What Is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine is a sophisticated system of plant (and occasionally mineral and animal) medicine that has evolved over 3,000 years. Unlike Western herbal medicine, which typically uses single herbs for specific symptoms, Chinese herbal medicine uses precisely composed formulas — combinations of 5–15 herbs — designed to treat the whole pattern of imbalance rather than individual symptoms.
How Formulas Are Composed
Every classical Chinese herbal formula has a structure: a Chief herb that addresses the primary condition, Deputy herbs that support and enhance the Chief, Adjuvant herbs that address secondary symptoms or moderate strong herbs, and Envoy herbs that harmonize the formula and direct it to specific areas of the body. This layered approach is what makes Chinese herbal medicine uniquely effective — and uniquely complex.
Modern Research on Chinese Herbs
Hundreds of Chinese herbal compounds have been isolated and studied in modern pharmacological research. Artemisinin — derived from the Chinese herb Qing Hao — is now the world's primary treatment for malaria, and its discoverer won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Berberine, found in the herb Huang Lian, has shown remarkable results for blood sugar regulation, often matching metformin in clinical trials. Astragalus (Huang Qi) has been extensively studied for immune modulation and cardiovascular support.
What Janice Treats with Herbs
Herbal medicine is particularly valuable for conditions that benefit from continuous treatment between acupuncture sessions — hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, recurrent infections, anxiety and sleep disorders, and fertility support. Janice prescribes either classical formulas (time-tested combinations that have been used for centuries) or modified formulas tailored to the individual patient's pattern.
Safety and Quality
Janice sources herbs from suppliers that provide rigorous third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and authenticity. All herbs prescribed are pharmaceutical-grade. She always reviews any supplements or medications patients are taking before prescribing herbs to avoid interactions.