Chinese Herbal Medicine
How are Herbs Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Herbal medicine is by itself a powerful method of healing. Western drugs are usually used to control symptoms but do not alter the disease process. For example: antibiotics kill bacteria but do not improve a person's resistance to infection; diuretics drain excess fluid from the body but do not improve the kidney function. Chinese herbs can also rid the body of disease but they also nourish and balance the body in very specific ways, thereby improving organ function and building up a person's constitution and immune system.
Chinese herbs are traditionally given as a very strong tea. The acupuncturist will give the patient several bags of herbs. Each bag contains a formula of about 12 or so raw herbs that has been prepared specifically for the patient and his or her condition. The patient then prepares the herbs at home by boiling them in water for about a half an hour. The benefit of this method is that the formula can be customized to the patient's particular condition. The acupuncturist may prescribe herbal pills, powders or tinctures instead because these are more convenient. However, the raw herbs are usually stronger and always more adaptable.
Chinese herbal medicine has a long, successful history of treating a multitude of common as well as complex health issues. As early as the year 200 B.C. practitioners of Chinese medicine were prescribing many of the same herbs we use today. Meticulous record keeping and the compiling of thousands of years of clinical data has provided us with hundreds of masterfully crafted herbal formulas. These formulas are equally useful in today's society.
Today, modern research being done in Asia, Europe and here in the United States provides us with important bio-medical information that improves the efficacy and safety of these same ancient herbal formulas. Individual herbs are rigorously tested and then concentrated to increase potency and to allow for more accurate dosing. This is truly a blending of traditional and modern, East and West.
Happy Toad Chinese Herbs
Happy Toad Chinese Herbs
was founded by Alison Reid-Bretell L.Ac. in 1995 to provide the highest quality herbal formulas and Chinese patent
medicines to San Diego's North County. The office of North Shore Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is also the office for Happy Toad Chinese Herbs.
We specialize in customized Chinese herbal formulas that are designed for each patient's unique health needs. Formulas are available in concentrated granular, capsule and tincture form for maximum strength and convenience.
We carry a variety of Traditional Chinese patent medicines, western herbs, liniments, and nutritional supplements. We carry Standard Process, Medi-Herb, Evergreen Herbs, Emily Skin Soothers, and Snow Lotus Essential Oils.
For a one on one meeting with the Master Herbalist, please contact our office for an appointment at (760) 632-6979.
Special attention and many years of advanced training in Chinese Medicine and herbology allows us to treat a host of health issues effectively and safely.
We ship products all over the country!
Some of our most popular products:
- Bi yan pian
- Pei min kan wan
- Yin Qiao tablets
- Zhong gan ling
- Xiao Yao wan (Relaxed wanderer)
- Long dan xie gan wan
- Curing Pills
- Yunnan Pai Yao
- Red Yeast Rice
- Supplements for joint health
- Chaste tree and other hormone balancers
- Digestive enzymes
- Ginsengs and Mushrooms
- Some of the best Jasmine Pearl Green tea you have ever tasted
- Po sum on
- Zheng gu shui