CHINESE MEDICINE
BENEFITS OF HERBAL MEDICINE
Modern pharmacology has roots in herbal history, with many medicines still derived from plants. For instance, aspirin comes from willow trees, morphine from poppy seeds, penicillin from fungus, and digitalis from foxglove. About 75% of the global population still relies on traditional herbal medicines. In the U.S., there's a renewed interest in herbal remedies as awareness of pharmaceutical side effects grows.
Chinese herbal medicine, a sophisticated science over 2,000 years old, uses over 6,000 herbs in complex formulas documented in numerous books. Effective and harmful properties of herbs were meticulously noted, creating a comprehensive medical system passed down through generations. This knowledge is now available to U.S. practitioners for improved patient care.
Chinese herbal formulas are tailored to the patient's specific imbalances rather than a western-diagnosed disease. For example, five people with headaches might receive five different formulas based on their individual diagnoses. This personalized approach requires the expertise of a trained Chinese herbalist, as using the wrong formula can disrupt the body's balance. Herbs should be used with caution and proper knowledge, just like pharmaceutical prescriptions.
Eastern medicine uses whole herbs in formulas, valuing the natural balance of all components, unlike Western medicine which isolates active ingredients and discards the rest as inert. This holistic approach in Chinese herbal medicine results in bulkier doses but typically fewer side effects, as the herbs balance each other within the formula. In contrast, Western medicines often have more side effects due to the concentration of isolated active ingredients without natural balancing factors.
The wisdom of Chinese herbal medicine comes from over 2,000 years of practice, whereas Western medicine has only been around for a few hundred years. This long history provides Chinese medicine with a depth of experience and understanding that Western medicine is beginning to recognize. As Eastern and Western practices start to integrate, we are realizing the value of both approaches in advancing healthcare. The combination of Western medical advancements and the ancient wisdom of Eastern medicine offers the potential for optimal patient care. Ongoing education, research by institutions like the NIH, and increased understanding will hopefully lead to a harmonious integration of both systems.