Herbs FAQ

1. What is the Chinese herb?
2. What can Chinese herbs do for me?
3. Have herbs been processed before use by patients?
4. Can you tell me the difference between Chinese patent and prescribed herbs?
5. Are the concentrated herbs as the same good as the raw herbs in prescribed herbs?
6. Could you offer me some precautions while I take herbs?
7. How are herbs taken?
8. How effective are Chinese herbs?
9. Why Chinese herbs are always mixed in formula to use,instead of a single herb?
10. Can you help me understand the names of patent Chinese medicine?
11. What are the forms a herbal formula may have?
12. What is wan or pian in your patent Chinese medicines?
13. Do I get wan or pian for my order?
14. How long do I need to take the herbs?
15. How long does a bottle of patent Chinese medicine last?
16. Can Chinese herbs act fast?
17. I heard herbs imported from Asian countries often have toxic materials in them. Is it true? Do yours have them too?
18. The herbal formulas I received have a distinctive odor and color. Is this normal?
19. Is there a listing of any inactive ingredients in your patent Chinese medicines?
20. I read some patent Chinese medicines have supplemented with pharmaceuticals. How about yours?
21. Are your patent Chinese medicines 100% natural?
22. Are your patent Chinese medicines concentrated?
23. Can you comment on the side effects of Chinese herbs?
24. Why do people choose traditional Chinese medicine?

1. Q: What is the Chinese herb? (back to top)
A: In China, people have been using natural herbs to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions. These herbs are called herbal medicine, which are composed of roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, and branches. It is well known that Traditional Chinese Medicine has over 3000 years history and Chinese herb medicine is one of most important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which also includes acupuncture. In China, there are over 3000 different herbs that can be used for medical purposes. However, about 300 to 500 of these herbs are commonly used. It is important to use herbs grown in China rather than outside of their native environment. One must use the right herb from the right source to get the full benefit.

2. Q: What can Chinese herbs do for me? (back to top)
A: Chinese Herbal therapy or herb medicine has three main functions:
(1). treat the acute diseases and conditions such as killing bacteria or a virus;
(2). heal chronic illness such as gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, allergies, immune system deficiency, etc. by strengthening the body, helping it to recover;
(3).maintain daily life health by keeping the balance of human body.

In general, herbs can treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions. Comparing with chemical medicine, Chinese herbal medicine is much more gentler and safer because it is made of natural herbs. Most of Chinese herbs do not cause side effects. Even some side effects that do occur among a few herbs, those side effects can be easily counteracted with other herbs. For these reasons, people turn to herbal therapy for a number of indications. More and more people rely on Chinese herb medicine as alternative after chemical medicine failed.

Chronic illness treatment - As we know, many people with chronic illness may take a number of different conventional drugs daily. Chinese herb medicine is a very good alternative for those who are looking for a natural alternative for the conventional western medicine. There are many very efficient Chinese herbal patent medicines and prescribed herb formulas for the medications taken for pain syndromes, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, stress related syndromes, respiratory disorders, heart problems, sexual dysfunction, allergies and immune system deficiencies, as well as replacements for antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Side effect reduction - As mentioned early, Chinese herbs are safer and less side-effects. Actually they can be taken to reduce the side effects of other medication such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc. It is well known that antibiotics weaken the immune system. Herbal therapy can strengthen the system. Also, during chemotherapy, the white blood cell count drops, which causes fatigue, lack of energy and appetite. Herbal therapy has proven quite successful in relieving the side effects of chemotherapy.

For prevention - People may take Chinese herb medicine for disease prevention. For instance, for a person suffering from frequent headaches, taking herbs to prevent the headache from ever starting is a much better option than taking a pain reliever after the fact. Herbs are also used to prevent the flu, menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome, among other things. For health maintenance- Herbal therapy can also be used for general health maintenance. Tonic herbs are used to increase energy and to slow the aging process. They are also used for enhancing sexual energy and for cosmetic purposes. Herbs arc also used to treat minor symptoms that are not severe enough for heavy chemical drugs, symptoms that cannot be diagnosed by Western medicine, and symptoms and illness that are not easy to treat, such as mononucleosis and immune system deficiencies.

3. Q: Have herbs been processed before use by patients? (back to top)
A: Yes. Chinese Herbs have been processed before use.

Why? First of all, the processing can reduce any possible side effects of herbs by detoxifying the herbs. The second reason for processing herbs is for filtering out impurities such as dirt and sand. Another reason is the processing can soften the strong taste or smell of herbs. Finally, it is very important to address that processing herbs can enhance their functions.

