Like Acupuncture, Herbology is an important branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. There are approximately 5,000 organic substances in the pharmacopoeia of the Chinese Herbologist, about 500 of which are commonly used. These consist of flowers, barks, leaves, roots, seeds, stems, fruits, berries, and many other gifts of nature. They are mixed in different combinations to create powerful, healing recipes that are carefully balanced according to energetic principles.

Every formula is custom-tailored to fit a particular case, targeting not only the patient’s symptoms but seeking to get at the root of the problem. Unlike the one-symptom-fits-all drugs of Western medicine, Traditional Chinese medicinal prescriptions can vary widely according to the specifics of the case. For example, 10 people with persistent headaches would likely receive 10 different herbal prescriptions, each according to the root of their own problem.

Today, herbal formulae can be dispensed in a variety of forms. The traditional method of preparation is decoction - boiling the raw herbs down and drinking the remaining liquid as a healing elixir. Today, these decoctions can be pre-prepared and freeze-dried, allowing the liquid to become a powder. From this powder, pills are made which, while lacking the maximum potency of decoction, save time and go down easier. You can also get your herbs in pre-cooked vacuum packs, which saves the time and hassle of the home-cooking method.