Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is another pillar of East Asian medicine. It is used as a stand-alone form of treatment and sometimes it is used together as an addendum to one’s acupuncture treatment to expedite the healing process and strengthen the body. In addition to this, herbal formulas give our patients an active role in their treatments.

These herbs consisted of different substances:

  •  Plants
  • Minerals
  • Foods
  • Animal products

Herbs are often administered as a formula; a group of herbal ingredients to help treat disease as opposed to just using one ingredient.

Herbal medicine is given in two different forms. The first type is internal formulas and the second type is external formulas.

Internal formulas:

  • Powdered formulas/ granule extracts
  • Pills and tablets
  • Tinctures
  • Raw Herbs

External formulas:

  • Liniments
  • Ointments
  • Soaks
  • Powders
  • Plasters

Most herbal formulas are not certified by the FDA but are in compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). They have no heavy metals, toxins, preservatives, or fillers that can cause harm to the body.

Here at Zen-Ohs Acupuncture, we often use herbal formulas in powdered form and in pill form.  Other herbal formulae come in raw form as well. The formulas that are taken internally are for treating systemic conditions.

For our patients with aches and pains due to trauma, we have liniments and ointments which can be externally applied to the body.

The cost of raw herbal formulae teas depends on the ingredients used as well as preparation.