Herbal Medicine

Traditional Herbal Medicine (TCM) is the use of natural substances such as plants, minerals and animal products in the optimization of health and prevention of illness. There are over five thousand medicinal substances currently in use. In TCM, herbs are often combined in formulas and given as teas, capsules, granules, or powders.
Chinese medicinal formulations are prepared in a number of different ways:

• Chinese herbal decoctions. The most traditional method of preparing an herbal formula, liquid decoctions are the most quickly and easily absorbed by the body although they can involve lengthy preparation. These are however, the most individualized for the patient's specific condition and constitution.
• Herbal granules. These can be mixed with hot water to make a tea, are more convenient to prepare and use, and are not as pungent and strong tasting as traditional decoctions.
• Chinese Patent Formulas are pre-made herbal formulations in pill or tablet form and are perhaps the most widely used form of Chinese herbal medicine outside of China.
• Syrups, which are soothing preparations for coughs and sore throat, are also a convenient way to administer herbal formulations to children.
• Liniments, salves, compresses and plasters, which are used for external application.