Herbal therapy has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for centuries. Fortunately, the West is catching on to the timelessness of this ancient medicine and is incorporating Chinese herbs into a variety of treatments.

According to certified and licensed Chinese herbalist Galina Roofener, LAc, “there have been numerous studies that prove the safety and effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine.” However, just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it is problem-free. Get an evaluation from a qualified practitioner before taking Chinese herbs. For more information, visit acupunctures.com.au.

Before taking Chinese herbs, she discusses what you should know.

How does Chinese herbalism work?

Herbs are used in Chinese herbal medicine to improve health. Western herbalism differs from traditional Chinese herbalism in that herbalists do not treat symptoms or diseases. Roofener describes how they treat entire humans, including their patterns of symptoms.

There are thousands of years of data to support Chinese herbal medicine. Throughout history, Chinese emperors preserved and multiplied the knowledge of previous ages. Almost 2,000 years of written records describe how herbs and herb combinations work in different people today.”

Herbal therapy in Chinese medicine can include the following:

  • Easy-to-digest capsules or granules.
  • Powders, liquid extracts, and teas.
  • This is a traditional formula.
  • The formula that your herbalist creates specifically for you.

” The herbs we use in our traditional formulas have specific roles. There are some of them that are the main active ingredients that address the primary complaint. Roofener says that others may address secondary complaints or symptoms. This is why we customize the majority of herbal formulas based on the needs of each individual.

Herbs in Chinese medicine: how they work

According to Roofener, Chinese herbal medicine is based on the concept of pattern differentiation. An individual’s head-to-toe collection of symptoms and signs is identified through pattern differentiation.

In our practice, we do not treat diseases. “We treat patterns and patients,” she says. Consider the many habitats on our planet – the Sahara Desert, Florida swampland, and Canada wilderness. According to her, each habitat requires its own kind of care.

Exactly what are the benefits of Chinese herbs?

According to Roofener, herbs can help everyone, but especially those with difficult-to-diagnose conditions. Among these conditions are:

  • Having allergies.
  • An autoimmune disorder.
  • Side effects of cancer treatment.
  • There is diarrhea and constipation.
  • Problems with digestion.
  • Fertility problems.
  • The irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Regulation of the immune system.
  • The menopause.
  • Pain caused by menstruation or endometriosis.
  • The feeling of persistent fatigue.

Roofener says Free and Easy Wanderer (Xiao Yao Wan) regulates mood and is great for stress. Another popular herb is ginseng, but Roofener warns that it can overstimulate the nervous system if taken too much.

How safe are Chinese herbs?

Many researchers have conducted extensive research on the safety of Chinese herbs, including Roofener. “Liver and kidney function is an important safety measure in both conventional Western and Eastern medicine. We use these organs to eliminate drugs and herbs from our bodies,” she says.

Over the course of a seven-year study, we did not find a single instance of kidney or liver disease. We had just five very mild cases of itching or shortness of breath due to allergic reactions out of 333 patients,” she says.

Roofener also notes that herbalists seeing their patients more often increases patient safety. It is impossible for me to give you one formula for a whole year and refill it without seeing you again, as Western medicine does. I will never let you go more than eight weeks without reevaluate you. If your condition or symptoms change, I may adjust the formula weekly.