Chinese Herbs FAQs

An herbal pharmacist prescribes herbs and herbal formulas to treat a variety of medical conditions. A practitioner is familiar with and makes use of the 1,800 herbs in the Chinese pharmacopeia. All of these herbs are classified according to their energetic qualities, functions, and the different organs, meridians, and disharmonies they address. An herbal pharmacist will prescribe single herbs or an herbal formula. Herbal formulas are a combination of herbs that create a unique, synergistic formula that are created to address an individual’s need.

A pharmacist must meet a uniform set of licensing requirements set by a governing board to practice. They also work with pharmaceuticals. An herbalist can have varying degrees of training but a professional herbal pharmacist is trained and has knowledge of most of the 1,800 herbs in the Chinese pharmacopeia. This qualifies them to create effective formulas for the patients. When starting a new prescription, herbal or pharmaceutical, the pharmacist or herbalist needs to know pharmaceuticals, supplements, and herbs a patient is taking as well as any known allergies.

The most powerful herbal medicine depends on the person, their medical history, and their needs. To find the most effective herbal treatment, one needs to consult with a qualified herbal pharmacist. An herbal pharmacist will create a custom treatment plan once patient details are known.

Herbal medicine is not considered a pharmaceutical in the United States. The FDA places herbs in the food category meaning that herbs and pharmaceuticals do not undergo the same tests and are held to different standards. Herbal medicine is an effective way to treat a variety of medical conditions but should only be used under the supervision of a qualified herbal pharmacist. Herbal medicine can have negative effects on the body and can have a reaction with one another and other prescribed medications which is one reason to consult a professional.

You can buy Chinese Herbs at Transformational Herbal Pharmacy.

Chinese herbs and herbal formulas can be found online through a number of retailers and can also be prescribed by qualified practitioners. However, to ensure the quality, safety, and effectiveness of herbs, it is recommended that practitioners purchase through vetted suppliers. Patients should never self-medicate and should first consult their practitioner before taking herbs. Patients can purchase herbs through their practitioners or find a practitioner through our directory.

Yes, Chinese herbs work! The Chinese herb pharmacopeia developed from experience — traditional medical practitioners used the herbs and noticed certain results. This knowledge was passed down in families and communities. The knowledge was then compiled by members of the Emperor’s court.

There are over 5,000 years of knowledge that go into Chinese herbal formulas. Research through a Western lens is just beginning to scratch the surface of the effective mechanisms in the herbs — they are discovering active ingredients and trace elements that work together. In formulas, herbs work together to counteract side effects and enhance effectiveness.

We also hear about the effectiveness from our clinical patients in how they sleep better, have better fertility outcomes, have reduced pain, have better digestion, have less anxiety, and feel more focused and present.

The use of herbs and herbal formulas has been in practice for over 5,000 years, and Western research on how herbal medicine works is expanding. Chinese herbal medicine works to naturally clear conditions that are considered excess, nourish conditions that are considered deficient, or help create balance in the body to promote self-healing. Herbal formulas are prescribed based on a patient’s individual medical history and current condition.

Because Chinese herbal medicine is a highly individualized therapy, the time it takes to experience effectiveness can vary. Some may feel results in a few weeks, while others may need months to experience desired results. Your practitioner will likely ask you several questions regarding your medical history, current issue, and goals before creating a prescription/treatment plan that outlines what herbal formula(s) to take and for how long.

Chinese herbs are a good, natural treatment method that is chosen not only for their effectiveness but also for their lack of side effects. Herbal remedies restore balance to your internal systems, addressing the root cause of the issue rather than just suppressing symptoms. People also choose herbal medicine because it does not cause dependence.

Chinese herbs are safe to take when used as prescribed by qualified practitioners. Practitioners are trained and have knowledge of most of the 1,800 herbs in the Chinese pharmacopeia so they can create effective formulas for the individual. Your practitioner will create a formula specific to you, monitor your progress, and adjust as needed.

