Understanding Chinese Herbs: Common Questions Answered

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is a traditional healing practice over 2000 year old traditional medicine that utilizes natural substances like plants, minerals, and animal products to address various health issues. It's based on principles of balancing the body's energy, or Qi, to promote wellness and treat ailments. CHM is integrated into the national healthcare systems in East Asia such as China, Japan, Korea. In the USA, there is a CHM department at Cleveland Clinic and CHMs are considered nutritional supplements. In most states, practitioners of CHM have completed at least a Master’s degree and are state licensed.

Chinese herbs work by restoring harmony and balance within the body based on principles of balancing the body's energy, or Qi, to promote wellness and treat ailments. They are often prescribed in combinations, rather than as single herbs, to target specific imbalances or health concerns. CHM distinguishes itself through its meticulous, methodological approach to assessment of the person, and uses the information gathered during intake to decide upon the herbal formulation. This personalized approach allows for precise targeting of the root causes of imbalances, taking into account factors such as the individual's symptoms, underlying patterns of disharmony, and overall health status. One key aspect that sets Chinese Herbal Medicine apart is the utilization of classical herbal formulas, which have been used for thousands of years. These formulas are based on centuries of empirical observation, clinical efficacy, and are carefully composed of multiple herbs selected for their synergistic effects. Chinese herbalists may choose to use these classical formulas as they are or customize them to suit the individual's unique constitution which suits modern health concerns. In addition to classical formulas, Chinese herbalists have the flexibility to create entirely customized formulas tailored to each person's specific needs. The importance of using multiple herbs within a single formula lies in the concept of synergy, where the combined action of the herbs produces a greater therapeutic effect than any single herb alone. Each herb contributes its unique properties and actions to the formula, enhancing efficacy while minimizing potential side effects. This holistic approach acknowledges the complexity of health and recognizes that no single herb or compound can address all aspects of a person's condition. Another way that CHM is tailored to your needs, is that the herbs in the formula, or the entire formulas themselves are changed based on the changes in your body. Sometimes I change herbs weekly or monthly depending on the case. This dynamic approach of continued attention to your health pattern changes and changing herbal treatments differentiates CHM from biomedicine and even to a great extent from Functional Medicine, both of which tend to keep people on the same treatments long term. By carefully selecting and combining herbs in synergistic formulas, and applying dynamic changes as needed, Chinese Herbal Medicine offers a comprehensive and integrative approach to wellness that addresses the root causes of imbalances while supporting the body's innate healing mechanisms. This rich tradition, combined with evidence through the lens of modern scientific research, makes Chinese Herbal Medicine a valuable and versatile tool for promoting health and vitality in today's world.

Chinese herbs can be taken in various forms to suit different preferences and needs. The most common forms include: Teas (Decoctions): This traditional method involves boiling dried herbs in water to extract their medicinal properties. Decoctions are typically prepared fresh and consumed daily. For your convenience and for the highest quality tea extractions, Juliette Aiyana’s pharmacy will do the cooking for you and send the prepared teas to you in preservative free, BPA free vacuum sealed packets. All you have to do is warm it up and drink. Tablets, Capsules and Tea Pills: These are convenient and easy-to-use forms where herbs are ground into powder and compressed into tablets, tiny, round, coated tea pills or encapsulated. They are ideal for those who prefer a more straightforward method of ingestion. Concentrates: Herbal extracts are concentrated into liquid or powder form, making them highly potent. These concentrates can be added to water or taken directly. They are preserved with glycerin or alcohol. Granules: Similar to concentrates, granules are made by spray-drying decoctions into a granular form. They dissolve easily in hot water and are convenient for quick preparation. Tinctures: Herbs are soaked in alcohol or another solvent to create a liquid extract. Tinctures are taken in small doses, often mixed with water. Topicals: Some herbs are applied externally as creams, ointments, or poultices to treat skin conditions, injuries, or pain. Juliette Aiyana will recommend the most suitable form based on your specific health needs and lifestyle.

Chinese medicine herbalists undergo extensive training to become proficient in the principles and practices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and herbal therapy. The educational path typically includes rigorous academic study, clinical training, and practical experience. In many countries, including China and the United States, Chinese medicine herbalists are required to complete a formal education program from an accredited institution. In the United States, entry level education is a Master’s Degree and most of us are Nationally Board Certified and state licensed. These professional education programs often span four to five years and cover a broad range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and TCM theory and diagnostics. During their training, students learn about the properties and actions of hundreds of herbs and their combination, as well as how to identify, prepare, and administer herbal formulas. They also study classical TCM texts and diagnostic methods such as pulse and tongue diagnosis to assess patterns of disharmony and develop appropriate treatment strategies. You can view Juliette Aiyana’s training and postgraduate continuing education over the past couple of decades in her bio. In addition to classroom instruction, students typically gain hands-on experience through clinical internships, where they work under the supervision of experienced practitioners to diagnose and treat patients using herbal medicine. This practical training allows students to refine their skills, deepen their understanding of TCM principles, and develop confidence in their ability to provide effective care. Overall, the training of Chinese medicine herbalists is comprehensive and rigorous, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise needed to provide safe and effective herbal therapy to their patients.