The natural world provided our ancestors with the only medicine they knew, and continues to do so for us. The beauty of herbal medicine is its power to heal in the gentle and holistic way that it does. Many of the medicines today have herbal origins: Morphine from opium, digoxin from foxglove, atropine from morning glory.
Many of the supplements we use at San Jose Integrative Medicine are herbal based.
Based on a patient’s unique symptoms, a combination of herbs are selected to treat symptoms and prevent worsening of certain diseases.
With lifestyle changes, vitamins, minerals, and herbs can treat a variety of conditions. In Ron’s case, Dr. Kimberly Brown ND used a modified formula of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which is a Chinese herbal formula.
Herbal medicine dates back thousands of years to the Paleolithic era, almost 60,000 years ago. Every culture around the world has a rich history in using herbs medicinally. The first written records of herbal medicine dates to ancient Mesopotamia (present day Iraq) 5000 years ago. The Sumerians of that region recorded medicinal plants on clay tablets.
The first compilation of herbal medicine belongs to the Ancient Egyptians. Around 1500 BCE, the Ancient Egyptians recorded herbs on papyrus including herbs we still use today.
From “Ancient Egyptian Medicine” (http://www.crystalinks.com/egyptmedicine.html):
Chinese herbal medicine has been in use for thousands of years, with the first written records found on bone and shell dating back 3500 years. Zhang Zhongjing compiled Chinese herbal formulas 1800 years ago in “Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders” and “Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Casket”.
The following are some of the herbal formulas from the “Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Casket” that are still in common use:
Gan Mai Da Zao Tang: For insomnia, anxiety, depression, and menopause
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang: For coughing, nausea, vomiting, and Plum Pit sensation (feeling of something stuck in throat)
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan: Fatigue, low libido, and frequent urination
Da Chai Hu Tang: Hypertension, menopause, anxiety, constipation
Dang Gui Shao Yao San: Abdominal pain during pregnancy, anemia, dizziness, palpitations, low energy, cold hands and feet, painful periods, irregular menstrual cycles, uterine bleeding, and anovulation (infertility).
There is an herb to treat every complaint, but herbal medicine is not always sufficient alone. We will combine herbal therapies with nutritional supplements, diet, and medication. We commonly uses herbs to treat the following conditions:
PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
Irregular Periods
Menopausal Symptoms such as Hot Flashes
Painful Periods & Menstrual Cramps
Stress & Anxiety
Low Libido
Migraines
High Blood Sugar/Prediabetes
High Cholesterol
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
Anxiety & Depression
Hayfever & Allergies
Digestive Disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), Candida Overgrowth, and Reflux
Hypothyroidism (used in combination with thyroid medication or natural dessicated thyroid)
Adrenal Fatigue & Exhaustion
Upper Respiratory Infections & Bronchitis
How are Herbal Medicines Administered?Once upon a time, herbal medicine was only given in teas. Today, herbal medicine is available in many different forms. The following are the most commonly used:
Most commonly used because of their convenience, standardized extracts are simply herbs in a pill (capsule or tablet) form. They are highly concentrated and better researched for their active compounds. They can be prepared as a single herb or in combination with other herbs to make a specific formula. Because of their convenience, we usually uses herbs in a pill form.
Tinctures are extracts of medicinal plants in alcohol or glycerin. They also can be found as single herbs or in combination with other herbs. We find herbal tinctures to be most useful when very high doses of herbs are needed, when the herbs are not available in pill form, or for people with malabsorption (digestive) issues.
Teas are the traditional way herbs have been taken for generations. A cup of tea is a great way to relax no matter what herbs are used. Dr. Kimberly Brown ND does not usually prescribe teas because they are less potent than tinctures or standardized extracts.
Since they are not as strong, teas are very safe. For instance, chamomile may cause miscarriage and decrease estrogen but you will not find a warning on chamomile tea boxes nor does chamomile tea increase hot flashes!
Herbs can be applied topically in the form of lotions (liniments), ointments (salves), and poultices. Topical herbs are used for infections, pain, and dry skin. Herbs can be found in lozenges, which are used for sore throats. In addition, they can be found in liquid and powder form making them easier to ingest. And for the kids, there are always gummies!
We are trained in both Western and Eastern herbs. We will develop a plan to support you in your path to better health.
Discover what natural herbal medicine and naturopathic medicine can do for you!
If you would like to learn more, give us a 408-357-3422 or request a complimentary phone consultation.