Frequently Asked Questions

Chinese Herbal Pharmacopoeia

The oldest major Chinese medical text regarding the Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia is the "Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic" which was compiled by unknown authors between 200 B.C.E. and 100 A.C.E. This book is the theoretical and philosophical foundation of Chinese medicine. Although herbal medicine was used thousands of years prior to the compilation of this book, the "Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic" is the basic text describing individual Chinese herbs, their properties and how they should be used.

Since then, thousands of herbs and other medicinal substances (including resins, animal products, and minerals) have been added to the pharmacopoeia or materia medica, including medicinals from all over southeast Asia. Today, we consistently employ around 300 Chinese herbs in our materia medica. These are herbs that have consistently demonstrated efficacy in treating illness, and safety and freedom from unwanted side effects. Many medicinal agents and drugs were originally developed from herbs and today's research into herbs and drugs usually focuses on the individual active properties of herbs and their isolation for drug manufacture.

Chinese Herbology is an essential partner with acupuncture in Chinese medicine. Although acupuncture alone is very effective, treatment time can be reduced and efficacy enhanced greatly through the combined efforts of acupuncture and herbs.
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Are Chinese Herbs Safe?

Compared to the negative and life-threatening side-effects of western drugs, Chinese herbs are very safe and inexpensive, provided they are administered by a licensed professional. I have a nationally recognized Diplomate of Chinese Herbology license and I suggest being treated only by others with the same certification. Although Chinese herbs are relatively safe, professionals must still have several hundred hours of training and clinical practice in prescribing Chinese herbs. Herbs are selected individually for each patient based upon the Chinese medical diagnosis, which in itself must be accurate. The herbs are selected for their efficacy and safety in treating that particular diagnosis and for that particular person. One herbal formula or one herb is not equally effective or desirable for everyone. If someone is taking western drugs along with Chinese herbs, it is essential that a professional monitor the patient for interactions. Generally, the risk is the interaction of the two, and the possibility that the Chinese herb(s) may enhance the effects of the drug, or dull it, thereby reducing the therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Just as some foods affect the efficacy of drugs, so do some Chinese herbs.

Research continues today at a rapid pace in analyzing and documenting the interactions of Chinese herbs and drugs. Those of us who are licensed herbalists stay atop this research and are well aware of herb and drug combinations that may pose health risks. Again, in the hands of a licensed herbalist, these risks are eliminated, minimalized or monitored closely to ensure patient wellness. A case in point for herb safety is the Chinese herb Ma Huang, otherwise known as Ephedra. This herb has been used for thousands of years in China for respiratory problems. However, it was western drug manufacturers attempting to treat obesity that misused the herb and caused several deaths. Chinese herbalists do not use Ephedra to treat obesity. The deaths caused quite a stir and the herb was banned temporarily. Recent FDA ruling has placed the herb back on the market but I warn anyone that the herb is not to be used for obesity. It is safe and effective, however, at treating asthma and other respiratory problems when dosed and administered by a licensed Chinese herbalist such as I.
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What Do Chinese Herbs Treat?

Chinese herbs, like acupuncture, can treat ANY disease, disorder or complaint you can imagine. Today, it is quite common to treat sciatica, other pain problems, arthritis, menstrual problems and gastrointestinal complaints, to name just a few, with Chinese herbs.
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How Are Chinese Herbs Prescribed?

The most effective way to prescribe Chinese herbs is in tea form, otherwise known as "raw, loose" herbal formulas. Rarely, in Chinese Herbology, is just one herb used to treat a problem. Once in a while it does occur, like prescribing Ren Shen (Ginseng) to treat fatigue, or He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) to treat hair loss and hair graying. Most of the time, the individual herbs are selected and combined together in a formula designed by the herbalist for that particular patient. Combining the herbs together increases their effectiveness and decreases any risk of negative side-effects. Herbs are not used forever, most of the time a short treatment period for herbs is indicated. Some tonifying formulas (to treat debilitated, fatigued conditions) are used for several months, but these are herbs that are well tolerated in the long term. These raw herbal formulas are cooked into tea form by the patient and consumed daily for a certain amount of time. The teas generally do not taste good, there's no denying, but patients find the bad taste is minor compared to how quickly and effectively the herbs treat their complaint.

Chinese herbs are also prescribed in powder form, which can be made into individualized formulas like raw, loose herbs but have a longer shelf life and can be used when traveling. Pill-form herbs of the most popular Chinese herbal formulas are also available from many different Chinese and American manufacturers. Although this form of herbal prescription is the least effective, it is sometime preferable, as there is no bad taste to contend with, there is no time taken to cook the herbs, and they travel well. Usually, a patient has to remain on these pill-form herbs longer to achieve the desired affect. On a weekly basis, pill-form herbs are less expensive, but over the course of treatment, pill-form herbs may require longer treatment time and end up costing more. At Phoenix Rising Acupuncture, I prescribe raw, loose herbal formulas for my patients willing to cook and drink the herbs. I also have pill-form herbs available.
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