Herb FAQs:
Is it safe to take herbs if a person is on prescription meds?
For many millennia, herbs are an important and indispensable component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Most Chinese herbs are safe even for long term use. Our clinical experiences have shown that so far our herbs are not interfering with patients' medications and we did not receive any reports of adverse drug interactions. In prescribing herbs we take care, to the best of our ability, to consider patients' conditions and the current medications that they are taking to prevent any potential drug interaction. If any concerns arise, our acupuncturist can adjust the dosage or formula to suit patient's needs.
Can children take herbs?
Yes, herbal therapy is very effective and safe for children and they often respond well to herbs. Our youngest patient that took herbs was only 2 years old.
Do herbs have side effects?
Most herbs are very safe and have no side effects. Some herbs may cause momentary discomfort in some people depending on the person's constitution, for example slight headache or dizziness in the initial 1-3 days of taking the herbs. Once your body adjusts to the herbs, the discomfort goes away. Most patients at our clinic have very normal experience with herbs.
- It is important to understand that herbs are very powerful medicine. We strongly recommend that anyone interested in herbal therapy should seek treatment from a professional acupuncturist or herbalist. Some herbs are relatively mild and can be used by the lay people for self-healing but most herbs require trained herbal knowledge to use correctly. There are indications and contraindications of herbs that if used incorrectly can be risky.
Are herbs suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, our clinic uses only plant herbs and some mineral herbs for all of our treatments. Vegetarians and vegans can feel safe taking our herbs.
For how long are patients required to take herbs?
This depends on the condition being treated. Acute conditions require less time on herbs. Chronic conditions often involve constitutional deficiencies and thus require a longer period of herbal therapy, can range from 6 months - 1 year or more.
