A full range of Traditional Chinese herbal medicines are available. Youfeng will decide whether herbal medicine should be part of your treatment. To discover the benefits of herbal medicines, you can make an appointment by calling (925) 930-9782.
The medicines can be traditional dried herbs or herbs packaged as powders or pills or capsules. Traditional raw dried herbal medicines have produced the most beneficial results. They are natural, organic, and unprocessed. Powdered herbal medicines are similar to raw herbs but have been processed and ground to produce the powder in a form not unlike powdered spices. Herbal pills, tablets, and capsules are made in a method similar to that of many modern medications, where the active ingredients are extracted and concentrated into a form with binders, extractors, and other substances.
Each have their uses and can provide a health benefit, but Youfeng has found that raw herbs are generally superior to the others because they produce a broth that is rich in nutrients and essential minerals that add to the health benefit. On the other hand both powders and herbal pills, while generally not as effective as raw herbs are more convenient, especially for people who dilike or are unable to cook the herbs. Powders are poured into hot water, like making a cup of instant coffee, while pills are usually taken several times a day with water.
Frequently the form of the prescription can be determined by the patient. In today's modern busy life, many people do not have the capacity or desire to follow the traditional recipes, but that is no reason to deny themselves the healing benefits of herbs. While Youfeng's preference is for raw herbs, any of the forms of herbal medicines can be provided based on the patient's preference. By using a powdered formula that can be taken as an herbal tea, people can experience most of the benfits of whole herbs without the fuss and smell. Call to make an appointment and see if herbal medicines can help you with your health problems.
If you do decide to use raw herbs, here are the instructions for cooking them.
Herb Cooking Instructions
Use one bag each day morning and evening.
Use Glass or Clay Pot
Put one bag of herbs in the pot. Pour in water to cover by about ½ inch.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for half hour.
Pour out the juice and let cool. Drink when lukewarm.
Do not throw away the medicine. Repeat a second time, using less water, just to cover the herbs.
Youfeng Yvonne Chen, L.Ac., appointments Conveniently located near I680 to all of the East Bay and especially Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Orinda, Alamo, Danville Concord, and Martinez.