Debunking Chinese Herbs
Did you know not all acupuncturists are qualified to dispense bespoke chinese herbal medicines? Creating Chinese Herbal Medicine requires the practitioner to hold a separate qualification in Chinese Herbal Medicine and dispensing.
It requires a slightly different frame work of viewing the body than acupuncture, but is an incredibly potent tool to use alongside acupuncture for increased efficacy.
Why?
Well, because in Australia we mostly give acupuncture on a weekly or fortnightly basis, herbs however, can be daily medicine.
Using herbs can be particularly beneficial if a patient is quite depleted as it is activiely adding nourishment and support to the body. Whereas acupuncture, while it can help regulate the HPA axis and nervous system, it can only work with the energy you already have. So by adding herbal medicine, you’re able to increase the energy a patient has which increases the potency of acupuncture 🤝🏼 a match made in heaven if you ask me.
Chinese herbs come in 3 main different forms.
Raw or Original Form- where the herb is brewed in water several times.
Granule Form- where the herbs have been decocted as above, but then the herbal essence of that decoction is extracted and added to a base such a potato starch. You can also find raw herb granules where the herb is ground into a powder. At Ochre we stock a combination of the two depending on availability. Where we can we source the highest quality AAA grade herbs and at the very least, all of our granules have been tested for heavy metals, pesticides and microbes.
Pill Form- where the herbs are made into tiny little pills that you swallow anywhere between 15-50 for a dose. It sounds like alot, but if you’re taking them under the guidance of a trained herbalist, then they know what they’re doing. Herbal medicine is different to western pharmaceuticals as we use the whole herb as nature intended opposed to the extracted concentrated tiny component. There is so much synergy in Chinese Herbal formula’s that you can’t get with the extraction of one aspect, so we keep the herbs as they are, because nature is smart and this medicine theory is thousands of years old. It just means we dose it higher for therapeutic effect.
What is the best form of herbs to take?
Honestly, the best type of herb is the one that you take. They don’t work unless you’re taking them. It’s good to ask your practitioner what options you have, as what they want to prescribe for you might not be available in all forms.
In general, raw herbs are stronger than granules and pills, and granuled herbs are stronger than pills. The more the herb has been processed, the more it experiences an ever so slight decrease in potency.
In some cases, your practitioner might recommend a combination, or even starting with raw herbs and then changing to granule or pill herbs to work with your lifestyle.
Can I take herbs with my pharmaceutical medications?
If your herbs have been prescribed by a trained Chinese medicine practitioner, and you’ve told them what other medication and supplements you’re taking, then you can rest assured it is safe to take together. Our training at university involves pharmacodynamics of our herbs so we know them inside out and back to front.
It is even safe (& beneficial) to take your herbs during an IVF cycle. We ask alot of questions during our consults, and often use herbs to support your body with the aim of IVF. Some IVF drugs can be quite drying to the body, so we like to use herbs to balance that so your cervical mucus, oestrogen, and endometrium stay lush and juicy.
If you’re taking prescription medication, especially thyroid medication, it is important to leave a 2 hour space between the two.
What if I’m pregnant? Can I take my herbs?
Again, it depends on what herbs you’re taking. But herbs prescribed with the knowledge you’re TTC or that you’re pregnant can be safely taken (if you’re unsure check with your TCM practitioner).
There are many herbs we use for the first trimester to support and hold the pregnancy. Particularly important if you have a history of miscarriage. Ideally, you would get treatment for 3 months before falling pregnant so we can get your body ready for pregnancy!
Herbs can be taken throughout all stages of pregnancy, above I’ve talked about the first trimester, in the second trimester herbs can be used to support energy levels, blood supply, and a plethora of other pregnancy symptoms. In the final trimester, herbs can be used to help prepare your body for birth. Arguably, the fourth trimester is a non-negotaible for herbs though. They are vital to replenishing and harmonising the body. Giving birth is the biggest hormonal drop a female will ever experience so giving herbs in this stage will be such a nourishing hug for Mum. Herbs can also be safely given while breastfeeding and can support problems with breastmilk supply, mastitis, cramps and more.
What else can I use herbs for?
Perhaps it’s easier asking what you can’t use herbs for, and even then I would say probably nothing. Can’t sleep? We’ve got herbs for that. Not enough energy? We’ve got herbs for that too. Sinus playing up? Overthinking? Diarrhea? Cough? Lungs contracting with the cold in the air? Heavy periods? Cramping with your periods? Lower back pain?
In general, it is good to know that herbs won’t work like a panadol tablet where there is immediate relief. They work to balance the body’s constitution, and depending on how out of balance it is will depend on how long you will need to take the herbs for. Generally speaking, you will feel an improvement after a few days of taking herbs for most things except chronic fatigue- that is likely to take longer because your fuel tank is so very depleted. Herbs can be safely prescribed for several months, and that might be required for chronic depletion/burn out/blood deficiency. Healing and rebuilding your body will happen with gentle persistence and nourishment. Often an evaluation of lifestyle factors that have attributed to the burnout will also need to be addressed for long lasting change.
I honestly believe you can be healthy, and you deserve the time and energy it takes to feel well. Taking small steps in the right direction is still better than the alternative.
One of my personal struggles as a practitioner is patients who accept a certain level of health, when I know given time, patience and consistency they can experience life in wellness and health. It’s my why to support patients to live their best life. If you’re ready, book an appointment with one of our trained chinese medicine practitioners. We can do in person appointments in Shellharbour or Telehealth appointments for those in Australia. We can post your herbal prescriptions to you.