Chinese herbal medicine is a very ancient practice with a history of many thousands of years. Over this long span of history the herbalists’ have carefully observed, documented, and taught about their findings. This has allowed the ancient art to adapt to the changing times and continue to be a wonderful modality of health care in today’s world.

Chinese herbal medicine is a completely natural, powerful, and effective form of medicine. It combines the use of various natural matters; roots, berries, flowers, seeds, bark, leaves, stems, bugs, etc. The special combination of these substances is based on the careful diagnosis your practitioner makes based on your condition. This diagnosis allows them to refer to one of the many 1000 herbal formulas that have been passed down through time.

After selecting the appropriate formula for you they will then modify or tailor the formula to fit your exact condition. Formulas generally contain between 6 to 18 herbs, and are carefully balanced in their various properties to bring safe and effective results.

Herbal medicine offers an alternative to prescription medication without the negative effects of the high-costs or side effects. Today, this medicine is used to treat many common diseases such as, digestive problems, IBS, anxiety, depression, insomnia, menstrual complaints, hot flashes, allergies, cancer, HIV, etc. In our practice we use herbs to promote the body’s own healing capacity, addressing the root cause of disease, enhancing immune system function, replenishing depleted reserves and promoting your overall well-being. Herbal medicine continues to provide humanity with a healing tool that employs the amazing power of nature.

HOW DO I TAKE THE HERBS?
Herbs can be prepared and given in many forms. At Middleway medicine we provide herbal medicine in bulk, granules, pills and tincture form.

BULK - the strongest and most raw form, you take home with you a bag full of roots, berries, flowers, etc. to make a strong tea/decoction. The plant matter is cooked, strained, and drank to make a strong medicine.

GRANULES -a powdered concentrate of herbs. The herbs are cooked down and sprayed onto a starch (potato). You take home a powdered herb mix to add to hot water.

PILLS - pre-made formulas that come in the form of small, easy to take pills.

TINCTURES - a solution of soluble plant constituents in a solvent (alcohol or glycerin). You take home a small glass bottle and take the herbs orally via a dropper.

HOW DO THE HERBS TASTE?
The herbs taste medicinal. They do not taste like candy or something you would fantasize about.

HOW LONG DO I TAKE THE HERBS FOR?
It depends on your condition. Generally, we will have you try the herbs for a week and then have you come back in for a follow up on your progress with the herbs. Herbs can be taken for a few days, weeks, or months...it just depends on your needs.