What is Herbal Medicine & Herbal formulas?
Herbal medicine is an essential part of Traditional Asian medicine. There is over 500 kind of frequently used medicinals and it includes different kinds of elements from nature. Practitioners have been used these medicines in daily practice to treat the disease, nourish one’s body, and correct the free flow of Qi and blood in the body from ancient times. It has been used mostly for plant parts especially roots and rhizomes so it called Ben Cao (Bon Cho), herbology in English. Skilled practitioners are utilizing herbal medicine in daily practice.
Similar to acupuncture, many people turn to herbal medicines as a natural way to meet their healthcare needs. In many cases, these natural remedies can outperform modern medical treatments. And even those who are not looking to treat a specific illness may find that herbal medicines can help regulate their body’s natural immunity or improve particular functions (memory, sleep, etc.).
According to clinical trials, herbs can increase the effectiveness of conventional medications, and reduce the side effect of medications, and sometimes able to use alone for treating certain conditions.
An herbal formula is consists of a number of single herbs. It has a unique system that forms organized groups of herbs in an herbal formula. There are four categories of herbs: Sovereign, Deputy, Assistant, and Envoy. These groups of herbs work together as a whole to treat our bodies naturally. Since each Body Constitution has its different weaknesses and strength, suitable food or herbs, characters, and mentality, the practitioner has to understand how each herb moves the Qi in the Zhang Fu organ system and meridians in order to come up with an herbal formula.
To potentiate or moderate the herb’s property, some herbs must be prepared in special ways and this may take a few weeks to months which causes variations in the cost of herbal formulas.
What Herbal Formula can treat?
Herbal formulas are designed based on Traditional Asian medicine theory. Practitioners can make in many different forms such as herbal teas, decoctions, pills, capsules, powders, extracts, topicals, and so on. Asian countries including Korea has been using herbal medicine for more than 2000 years to treat a wide range of health issues such as digestive issues, insomnia, autoimmune diseases, infertility, amenorrhea, low libido, PCOS, endometriosis, painful period, irregular period, menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, short stature for kids, constipation, diarrhea, pains, headache, migraine, frozen shoulder, skin issues, hair loss, acne, dry skin, atopic dermatitis, eczema, skin rashes, sports injuries, and much more.
Many studies have been conducted in recent years and show the effectiveness of herbs. You can search here:
Pubmed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
National Library of Medicine
https://www.nlm.nih.gov/
Natural Medicines
https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com
Does Herbal Medicine have side effects?
Like many other medicines, herbal medicine can cause some side effects if not taken properly or someone has allergies to certain herbs. It is essential to talk to the practitioner if you have any allergies. Some reactions to herbs can be nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, skin rashes, abdominal discomfort, headache, dark urine, pale stools, edema, loss of appetite, fatigue, weird taste in the mouth, tingling of the tongue, and any sensitivities.
Herbal medicine is considered safe in the practice of Traditional Asian and Naturopathic Medicine, although some may be toxic in large doses. Some herbs may be inappropriate during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. You should notify the practitioner immediately if you develop any reactions and if you are or become pregnant.
How Dr. Kim uses Herbal Formula?
Dr. Kim will design a specific herbal formula for an individual patient. However, this can be modified frequently over the course of the treatment. Patients will be monitored regularly to increase or decrease the dosage, hold for a certain period, discontinue or change to a different herbal formula based on the patient’s progress.
How long should I take my Herbal Formula?
Most of the time, patients with chronic conditions are taking the herbal formula consecutively for about 3-4 months to see noticeable results. If the daily dosage is lowered due to the patient’s condition, the course of the treatment can be longer.
What is the process?
The first step is to contact our office or make an appointment online through our website.
The doctor will review your past medical history, thorough current health issues, lab results if necessary, and conduct a physical exam including taking your pulses thoroughly based on Traditional Asian medicine.
The doctor will design the customized herbal formula that is best suitable for you or recommend a certain herbal product you can order through our online dispensary and give you the directions to take herbal formula. The doctor will discuss treatment plans including, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations, and make follow-up appointments for review.
Telemedicine is also available under certain circumstances, although the doctor prefers to see patients in the office.
Customized herbal formulas are usually ready to pick up in about 5-7 business days at our office or we can ship them to you directly if possible.
We are dedicated, passionate, board certified & licensed to provide natural medicine, acupuncture, herbal supplements, and regenerative medicine services. Experience the difference a natural healing method can make on your well-being. Have questions? We have answers.
Cancellation Policy
We kindly ask you to reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours ahead of your appointment time otherwise, you may be charged a cancellation fee of 50% of the cost of your service.
Customized Herbal Formula Return Policy:
All herbal formulas are individually tailored to fit the specific needs of the patient. Once it is prepared, it cannot be returned.
