What Are the Benefits of Herbal Medicine?
The medicinal benefits of herbs have been known for centuries. In Korea and China, traditional herbal remedies are still the backbone of medicine, and although we rely heavily on modern research for new cures for some diseases, herbal medicines are also fundamental to Western society's treatment of illnesses.
Initially, herbs were used individually, with each plant or each part of the plant used to cure a certain ailment. As people came to understand the differences between one person and the next, the need for more personalized treatments developed, and herbal blends became necessary. It is now commonly taught that herbs are more effective when used in a formula, because the proper combination of herbs increases the potency in the desired direction.
Herbal medicine can treat almost any condition that patients might take to their doctor. In fact, modern researchers are finding that herbal medicines are often safer, less expensive, and at least as effective as prescription drugs. Unlike most Western medications, herbal remedies are completely natural and have no drug side effects.
Although there are some herbal formulations that will work as medicines for almost everyone, there is still a need for customized formulas. Valley Ranch Acupuncture is also an herbal pharmacy where we formulate our own proven recipes, fine-tuning them to meet individual needs.
In this clinic, utmost care goes into selecting the best quality raw herbs to ensure optimum results from herbal therapy. Each patient receives a custom herbal prescription designed to treat their individual pattern as well as the symptom or disease. Herbs are selected for each patients constitution, root causes of dysfunction and related symptoms.
Herbal decoction are prepared and packaged in the facility using a special herbal extractor and packaging equipment, in turn this results in a more complete extraction and correct preparation of herbs while saving hours of time for the patients. Valley Ranch Acupuncture is one of the very few clinics in the country offering the herbal extractor and packaging equipment.
However, prepared herbs are also available in the clinic. They are usually in form of pills and granules. Although the potency is less than those of individualized decoction and cannot be individualized, it has benefit of better tasting, less costly and easy-to-carry convenience.
Understanding What Sets
Herbal Medicine Apart
Unlike in Western medicine, Valley Ranch Acupuncture does not treat a diagnosis; it treats you. Accordingly, we have to get to know you and your symptoms very well, which is why the we spend so much time taking your case, writing down all your symptoms and discussing each of them with you at length.
At Valley Ranch Acupuncture, we offer our patients Herbal Medicine using three main different forms. Decoctions, powdered and pill form.
Herbal Decoction
Valley Ranch Acupuncture is one of the few clinics in the country offering herbal extracting and packaging herbal medicine. Herbal decoctions are prepared and packaged in the facility using a special herbal extractor and packaging equipment, resulting in a more complete extraction and correct preparation of herbs while saving hours of time for the patients.
An herbal decoction is a water extraction of raw herbs that have been boiled for a period of time, after which the herbs are strained out and the resulting liquid consumed. The herbal decoction is the most potent and a convenient way to take large dosages of herbs often needed to treat serious or acute conditions. It is also easily absorbed by the body and fast-acting.
Herbal decoctions are customized for the specific needs of each individual patient. They can be modified easily and are thus capable of being adapted to constantly changing clinical presentations. However, they can have a very strong, and to some patients, unpleasant taste.
Certain custom decoctions take over 6 hours of preparation. After cooking the herbal decoction for several hours, the extract is vacuum packed into individual packages (similar to drink pouches). Thus, patients enjoy all the therapeutic benefits of taking a traditional decoction without any of the inconvenience of preparing it.
Powdered & Granule Extract Formulas
Valley Ranch Acupuncture also offers custom formulas in powdered form. Single herbs are decocted, concentrated and desiccated and the result is a fine powder of usually 5:1 or higher concentration that can later be reconstituted by simply stirring in hot water.
The herbalist prescribes granule extracts just as they would a decoction, the only difference by that is no cooking is required. The patient simply takes the appropriate doses of granule extract powder, adds water, and drinks as they would any other decoction. Unlike a traditional decoction, granule herbs are highly convenient in that they require no cooking, are compact and portable. Powdered formulas are highly potent and cost-effective compared to a traditional decoction.
Pills
Valley Ranch Acupuncture also offers prepared herbs in pill form. Pills are often used for uncomplicated conditions or for long-term administration. Although the potency is less than those of an individualized herbal decoctions and cannot be individualized, it has the benefit of being less costly and more convenienent.