Herbal Medicine

Herbal Medicine History

The first pharmacopoeia possibly dates back to 3737-2697 B.C. Legend tells of a writer of the “Classic of the Materia Medica” to be the “Divine Husbandman,” of China (Shennong). He decided to taste “the hundred herbs,” that are presumed to be the best for treating patient. Centuries ago there were no ways to pass down the information but verbally, generation-to-generation through stories and fables. The earliest enduring book on herbs was the pharmacopoeia Pen’ts’ao ching, which consisted of 365 records with entries of minerals, botanicals and zoological. The book was reconstructed in (452-546 A.D.) and further divided the substances into three basic categories: upper nourishes life, middle nourishes constitutional types and the lower expels disease. Each herbal record had taste, temperature and cautions and contraindications of toxicity. The list was increased from 365 – 730 herbs in (456 – 536 AD) in another book (Classic of Herbal Medicine), with more information on taste, temperature, location and time of harvest was added. During the Tang dynasty (618 – 907 A.D.) more herbs were introduced, such as Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang), Siler divaricatum, almond, Atractylis ovata and gypsum (Shi Gao). Quite a few doctors were studying medical books abroad and learning about native herbs from these countries. Ginseng from Korea, and rhubarb and cinnamon, incense, myrrh and fenugreek from Arabia.

Why choose Herbal Medicine from Cape Neddick Acupuncture?

The reason I write about these things is to give you some background of the length of time that Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used in treating. There has been hundreds upon hundreds of research studies done on the use of herbal treatments with continual development as clinical conditions are ever changing. Chinese Herbal medicine as well as other modalities of Chinese medicine are based on the basic concepts of Yin and Yang theory. This theory is relative to the balance and harmony we are pursuing with each client who may come into our office with signs of blocked vitality for any number of causes.

Herbal Medicine for the Whole Body

Our clinical strategies are based on what diagnosis we perceive through the signs and symptoms of the patient and our own findings. We offer herbs that will support and restore the normal balance of health. Assisting the patient in lifestyle management in order to prevent disease from occurring and even reoccurring is our first priority. Our bodies are a unique expression of our happiness, sadness, stress, environment and our nutritional choices. The environment should be our full capacity for harmony and happiness.

Herbal Medicine and Safety

By using Chinese herbal treatments we are primarily searching to correct internal imbalances at the root cause rather than treating symptoms. These Chinese herbs are used to treat a wide range of conditions beginning with a simple cold to more complex conditions. All herbal prescriptions are carefully chosen with detail to dosage and home instructions. Adults and children can have herbal treatments, however before you would be treated with herbal formulas we would ask for a full record of the medications, supplements and other herbs you are currently ingesting.

Herbal Medicine Administration

Herbal prescriptions can be taken as tinctures, granules, pills or capsules. The herbs may taste a bit unusual at first but people usually adapt rapidly. My original comments show that herbs have been prescribed for thousands of years giving us detailed information on the complexities of the herbs and safe management. Great importance on protection of the patient has been constantly addressed in our education and as trained practitioners we are able to offer you formulas that are tailored to your needs. Since a large variety of stores offer herbs these days, we as health care professionals are constantly apprehensive about individuals’ safety when self-treating. It is strongly recommended that you seek professional assistance when taking herbal formulas. Please give a call to make an appointment to find your perfect harmony within and without.