While many cultures have herbal medicine traditions, the sophistication of Chinese herbal medicine is unsurpassed. TCM herbs are used to treat everything from the common cold to symptoms associated with the treatment of cancer. They can be given in tea form, as powders, or as tablets.
There are thousands of herbs in the Chinese materia medica of which about 300 are commonly used, and by far most are derived from plants. As practised in BC, none of these herbs are on the endangered list.
You will generally receive a mixture of several different herbs in a formula that has been tailored to your condition, and that formula will likely change as your health improves. Chinese herbs are extremely effective and normally have only mild side effects, however it is very important to tell us about your medical history including medications as we wish to avoid any unwanted interactions, or if you are pregnant.
Perhaps you are already taking prescription drugs and want a safer more natural alternative. Our pharmacist is very knowledgable in this area and will safely monitor your progress should you with your doctor’s okay, stop your medications. We can speak to your physician for you regarding trials of herbs used to reduce dosages of drugs, or eliminate them altogether with the aid of lab tests and other conventional medicine monitoring devices. If you have a serious disease sometimes herbs will need to be added to your prescription drugs so they have a better effect. We will keep your doctor involved and monitor your progress each step of the way. For complex situations we will contact Kim Cooper our herbal consultant.
Together we can tailor a course of herbs to meet your individual needs.
CONDITIONS THAT TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBS TREAT
Traditional Chinese Herbs will treat what acupuncture treats, and more. Below is a partial list. If you do not see your condition please email us or give us a call as we can likely help you.
PAIN
Some Chinese herbs have anti-inflamatory action that don’t harm your stomach like NSAIDs (naproxen, ibuprofen, etc) do. The herbs that fight pain will not impair your immunity unlike prednisone and other corticosteroids.
- enhancing blood flow to stiff painful muscles, tendons and joints
- alleviating inflammation in painful muscles, tendons, and joints
- rheumatoid or gouty arthritis
- HZV (shingles) pain
- muscle and joint pain
- calcifications and spurs
- kidney and gall bladder stones
- arthritis
- migraines
- sinus headaches
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHALLENGES
- Return to Mental and emotional wellbeing
- addictions –treatment and recovery
- Fatigue due to depression
- Anxiety and/or panic attacks
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Bouts of anger or irritability
- Depression
- Poor memory
- Brain fog
- ADD/ADHD
- Early dementia
- Feeling stuck or blocked
- Feeling ungrounded or imbalanced
WOMEN’S HEALTH
TCM herbs do not cause harm to a developing fetus but some may threaten miscarriage.
- infertility
- painful periods
- heavy periods
- scanty periods
- amenorrhea (no periods)
- irregular periods
- bloating
- painful or bloated breasts
- PMS
- migraines associated with periods
- mood swings
- chocolate and other cravings
- peri-menopausal support
- menopausal support
- hot flashes
- night sweats
- vaginal dryness
- recurrent yeast infections
- recurrent urinary tract infections
- low libido
- pregnancy support– see acupuncture
- postpartum care–see acupuncture
BONE WEAKNESS
- osteopenia or osteoporosis–a possible alternative to bisphosphonates (Fosamax, etc)
- Fracture recovery
DIGESTION ISSUES
- heartburn, Acid Reflux–a possible alternative to proton pump inhibitors
- irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- constipation
- diarrhea
- inflammatory bowel disease
- chronic indigestion
- chronic loose stools or constipation
- peptic ulcer
- acute and chronic gastritis
- morning sickness
- nausea and vomiting
- food intolerances and allergies
IMMUNE SYSTEM
- allergies
- autoimmune disorders
- impaired/low immunity
RESPIRATORY
- Sinusitis-acute or chronic
- Sinus infection-acute or chronic
- Common cold
- allergies
- asthma/exercise induced asthma
- bronchitis
- post nasal-drip
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
- common cold or flu
- shingles (HZV)
- herpes (HSV)
INTERNAL ORGANS
- elevated liver tests
- fatty liver
- hepatitis
- gallstones
- adrenal fatigue
- kidney stones
CARDIOVASCULAR/METABOLIC
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol–an alternative to statins (Crestor, Lipitor, etc)
- adult Onset Diabetes–support of blood sugar/treatment of peripheral neuropathy and other symptoms
DERMATOLOGY
- acne
- acne rosacea
- dermatitis
- eczema
- psoriasis
- itchy skin
SUPPORT
- Fatigue and other side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
- Recovery from surgery
- Recovery from chemo and/or radiation
- Burn recovery
- Poor immunity
This is a partial list of conditions. Please contact us if your ailment is not listed.
**Please note that Angela Berscheid is not a registered TCM herbalist although she has successfully completed a 4 year diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture and herbology (2003). Her 5 year Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (BScPharm) allows her to legally dispense herbs to her patients. She will contact a Registered Herbalist or Dr TCM if she requires assistance.
