The practice of Chinese herbology is rooted in the fundamental theories of Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese herbology utilizes nearly 10,000 substances derived from mineral, plant and animal sources. This powerful system of medicine was created and has been in constant use for over 3,000 years. Herbs are used in many forms such as teas, tablets, capsules, powders, lotions, salves, poultices and liquid extracts. Many classical formulas are efficacious in treating a wide variety of modern health concerns.

Chinese Herbal medicine has gained tremendous popularity in recent years for its multitude of usages and for the fact that it has little to no side effects, compared to pharmaceutical drugs, when administered appropriately by licensed acupuncture professionals. Chinese Herbal Medicine is best used in conjunction with other modalities of Chinese Medicine such as Acupuncture. Internal diseases such as digestive problems, diabetes, respiratory problems, hormonal disorders as well as external diseases such as skin conditions and infections are treated with Chinese herbs. Emotional imbalances such as anxiety, stress and depression can also benefit from Chinese Herbal Medicine.

To find a qualified herbalist in the U.S., you can contact the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which certifies professionals in Chinese Herbology nationally. In California, Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac.) are also certified in Chinese Herbology.

John Nieters is certified by NCCAOM in both Chinese Herbology and Acupuncture (Dipl.C.H., Dipl.Ac.). John is also a Licensed Acupuncturist in California. He teaches Chinese Herbology at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences.

Chinese Medicine has the longest continuous, recorded history in the world of using medicinal herbs to treat various health conditions. Emperor Shen Nong is believed to have lived around 3500 B.C. and began introducing agriculture and herbal medicine to the Chinese people. The first written accounts of Chinese herbal medicine are found in records from the Qin Dynasty, third century B.C.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Chinese Herbal Medical Formulas, is that they are generally prescribed in herbal combinations. Each of the herbs in the combination, may have dozens of active alkaloids and other ingredients, creating a dynamic and synergistic effect. While many single herbs such as Ginseng are sold in many health food stores and self-prescribed by many Americans today, a practitioner of Chinese Medicine rarely prescribes a single herb. Instead a formula will contain several herbs chosen for specific qualities in relation to the patient's whole health condition and in relation to each of the other herbs. By combining the herbs the risk of side effects is reduced and the strengths of the single herbs are enhanced to create an effective therapeutic result.

In a single prescription, herbs are assigned different tasks to bring about multiple physiological changes, all for the purpose of balancing the entire person to both eliminate the immediate symptoms and to treat the root cause of the illness. There is a hierarchy of ingredients within an herbal formula. "Chief" herbs correct the main imbalances of the body. The "deputy" assists the chief herbs to target the primary condition and/or treat a secondary condition. The "assistant" reinforces the action of the chief and deputy, as well as harmonizing harsh effects or toxicity of the herbs. Finally, the "envoy" is the messenger herb that directs the effects of the formula to certain channels or areas of the body and integrates the function of the rest of the herbs.

Prescribing herbal formulas is a complex discipline that takes years of training and experience to master. Therefore, it is highly advised to seek a qualified practitioner of Chinese Medicine if you are interested in using Chinese herbs.

A key difference between Chinese and Western herbal medicine is that Chinese herbs are selected and balanced in formulas. Chinese herbs are rarely prescribed as single herbs or even as a group of herbs with the same actions. It is not uncommon in English and Western herbal protocols to prescribe a single herb, or if multiple herbs are used, using herbs with similar functions to treat one aspect of a disease or pattern. In Europe and somewhat in the United States, it has become increasingly common to use standardized herbal extracts. In this way, herbal medicine approaches pharmaceutical drug usage in effect. With standardized extracts there is an extraction for one single alkaloid out of the dozens that might be represented if the entire herb were used medicinally. For example, the herb Goldenseal is a very popular and powerful herb with approximately 200 known alkaloids. A standardized extract might select one of these alkaloids, which creates a specific and non-holistic utilization of Goldenseal. In contrast, Chinese herbs are prescribed as formulas which may include up to 20 or more single herbs. It is the synergistic effect of the combined herbs that bring about a desired effect on the body, mind and spirit. The goal of Chinese herbal therapy is to balance and restore the body's overall health. Therefore, an herbal formula for the common cold will contain herbs that not only treat the symptoms of a cold such as coughing and sneezing, but it will also contain herbs that strengthen the immune system and harmonize the Qi. With each herbal treatment, the body will become stronger and more balanced so that you are less vulnerable to diseases in the future.

Chinese herbs should be used only when prescribed by a trained professional. Since Chinese herbs use balanced synergistic formulas there is a very low risk of adverse side effects. Chinese herbs have a 3,000 year-old track record of safety, when properly prescribed.

In our practice we are very concerned about the quality, safety and potency of our herbs. We primarily use herbs from Evergreen Herbs and Ka'an Herbs. These companies only distribute their products through licensed health care practitioners. Their herbs are manufactured under the most stringent quality control requirements, (GMP) Good Manufacturing Guidelines, which meet or exceed the standards or Western pharmaceuticals. In using these companies we are assured that the herbs we prescribe are standardized full-spectrum extracts that are pure and natural. They generally contain no added chemicals or preservatives and are safe from heavy metals, harmful bacteria and fungus. With the usage of granules we find that we can enhance our patient compliance as the delivery system, while still maintaining the ability to custom mix patient-specific formulas, which compliments today's busy lifestyle. Complete product batch analysis reports are available on these products.

Herbal formulas may be prepared in various ways. Traditionally, the most common method has been to cook the dried herbs in water in the form of decoctions. The benefit of taking decoctions is that it produces efficient absorption and assimilation. However, we have found that for many people, the process of decocting formulas is too timely and tedious. Therefore, many herbal suppliers today carry herbs in the form of prepared powders in which herbs are processed and dried into powder form. The powders are then encapsulated or taken in granule form to which warm water is added to make a tea. Safety and potency of powdered herbs is monitored by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines and each batch tested to have certificate of analysis (COA). Herbs may also be finely ground and mixed with honey or various pastes to make pills. Pills are easier to administer and have a slower, longer lasting effect. Herbs can also be extracted in liquid mediums such as alcohol to have a warming and tonifying effect. For children, the herbal decoction can be mixed with cane sugar to create syrups. For external use, herbs are prepared in the form of patches, ointments, liniments and poultices.