What is a Chinese herbal formula?
Unlike a single-herb supplement, a Chinese formula combines several herbs that work together. I build it from what comes up in our conversation and in the pulse and tongue diagnosis, so two people with the same complaint may get different formulas.
As you go, we check together what has changed, and I adjust the formula if needed.
When are herbs part of treatment?
Herbs help when you need support between sessions too, for example with period pain, sleep problems and stress or metabolic balance. They're not required, and some people are treated with acupuncture alone.
How do you take the herbs?
A formula can come in different forms, such as powder, capsules or a tincture. We'll talk through what suits you, how long to take it, and what to do if something doesn't feel right.
Are Chinese herbs safe?
Natural doesn't automatically mean safe. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) warns that some Chinese herbal products have been found to contain heavy metals, pesticides, the wrong herbs and even undeclared drugs. That's why it's better to take herbs through a practitioner who knows you, rather than buying formulas online.
Source: NCCIH, Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know.
Tell me before we start if:
- You take any medication, especially blood thinners.
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant.
- You have liver or kidney disease, or diabetes.
- You have surgery coming up.
If you get a rash, nausea, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, stop the herbs and see a doctor.
What does the research say?
There's no single answer here, because every formula is a different combination, the studies cover many different conditions, and many of them are small. So I don't promise a result, and we check together whether the formula is helping you.
Questions
Can I take herbs with medication?
Sometimes, but only after we've gone through everything you take. Some herbs can affect how medication works, so it's important to keep your doctor informed too.
How long do I take the formula?
It depends on what we're treating. After a few weeks we'll look together at what has changed and decide whether to continue, adjust or stop.
Can I take herbs during pregnancy?
Don't take herbs during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without talking to me and your doctor first, because some herbs aren't suitable.
Want to see if this is right for you?
Send me a few words on WhatsApp about what brings you in, and I'll get back to you to find a time that works. Sessions can be in English or Hebrew.