

the last 2000 years the traditional Chinese materia medica has expanded to include ancient formulas
along with folk tradition and new scientific discoveries.
Herbs are prescribed according to their tastes and properties, actions and indications and channels they
enter. Many herbs are combined for treatment. They can either be administered as a pill granules,
tinctures or as the raw herb which must be cooked into a tea before consumed.
Before herbs are dispensed, a differential diagnosis must be made by the practitioner. Just as in
acupuncture, the goal is not just symptom relief but also a rebalancing of the body. This ensures lasting
effect. Therefore, the same symptom may be treated entirely differently from one person to the next. It
is highly individualized.
Herbal Medicine is very powerful and should be approached with respect. Only take herbs which have
been prescribed by a well trained herbalist. Drug interactions, contraindications, reactions and side
effects are possible. Herbal medicine is just a more natural form of a drug. However, the potency is the
same and over the counter abuse of herbs is highly discouraged.