Herbal medicine – also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine – refers to using a plant’s seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing disease.
Herbal medicine can be used to treat many conditions, including migraines, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others. Some common herbs and their uses are described below.
- Kuan Dong Hua (Coltsfoot Flower) – Redirects qi downward and stops coughing – cough and wheezing from many different etiologies, most often used for different types of colds.
- Fu shen - Fu shen grows throughout China and has been traditionally used for mental disorders and stress. The herb is one of several that help pacify the spirit and tranquilize the mind. Fu shen can be ground into a powder and mixed with water to drink alone or as part of a more complex formula.
- Ji Xue Teng (Millettia Vine) - Promotes the movement of blood and helps with many blood deficiency patterns such as irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. Ji Xue Teng invigorates the channels, relax the sinews, and relieves numbness of the extremities, lower back pain, knee pain, and blood deficiency or stasis.
- Hong Hua (Safflower) – Hong hua is often used to move clean blood in bad blood out, so it us often used as medicinals for trauma, contusions, and bruises. It is particularly useful for conditions that require fresh blood in areas, such as tendinitis. Hong hua also helps relieve the stagnation or stasis of blood, and used in menstrual problems.
At Uptown Acupuncture, our clinical herbalists have studied the traditional uses of herbs, the medical sciences of biochemistry, nutrition and anatomy, as well as diagnosis, and prescription. We provide modern tools to transform the ancient art and science of Chinese herbology into an effective health care option. With your involvement, our herbalists will develop an integrated herbal program that addresses your specific health needs and concerns.
