About Chinese Herbs

Most physicians trained in Oriental medicine will prescribe dietary supplements derived from plants and minerals, though animal products are sometimes used. Sometimes these may be part of the initial treatment, or they may be used after a series of acupuncture sessions has clarified the diagnosis.

Patients should expect that any behavioral or dietary changes will need to be continued to maintain the benefit of the Oriental approach, and often dietary supplements are taken daily for weeks or months.

Free of most of the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs, Chinese formulations are often available in modern extract or tablet form that is more convenient than the traditional "soups" used in the Orient.