Chinese Herbal Medicine
The harmonizer…
Chinese Herbal Medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are professional dispense formulas, which are made from the roots, stems, bark, leaves, seeds or flowers of many plants, as well as some mineral and animal parts. The herbs are traditionally decocted into a soup. Other forms may come in granules, tinctures, or a ready-prepared pill or powder, called 'patent' herbal remedies. The herbal medicine is usually taken in the form of a recipe (called a prescription) with appropriate dosages that the TCM practitioner prescribes and individualizes according to each patient’s TCM diagnosis.
Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used for the prevention and treatment of disorders or diseases for centuries. In addition to being used directly as therapeutic agents, medicinal plants are also important sources for pharmacological drug research and development. It has been studied for many medical problems, including stroke, heart disease, mental disorders, and respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis and the common cold), and a national survey in U.S showed that about one in five Americans use them.
With the increasing consumption of herbal products intended to promote better health, it is extremely important to assure the safety and quality of herbal preparations:
1. Consult with a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP). As a regulated health profession in Ontario, we are mandated to develop an effective, safe, and holistic treatment protocol that is tailored to you.
2. Inquire that the herbal products complies with the Natural Health Products regulation in accordance with Health Canada.
Resources
Liu S-H, Chuang W-C, Lam W, et al. Safety surveillance of traditional Chinese medicine: current and future. Drug Safety. 2015;38(2):117-128.
Hu J, Zhang J, Zhao W, et al. Cochrane systematic reviews of Chinese herbal medicines: an overview. PLoS One. 2011;6(12):e28696.
How Ancient Remedies are Changing Modern Medicine https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2019/01/ancient-chines-remedies-changing-modern-medicine/