4. Q: Can you tell me the difference between Chinese patent and prescribed herbs? (back to top)
A: Chinese Patent herbs are premixed herb combinations according to the traditional formulas developed by experts in traditional Chinese medicine through over 3000 years. They are similar to over-the-counter-drugs and usually in the form of pill, capsule and liquid. The advantages of Chinese patent herbs are convenient, ease to take, less expensive.

However, patient's symptoms must fit the patent herb's narrow indications.

Prescribed herbs are mixed by a herbalist according to an individual patient's symptoms and diagnoses. In general speaking, prescribed herbs are more effective than patent herbs because the prescribed herbs are tailored to your symptoms and conditions exclusively by your herbalist if he or she is very good at traditional Chinese medicine.

5. Q: Are the concentrated herbs as the same good as the raw herbs in prescribed herbs? (back to top)
A: Yes! The concentrated herbs are made from the raw herbs. First of all, best herbal sources from China are selected. Then these raw herbs are purified. After that they are processed through steaming, cooking, finally condensed into fine granular particles. Therefore, they are easy to be dissolved and absorbed and enhance the healing process.

6. Q: Could you offer me some precautions while I take herbs? (back to top)
A: Like anything else you put in your body, you should be taken a certain amount of caution when you take Chinese herbs. For instance, some herbs are too strong for pregnant women and may cause miscarriage. Certain foods can have adverse effects on the herbal therapy. In general speaking, when taking Chinese herbs, one should avoid food that is raw (fruit is okay, but vegetables should be cooked), greasy, strong tasting or smelling, difficult to digest (such as beef), or irritating to the digestive system (like spicy foods). It is always a good idea to get advice from a herbalist before you take Chinese herbs.

7. Q: How are herbs taken? (back to top)
A: As you know, prescribed herbal medicine is traditionally taken in tea form. Human body absorbs tea easily and quickly so it is the most commonly used method. Sometimes, if the smell or taste of the herbal medicine is unpleasant, capsule or tablet form of this herbal medicine is recommended. Tea should always be warm, and capsules or tablets should be swallowed with warm water. Generally, it is best to take herbs just before you serve meals. You should consult a herbalist for specific instructions on taking herbs. For example, tonic herbs, to promote health, are best taken before meals. Purgative herbs, to cleanse the system, are best taken on an empty stomach. Herbs that either irritate the stomach or are taken to protect the stomach should be taken after eating. Herbs for insomnia and other sleeping disorders should be taken at bedtime.

8. Q: How effective are Chinese herbs? (back to top)
A: Chinese herbs are medicines Chinese people have been relied on for their health for thousand years. While some of them are outdated, lots of them are still proven effective and widely used in modern days. In many ways, they complement with modern medicine and may address health concerns modern medicine falls short with.

9. Q: Why are Chinese herbs all herbal formulas instead of a single herb? (back to top)
A: Chinese herbs are rarely used individually in clinics. They are used exclusively in herbal formulas where multiple herbs are combined. This is due to the belief and observation over time that a single herb either does not provide all the power for cure or a potential side effect needs to be contained.

10. Q: Can you help me understand the names of patent Chinese medicines? (back to top)
A: The names of patent Chinese medicines consist of two parts. The last word such as wan or pian serves to indicate the form of the herbs in pills or tablets. The words proceeding the last word literally could mean the name of the core herb (e.g., Shou Wu in Shou Wu Wan) or the function of the formula. (e.g., Yu Ping Feng in Yu Ping Feng Wan means Jade Screen to reflect its function in shielding the body off pathogens.) So, look only the first part to identify the formula and the last word to tell the form. The same formula may come in various forms like wan or pian.

11. Q: What are the forms a herbal formula may have? (back to top)
A: The common forms of herbal formulas are Tang (means decoction drink), San (fine powder), Wan (means pills), Pian (means tablets). Normally, Tang or San is the original form from which Wan or pian is derived. Tang is most effective but involves individual formulation and decoction, which is not easy to handle.

12. Q: What is wan or pian in your patent Chinese medicine? (back to top)
A: Wan is pills whereas pian is tablets in Chinese. The full line of patent traditional Chinese medicines we carry come in the form of either wan or pian. Wan is the more traditional form. Both forms contain exactly the same active ingredients extracted in the same way from the same recipe of herbs. Wan normally comes in 200 pills whereas pian in 100 tablets. The total weight of both forms are the same.

