HERBAL MEDICINE
Chinese herbal medicines include four main formulations. Depending on your specific health needs we will help you decide which formulation is most suitable.Raw Herbal Decoctions: When we speak of raw herbs we mean taking whole herbal products, such as roots and flowers and brewing them like a tea. This formulation is the most time intensive way of taking Chinese herbs. Medicinal teas are generally unpalateable, so we often recommend taking them with honey. Despite these drawbacks raw herbs are the most powerful way of taking herbal medicine. When we work with raw herbs, we design an individualized formula specifically for you. The Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia is comprised of hundreds of herbs unique to China, so when we decide which blend best suits your needs we draw from thousands of years of Chinese experience.
Herbal Powders: With this method, the raw herbs are ground into a fine powder. The powder is placed in a plastic container and spoonfuls are mixed with warm water and taken like a tea. This formulation is not quite as powerful as raw herbs since some of the potency is lost during the grinding process. This formulation is easier to use because it does not require cooking. Raw and Powder formulations generally are not palatable. Remember that these herbs are not being sold, like other teas, for their taste. Many of these substances have very peculiar tastes alone, let alone in combination. Honey can be added in some instances and sometimes it is acceptable to mix the decoction with rice.
Patent Formulas: A patent formula is the name we have given to Chinese tea pills. Tea pills are small round herbal pills that are made by taking raw herbs and pressing them into balls with honey. Patent formulas are relatively inexpensive (appx $10 for 7 days quantity). They are also easy to take since they come in a small, easy to carry bottle. Since they are in pill form they do not have the pungent taste of raw or powdered herbs. Unlike raw and powdered herbs, patent formulas are the least potent formulation.
Topical Herbal Preparations: The preparations include poultices, patches, oils and liniments which can be very effective in helping musculoskeletal and dermatologic conditions heal. We use the highest quality herbs at Newport Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine. If interested, please use the links listed below to check out the herbal companies we use. Each company takes great pride in the herbal products they manufacture and sell.