true #<Category:0x7f7255affd88> 3 2008-04-01T19:01:04Z <p>An integral part of Oriental Medicine is the use of Chinese herbs, which substantially aid in the restoration and maintenance of balance in the body. <br /> <br /> Herbs, which include plants, flowers and minerals, are highly specific in their actions, and possess diverse qualities and properties, to target different aspects of a patient&rsquo;s disharmony. <br /> <br /> It should be noted that about 25% of prescription drugs in the United States contain at least one active ingredient derived from plants and 40% of pharmaceuticals are synthetic versions of herbs. <br /> <br /> Herbal formulas are especially tailored to the individual needs of each patient and come in many forms, including herbal teas, pills, powders, or tinctures. Herbs rarely illicit side effects and can be taken in conjunction with modern medicine. However, because of the above mentioned pharmacology involved, it is best if they are prescribed by a licensed herbalist. <br /> <br /> <strong>*Note:</strong> In the state of California, all Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) are licensed herbalists. The education requirements and licensure encompass both disciplines.</p> true 3 herb.jpg 1.0 <p>Herbal formulas are especially tailored to the individual needs of each patient and come in many forms, including herbal teas, pills, powders, or tinctures. Herbs rarely illicit side effects and can be taken in conjunction with modern medicine. However, because of the above mentioned pharmacology involved, it is best if they are prescribed by a licensed herbalist</p> herb_thumbnail.jpg 2009-02-16T06:18:41Z true #<Category:0x7f7255a73a68> 3 2008-04-03T13:39:46Z <p>There is a great overlap between western herbs and Chinese herbs. Many of the common western herbs are also used in Chinese medicine. For example, <strong>astragalus</strong> (AKA <strong>&ldquo;Huang Qi&rdquo;</strong>) is native to China and been used there for centuries, whereas in the United States it gained popularity in the 1980&rsquo;s. Both areas of the world have been using it to enhance immune function, prevent and treat common colds, prevent heart disease, and also as an adjunct therapy to cancer. <br /> <br /> The difference between western herbalism and Chinese herbal medicine is the philosophy. Chinese medicine prefers herbal formulas where the herbs work together synergistically to treat various patterns of disease in the body and also treat the root cause of imbalance. Traditionally, western herbalism treats symptoms based on a single herb or remedy. <br /> <br /> Many medical researchers in the United States and Europe suspect ancient remedies may also harbor new drugs. Government, industry, and academic research groups are zealously mining this potential source of pharmaceuticals, probing Chinese herbs for the chemical constituents that might one day yield new treatments for everything from asthma to AIDS.<br /> <br /> <strong>However, proponents of traditional Chinese medicine say this fervor to isolate single compounds is misplaced. For us, the real benefits come from whole herbs and herbal extracts, since the chemicals in them purportedly work in conjunction with one another.</strong></p> false 4 1.0 <p>The difference between western herbalism and Chinese herbal medicine is the philosophy. Chinese medicine prefers herbal formulas where the herbs work together synergistically to treat various patterns of disease in the body and also treat the root cause of imbalance. Traditionally, western herbalism treats symptoms based on a single herb or remedy.</p> 2009-02-16T06:19:02Z true #<Category:0x7f7255a587b8> 3 2008-04-04T17:19:44Z <p>&bull; Echinacea and goldenseal are often taken by people with chronic viral illnesses. These two herbs are meant to be used for <strong>acute</strong>, (not chronic viral illnesses) &ndash;at the beginning of a cold/flu.<br /> <br /> &bull; In addition, studies show that long term, high doses actually weaken the immune system rather than strengthen the immune system.<br /> <br /> &bull; Finally, goldenseal can be toxic when taken for too long, since it is stored in the liver and not excreted.<br /> <br /> <strong>*Therefore, consulting with a qualified practitioner is crucial in disease prevention and management.</strong></p> false 11 1.0 2009-02-16T06:22:11Z