Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced for thousands of years. Chinese herbalists did a great job of recording and teaching what they learned through their medical practices. This allowed the medicine to advance through the ages and adapt to the different diseases that developed with the growing culture.

As people moved in to centralised cities, rapid population growth brought new diseases. Chinese herbalism was able to change and address the needs of these new societies. This trend of development has continued into our own era.

Chinese herbal therapy is natural medicine. It is also powerful medicine that should only be prescribed by someone trained and certified. Today, the medicine is used to treat many common aliments such as insomnia, hot flashes, and digestive problems. It is also used to treat more serious diseases such as IBS, cancer and HIV.

By offering an alternative to prescription medication, Chinese herbalism has allowed many people to achieve their health care goals without the downside of high expenses and multiple side-effects. By using herbs together in formulas a skilled herbalist is able to create effective formulas that have few to no side effects.

The use of herbs in formula is one of Chinese medicine's greatest strengths. Each individual recieves a formula tailored to his or her specific needs. Most formulas consist of 6 to 18 herbs.

The tradition of Chinese herbalism is old and new. It is an evolving medicine that is driven by constant research and practice. It has adapted to meet our modern needs and will continue to provide health and healing by employing the power of nature.

Links

A dictionary full of information about individual Chinese herbs
http://alternativehealing.org/chinese_herbs_dictionary.htm

One of our main herb suppliers
http://www.gfcherbs.com/

Great source of herb photos!
http://www.stevenfoster.com/photography/index.html