13. Q: Do I get wan or pian for my order? (back to top)
A: For each herbal formula we indicate the availability of wan and/or pian, you choose which form you prefer. In the unlikely event of one form being sold out, we will ask you if you like to get the another form.

14. Q: How long do I need to take the herbs? (back to top)
A: Many herbal formulas or extracts act to adjust or restore the normal physiological condition of the body. This is not something easily achievable in a few days. So depending on the indications the herbal supplements must often be taken for an extended period of time before their full benefit is experienced. for example, we recommend 3 months as the first regimen for Shou Wu Wan (Pian).

15. Q: How long does a bottle of patent Chinese medicine last? (back to top)
A: It depends on the condition. When you start, to adequately address your concern, it is recommended to take it in the full dosage and it lasts about 8-10 days. You may lower the dose afterward.

16. Q: Can Chinese herbs act fast? (back to top)
A: Yes. Herbal formulas can act very fast. For example, XXX acts within hours to contain cold symptoms as they appear.

17. Q: I heard herbs imported from Asian countries often have toxic materials in them. Is it true? Do yours have them too? (back to top)
A: The problem does exit that some herbs imported from China may sometimes contain a trace amount of toxic heavy metals and frankly that problem can happen for herbs grown anywhere including in the UK. In fact, most herbs currently used in UK are grown and imported from China. The challenge is how to find good quality and trusted source of herbs. This is where we paid great attention. That is why the herb formula products we sell are made in the best TCM factories in China where we trust finest herb materials and modern facilities are to produce the best quality of products.

18. Q: The herbal formulas I received have a distinctive odor and color. Is this normal? (back to top)
A: Herbs often have a distinctive natural odor (in most cases in pleasant flavors). They may vary in color but usually in black or grey in pills or tablets.

19. Q: Is there a listing of any inactive ingredients in your patent Chinese medicine? (back to top)
A: All our patent Chinese medicines are made of 100% natural herbs which are listed as active ingredients on the site. They do not contain any other inactive ingredients such as gluten, sugar, preservatives.

20. Q: I read some patent Chinese medicines have supplemented with pharmaceuticals. How about yours? (back to top)
A: Sometimes manufacturers add certain pharmaceuticals to relevant patent Chinese medicines to boost the effect. e. g., acetaminophen is added to Yin Qiao Jie Du Pian for cold relief. We do not endorse the practice and believe that Chinese medicines and pharmaceuticals are not to be combined. All patent Chinese medicines we carry do not contain any pharmaceuticals.

21. Q: Are your Chinese patent medicines 100% natural? (back to top)
A: Yes. Our Chinese patent medicines do not contain any sugar, pharmaceuticals, artificial color, and preservatives.

22. Q: Are your patent Chinese medicines concentrated? (back to top)
A: Yes. Our patent Chinese medicines are all concentrated many times compared to regular ones. It means they are extracted to only keep the active ingredients. They are more potent and less is needed for each dosage.

23. Q: Can you comment on the side effects of Chinese herbs? (back to top)
A: Like any medicine as a whole some Chinese herbs may have undesired side effects. It all depends on what you take no matter it is an herb or a pharmaceutical. In fact, in China available statistics show that many more adverse drug reactions are reported for chemical drugs than Chinese herbs. The Chinese herbs we sell are the ones we believe the very best yet safe.

24. Q:Why do people choose traditional Chinese medicine? (back to top)
A: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a holistic healthcare system that aims to treat the whole person rather than just the disease. It has been the main medical system used in China for more than 2,000 years, treating a whole range of conditions. Its long history testifies to the wealth of wisdom, knowledge and experience it can offer. No synthetic drugs are used, and the treatment methods are natural. It aims to rebalance the body's energy systems, so that it can heal itself.

People often express concern about certain aspects of Western medicine - that it treats the symptoms rather than the cause, produces side effects and has a fragmented approach to health. TCM seeks to deal with the causes of conditions rather than just the symptoms, and stresses the importance of diet and lifestyle. If provided by well-qualified and experienced practitioners, it's unlikely to produce anyside effects.

TCM has a good record in treating chronic conditions in situations where prolonged use of Western medicine would be a cause for worry. It's also shown itself to help some conditions, such as eczema and pain control, for which Western medicine can do little other than treating the symptoms.

TCM sees mental health as no different from physical health, since both relate to energy imbalance. This means there's no stigma attached to mental health problems, in the way that there has been in the West. TCM puts the emphasis on restoring mental health, not on treating mental illness.