Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine is effective for the treatment of a variety of diseases that are common in society today. Asthma, allergies, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes to name few. A recent study published in Acupuncture Today has even demonstrated that Chinese Herbal Medicine is significantly more effective than common pharmaceutical medicines in the prevention of stroke recurrence. See: http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31814
However, I find that in speaking to my patients, and in giving public talks, that there is a common misunderstanding regarding how Chinese Herbal Medicine works. CHM is not just an herbal substitute for a medicinal drug. Drugs tend to be single molecular substances that target one function of the body. This single molecular action is very strong and the body is often overwhelmed by these actions. This is part of what leads to those long lists of possible side effects.
On the other hand, Chinese Herbal Formulas are composed of several individual ingredients, each being made up of many molecular components. The design of these formulas is not random. Hundreds of years of trial and research has gone into the development of these formulations. It is the synergy of the ingredients that make this medicine unique. The specific herbs in a formula are chosen to buffer, balance, and support each others therapeutic actions. The overall goal of Chinese Medicine is to go beyond the mere control symptoms, and to make the body more healthy and vital.
Looking at statin drugs as an example, their main action is to block the production of cholesterol. However, the physiological process of cholesterol production remains basically unchanged. It is important to note that cholesterol is an important substance to many of the body’s activities. Optimum balance of cholesterol production, storage and utilization would provide better long term health.
The Chinese Herbal Medicine formulas that I recommend to treat elevated cholesterol not only remove plaque and buildup within the arteries, these medicines work to make the cardiovascular system more healthy on all levels. They support the body to transform the metabolic processes that creates toxic buildup within the arteries, and bring cholesterol and blood lipids into healthy balance. These herbal formulas not only bring cholesterol and triglycerides into optimum balance, they strengthen the overall functioning of the body, help to reduce blood pressure, and strengthen immunity.