredients (either a single herb or a formula) are decocted until they are a thick concentrate, and then made into powder or granules. Herbs administered in this fashion are potent and quickly absorbed, and may still have the potential to be customized. This type of preparation is common as it is much more time efficient for the patient, as prepared granules are just combined with water and ingested.
Tinctures this type of preparation involves soaking ingredients in wine or other alcoholic spirits. The liquid is strained and the resulting tincture is often ingested warm. Tinctures can be used both internally and externally depending on the condition.
Tea Pills this type of preparation involves finely grinding the ingredients and adding a liquid to bind them together as a pill. Tea pills are commercially prepared based in classical formulas and are not nearly as potent as decoctions. Herbal formulations prepared in this manner cannot be individualized, but are convenient and easily stored.
Above are the most common types of herbal preparations but there are some other ways herbs can be administered including soft-gels, external powders, pastes, and soaks. Your practitioner will talk to you about all the options available and which one would be best for you and your condition.