Isaac Said:

What is the difference between Chinese herbal medicine and the Western herbs?

We Answered:

There are thousands of herbs used in traditional chinese medicine. They have studied them there and proven over thousands of years their effectiveness in healing the body and conditions......these are documented , and continually documented in modern times.
The herbs can be the same, and they also use ones not as familiar in the west.
the main difference is in ayurvedic and traditional chinese medicine is the herbs are thought about with certain healing properties,and they are put together in well balanced formulas to keep the body well , heal, and prevent side effects......because it is all in balance and works with the body.
The problem comes in when the westerners do not understand or think the same way in healing, and they dont know how to test the methods used, or claim not to know. The trials they conduct are usually on one herb at a time, and they tear it all down, looking for an 'active' ingrediant'. Most of the trials are not conducted in a way that the exerts know will prove they work, and instead botch most of the research.
Most herbs and herbal formulas are not tested because it would take millions of dollars to conduct the tests /trials correctly and big pharma is the main source of money to run drug trials.
The herbal and other trials are not conducted in the same way a practioner of quality would treat with them.
Sometimes it is the synergenic action that does the healing , and western 'scientific' method doesnt know what to do with that. Still there are over 1500 herbs and alternative means that have been 'ok'd' through the FDA and deemed to have healing properties.
There are entire groups of physicians and investors that are always looking for the next 'miracle' herb from around the world.........then they tear it down and mess it up.
They also cant make any money on it, so big pharma , instead make drugs out of some of them.....drugs are usually from herbs, or synthetic. But drugs are not in balance, with the principles of healing from an eastern perspective, and always cause side effects and danger., for other parts of the body.
The usa is one of the few places that do not train their doctors in eastern and western medical views. All asian doctors are taught both east and western medicine.
And I have known herbalists that have cured many many illnesses using herbs alone, including cancers. Each case is individual and should be treated as such, using the best medicine for that situation.

Anne Said:

Has anyone ever tried Chinese herbal medicine to get pregnant?

We Answered:

Unless you get it from a super reputable source, stay clear. The chinese are famous for adulterating their herbal remedies with prescription drugs. Some are banned in the USA. They do this to boost the effect of the "herbs" but do not mention it in the label or packaging. I get my chinese herbs from a chinese acupuncturist and she is the one who vouches for the source. I trust her

Sergio Said:

why when using Chinese herbal medicines for spleen and liver, my wife can't have anything cold? Alex?

We Answered:

I think you need a Chinese person to help you find what you need in China, and I know a website can provide the service , the service is called "Person to Person" http://www.knowhowing.com/persontoperson… ? through the service you just like engage a "agent" in China to help you to find what you need in China.

Terri Said:

Chinese Herbal Medicines Treating Eczema?

We Answered:

Hello there. I haven't heard of drinking herbal decocts for eczema. Your brother may want to try topical herbal cream from Champori.com : it is based on Chinese (judging from names) herbs and works better than anything else I tried for my eczema.
Best,
Bernadette

Priscilla Said:

Is is safe to take chinese herbal medicines with Sertraline (antidepressant)?

We Answered:

I have taken my fair shares of chinese herbal medicines and western antibiotics and medicines. Had experienced with accupressure and acupunture too in the past. Eversince I was a child, I have poor health and have gone through series of different type of illnesses caused by my poor immune system and stressful lifestyle. Has it worked for me, I would say yes, it has.

You should be taking chinese herbal medicines only from professional chinese herbalist as they will know what should work for your body. The same chinese herbal medicine may work for you but may be bad for me. It has to do with the Yin and Yang combination in your body and your general body make up. So I would suggest you have a chat with your herbalist who gave you those herbs and take along your Sertraline with you.

Having said all that, I am still using chinese herbal mixtures to make my soups for the pick me ups and have my stocks of ginsengs and other chinese herbs in the cupboard. A few years back, I have also resorted to using other alternative health products that I have found in the internet that has worked for me e.g Transfer Factor to boost my immune system and keep me healthy. Occasionally I still use some neurofen for the odd pain but I now rarely take any pills and drugs. If you google for transfer factor uk, you can get lots of information about it. I think they helped for antidepression too.
However whether you can take jin pi wan, xue fu yu wan and Sertraline together, it should be your herbalist who would have the answer to that.
Hope the above helps.