| Chinese Herbs |
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I already take herbal supplements. Why do I need Chinese herbal medicine?
This combination of herbs increases their overall effectiveness while reducing the chance of side effects.
These formulas can also be individually tailored to each patient’s specific condition. In other words, two people
may have the same disease, but we may treat them with different formulas (or variations of one formula). The
type of formula prescribed to a particular patient depends on their age, constitution, other signs and symptoms,
severity of disease, etc.
Just as with western pharmaceuticals, patients should not self-prescribe Chinese herbal medicine. It takes a
highly-trained practitioner to effectively and safely treat patients with Chinese herbal medicine. Our practitioners
have completed this training and are nationally board certified by the NCCAOM in the practice of Chinese
herbology. Furthermore, Rowland Acupuncture uses the highest grade of herbal formulas available. These
formulas have been tested for potency, consistency, and safety (for heavy metals or pesticides), and the
manufacturer makes these formulas available only to qualified practitioners.
How is Chinese herbal medicine dispensed & administered?
The three methods of taking Chinese herbal medicine are decoctions, granule powders, and tablets. Each
method has its advantages, and our practitioners will work with you to figure what method is best for you.
Decoctions
Decoctions are one of the major traditional methods for administering herbs. A customized herbal formula
prescription is written for each individual patient. A typical herbal formula consists of 6 to 20 individual herbs,
depending on particular condition being treated and the patient's constitution. The patient cooks these herbs in
water to extract the active ingredients and then removes the cooked herbs by straining the liquid (decoction).
This decoction is then drunk as a tea or soup, 2 to 3 times per day.
The main advantage of decoctions are that they are the most potent way to take an herbal formula. The desired
clinical result is usually achieved much quicker than it is with other methods. Another important advantage of
decoctions is that the herbal formula can be customized and tailored to the needs of each individual patient. The
practitioner can increase or decrease the dosage of each individual herb, as well as add or remove herbs in the
formula. This allows for a more accurate treatment of the patient.
A disadvantage to decoctions is that the uncooked herbs can spoil without proper storage techniques and
turnover. Rowland Acupuncture has taken the proper steps to eliminate this problem. First of all, we use the
most trusted herb distributors in the US. These companies take steps to make sure the herbs are of high
quality and do not contain any pesticides, heavy metals, or sulphur. We also have the formulas put together
directly by the distributor and mailed right to the patient's house. This step ensures that the patient receives the
freshest, highest quality herbs for the decoction.
Granule Powders
Granule powders are a modern invention. The herbs are cooked and strained to form a decoction. The
decoction then goes through a low heat, high pressure process to extract the water. What is left over is a highly
concentrated granule powder that contains the active components of the herbs. The individual granule powders
can then be mixed into a customized formula, just as in a decoction. After the herbs are mixed, small scoops
are mixed with warm water and taken as a tea, 2 to 3 times per day.
The advantage of granule powders is that they are more convenient for people who are always on the go or that
do not want to cook the herbs themselves. All you need is some warm water, and you can have an instant
decoction. Granule powders are extremely potent and are only available to qualified practitioners. Although
granule powders are very potent, they are not quite as potent as the decoctions. There is some give and take...
more convenience but slightly less potency. One analogy you could make is that decoctions are more like
freshly ground and brewed coffee, whereas the granule powders are like a super high quality instant coffee.
They both get the job done, but one clearly has an edge over the other.
Tablets
Tablets are, of course, the most convenient way to transport an herbal formula. Tablets also have a longer shelf
life than uncooked herbs and granule powders. Tablets are commonly used in acute conditions, such as colds,
flu, & minor sports injuries. They are also highly useful as preventative medicine or for long-term maintenance
and balancing. Also, some people just prefer tablets over the other forms.
How much do the herbal formulas cost?
We use pharmaceutical grade herbal formulas, and a 10-14 day supply generally costs between $15-75. The
actual cost will depend on the method (pills/granule powders/decoction), size, and specific herbs.
| Joanna E. Rowland Acupuncture Physician |
| Jade Serenity Spa 120 May Street Orange City, Florida 32763 (386) 775 0860 and Complete Medical Wellness Center 501 West State Rd 434 Winter Springs, FL 32708 (407) 327-0410 |
ROWLAND ACUPUNCTURE