There are some herbs that are used during pregnancy, but a detailed medical history must be recorded in order to ensure the need for herbs and to help identify the necessary herbs. If you’re pregnant or are trying to conceive and are interested in herbal medicine, please schedule a consultation with us. For more information on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can support you during the prenatal, perinatal, and postpartum stages of pregnancy, visit Transformational Acupuncture.

Yes, there are herbs that are used to promote fertility health for both men and women that improve the likelihood of conception. Before taking herbs for fertility, a detailed medical history must be recorded in order to ensure the need for herbs and to help identify the necessary herbs. If you’re interested in herbal medicine for fertility and have questions about formulas schedule a consultation with us. For more information on how Traditional Chinese Medicine can support you during your fertility journey, visit Transformational Acupuncture.

One reason Chinese herbs are a popular, natural choice for preventative care and restorative care is because of the lack of side effects. However, while taking herbal medicine is widely regarded as safe, it is important to consult a qualified practitioner to get a tailored treatment plan. Your practitioner will create a prescription that is safe and effective for you.

Chinese herbal medicine is a highly individualized medicine. Your practitioner will recommend how and when to take your herbs and herb formulas for maximum effectiveness. If you’re a patient in need of a licensed herbalist, schedule a consultation with us or visit our directory to find an herbalist in your state.

Herbs, formulas, frequency, and dosage all depend on the individual and their needs. After a consultation, your practitioner will create a treatment plan that will include how often you should take the herbs and formulas.

It is generally recommended that herbs be taken on an empty stomach, half an hour before or an hour after a meal. However, some herbs should be taken at a particular time so please refer to your prescription for instructions on when to take your herb formula.

Chinese herbs are a powerful therapy that can sometimes be harmful if not taken responsibly, which is why it’s important to get a prescription from a qualified practitioner to ensure you get the right herbs, the right dosage, and that they don’t interfere with any medications or existing conditions.

Our suppliers conduct herb purity evaluations and testing prior to delivery to our pharmacy. Herbs are subjected to a range of analytical tests to determine purity, quality, and safety at all stages of production.

If you are a patient in need of a licensed herbalist, schedule a consultation with us or visit our directory to find an herbalist in your state.

Chinese herbs have a short half-life (the time it takes for the quantity of the substance to reduce by half) when compared to pharmaceutical medications. This is why Chinese herbal formulas can be prescribed at a specific dosage several times per day — most often 3 to 4 times per day.

Some sources suggest that herbs can remain in a person’s system for 3-4 hours. However, the half-life of Chinese herbs will depend on the specific herb or formula, a person’s metabolism, other pharmaceutical medications being taken, and a number of other factors. This is why dosage and frequency are individualized for each patient.

Chinese herbs and herbal formulas come in several different forms. Our pharmacy carries raw herbs and herb formulas which are cooked and made into a tea. There are several methods of cooking raw herbs including with a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or on the stovetop. We also have granules that are mixed with warm water and capsules that can be swallowed.

Yes, Chinese herbs are available in granule form which can then be encapsulated. Capsules may either be a single herb or several herbs (herbal formula).

All of our herb products are labeled with a best-by date. Please check each label as different formulas have different shelf lives, depending on the specific ingredients.

Most Chinese herbs should be kept in a cool, dry place. A place that is away from direct sunlight and moisture. If your formula contains a sticky ingredient, it may require refrigeration. Refer to each individual label for herb storage directions.

Our high-quality herbs make it so that no matter how you take our herbs, the effectiveness is the same. Your herbalist will prescribe either raw herbs, granules, or capsules and denote the appropriate dosage for the desired effect. If you have a preference for a particular form of the herb, be sure to let your practitioner know.

There are several ways to cook Chinese herbs. Each is relatively simple and you can choose whichever one works best for you.

• How To Cook Chinese Herbs on a Stove Top
• How to Pressure Cook Raw Chinese Herbs 
• How to Use Instant Pot to Cook Raw Chinese Herbs
• How to Cook Raw Chinese Herbs in a Slow Cooker