Ancient Wisdom Treats Modern Diseases
Ancient Wisdom Treats Modern Diseases
All traditional cultures have used some form of herbal medicine to treat illness and maintain health. The medicine we need to heal ourselves often grows all around us. For instance, aspirin was developed through research on white willow bark, a substance traditionally used as an herbal medicine in some Native American cultures. Chinese Herbal Medicine is the most sophisticated herbal system in the world, with an unbroken tradition possibly going back to the 3rd century BC.
Modern medicine is now studying many of the Chinese herbs that have been used for thousands of years. In fact, Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) possibly predates acupuncture, having been firmly established by 200BC (at the latest).
Jing Fang 經 方 means classical formulas and is the name given to a set of herbal prescriptions composed mostly from pivotal works like Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (神農本草經) and Shang Han Za Bing Lun (傷寒雜病論). This was the medicine of imperial China from around the time of the Han dynasty, the Golden Age of Chinese Medicine.
The Shāng Hán Zá Bìng Lùn (傷寒雜病論) Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases was written by Zhāng Zhòng Jǐng (張仲景) from 210-219 CE. During the Song Dynasty, around 1100 CE, it was reconstructed and compiled into two other books: Shang han lun (傷寒論) and Jin gui yao lue fang lun (金匱要略方論).
The theoretical and clinical concepts of Jing Fang are the oldest and most authoritative formulation of Chinese medicine. They have been shown to be highly effective in clinical practice in internal medicine for nearly two millennia. However, it takes a tremendous amount of study, which I do on average 4 hours per week.
Since its inception, Chinese Herbal Medicine has developed methods to differentiate among various diseased physiological states and to match an effective herbal prescription to correct physiological function. It is not a medicine where “you take this herb for this symptom.” The concept of “one disease, many formulas, one formula, many diseases ” underlies this medicine, as it is about restoring your physiological function.
After a thorough intake, including asking questions, examining the tongue, palpating the pulse, and palpating the abdomen, a patient’s underlying physiological imbalances can be better understood. A formula is then written.
The herbs that I use are not the ones sensationalized in the news- they are all tested and follow strict manufacturing standards, and many of the herbs are certified organic. The supply companies used in the pharmacy are: KPC, Spring Wind, Legendary, and Sun Ten. In fact, the herbs are integrated into the medical systems in Taiwan and Japan and are thoroughly tested for pesticides, metals, and phytonutrient potency. The Taiwanese government maintains a website that includes test results from the companies I purchase from, as all medications in the health insurance system must be documented.
Contrary to what many incorrectly state, Chinese herbal medicines are regulated by the FDA and held to cGMP regulation under Title 21 CFR 111.
Herbs can be raw, whole, ground, powdered concentrate, or patent. The raw form is one that you cook yourself. If you love to cook and enjoy the smell of herbs, this is an excellent choice, especially since it is often the best treatment. All raw herbs used by George are either certified organic or guaranteed to have been grown without pesticides or herbicides.
George’s Stow office pharmacy is stocked with over 200 5:1 concentrate herbs and formulas, as these are easier to take than the raw form. You will receive a bottle with a few days to a couple of weeks’ worth of herbs. Simply put a few spoons in a cup and add hot water to dissolve them. The herb cost is from $12-22 per week.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is a rich and comprehensive medical system used to treat a variety of ailments worldwide. Its power comes from its understanding of how to diagnose and write a formula correctly. We have two thousand years of doctors’ case studies to learn from, which makes this plant medicine just as effective today as it was a millennium ago
2. Ried K1, Stuart K. Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility: a systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2011 Dec;19(6):319-31. PMID: 22036524. [PubMed] [Read by QxMD]
