Herbal medicine uses plants and natural substances for therapy or medicinal purposes. It is the world’s most ancient form of healing. Studies of herbs and their medicinal properties were prominent in the ancient civilizations of China, Egypt, Greece, Tibet, Persia and India. In some cultures, herbal knowledge was said to have been handed down from the gods. Much of this knowledge is still used today and has been proven effective in modern clinical testing.

An estimated three-quarters of the world’s population, especially those in developing countries, rely on herbal medicine. Almost a quarter of all modern prescription drugs, including aspirin, are derived from plant sources. There is also a strong tradition of Western herb use in the United States where patients are seeking more natural sources of medicine.

How does Chinese Herbal Medicine work?

Chinese herbal medicines treat the underlying causes of illness rather than individual symptoms. At the Academy’s Herbal Clinic, we apply a holistic approach to the use of herbs to address physical, emotional and spiritual issues. Once a student practitioner has assessed a patient’s specific needs, a formula is individually created to stimulate the body’s natural healing powers. While most over-the-counter herbal products can only address physical ailments with standardized, pre-formulated dosing, our student herbal practitioners are educated to design custom-made formulas for each individual. No two formulas are alike. This focus on individualization puts the patient’s specific needs in the forefront, and just as importantly, takes into consideration any possible interactions with prescribed medications.

Types of Herbal Formulas

There are three ways to dispense Chinese herbal formulas. The patient and practitioner decide together which form is best. Below are the available forms an herbal formula can take:

Loose Herbs

Our herbal dispensary carries over 300 high-quality bulk Chinese herbs, consisting of both raw and prepared materials which are specially selected for each person. Instructions are provided on how to brew the loose herb formulas into a tea at home. Loose herbs, because they are in their natural state, are considered to be more potent than granulated or prepared formulas.

Granulated Herbs

Our dispensary also carries granulated herbs, which are highly concentrated powdered extracts. Granulated formulas are custom-made for each patient just like loose herb formulas. To prepare, patients mix the granules with hot water and drink as a tea. Granules are popular because of their ease of preparation and their portability when traveling.

Patent Herbs

Our dispensary stocks many commonly used formulas in tablet, capsule, and pill form. We purchase high-quality prepared formulas from GMP certified Chinese herbal companies. Prepared herbs cannot be modified for the individual patient, but are popular because of their convenience.

Benefits of Herbal Medicine

The most valuable benefit of an herbal consultation is the carefully blended combination of herbs specifically designed to address each person’s unique set of needs. You can benefit if you are:

  • Looking for greater balance and harmony
  • A person with an acute or chronic condition such as allergies, asthma, migraines, IBS and insomnia
  • Someone with emotional challenges such as anxiety, stress, fear, addictions, anger, grief, or depression
  • Looking for caring and compassionate practitioners who listen
  • Ready for an alternative, yet proven solution to health issues.

Chinese Herbal Medicines Can Address

  • Allergies
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Digestive Issues
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Joint Pain
  • Migraines
  • Muscle Spasms
  • Pain Management
  • Pre & Post Surgery
  • Sciatica
  • Women’s Health
  • Men’s Health
  • And much more…

Ready to schedule?

Contact the clinic to book an appointment at 352.548.2332 or clinic@acupuncturist.edu.