FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What conditions can Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine help me with?
A. A natural or Traditional Chinese approach to your health may help anyone in any state of health or disease. Any problem you would consider asking your family physician about, or any disease found in a textbook of internal medicine can benefit from a holistic approach.
Q. Are the herbs dangerous, are there any risks to taking herbs?
A. When prescribed by a trained professional, such as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (D.O.M.) there are no risks to taking herbs. I have treated thousands of patients and only on a few occasions did a patient report to me that they felt a little upset stomach from the herbs.
Q. How often will I need a follow up evaluation?
A. Generally, the first follow-up is at 10 days (this is included with the initial cost), again 30 days later (at which point you have the option to switch to capsules), and then between every 30 to 90 days. Some level of improvement in a condition is expected to have begun by around day 45. We look to continue to build on that improvement over the next several months, gradually tapering your dosage of herbs and modifying the components of the formula. Eventually the herb dosage is reduced to nothing.
Q. How long will I have to take the herbs for?
A. This is best addressed on a case-by-case basis but there are a few basic rules:
- How long have you had the problem for? Generally one month for each year you have had the problem.
- How many different health issues are you trying to treat at once? The more problems the longer it will take to treat.
- Are you employing other methods along with the herbal therapy? An herbal formula is not to be taken forever, and it should change as your condition changes.
Q. I’m allergic to lots of things; will I be allergic to the herbs?
A. It is always imperative to inform all of your doctors of any allergies potential or real! It’s my personal opinion to avoid anything that you’ve had a true allergic reaction to.
Q. Does the FDA regulate your herbs?
A. The Federal Government regulates dietary supplements through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The regulations for dietary supplements are not the same as those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs. In general, the regulations for dietary supplements are less strict. This usually refers to dietary supplements that you can pick up anywhere. Most of the herbal formulas we recommend are by prescription only.
All the herbs that Herb Consult uses or recommends are from manufacturers that adhere to higher standards than the most stringent GMP (Good Manufacturing practice) guidelines that meet or exceed the standards of western pharmaceuticals.
Q. Can pregnant women take herbs?
A. Many herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy. It’s best to not just take anything unless your Oriental Medical Practitioner tells you it’s safe. Some herbal medicines are used to decease morning sickness, prevent recurrent miscarriage, among other problems.
Q. Can nursing mothers take herbs?
A. Under certain circumstances with the professional advice of a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, nursing mothers may take certain formulas. They are many ancient formulas to help the flow of milk and even with mastitis.
Q. How should I store my herbal extract powders, capsules or tea pills?
A. Herbal extract powders or capsules should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture. They will keep on average for 3 years. But if you want them to work you have to TAKE them as recommended!!!
Q. Can I take my herbal formula with my pharmaceutical prescriptions?
A. Of course! As long as a Doctor of Oriental Medicine has prescribed your herbs, and you have apprised him/her of your total medical condition, including what drugs you are taking and what your medical history is — there will be no negative interaction. This is why we require such an in-depth evaluation and a full listing of all medications and supplements that you are taking.
Certain conditions and/or their drugs do require caution and special consideration. These include: epilepsy and seizure medication, heart conditions and blood thinners, pregnant women (see above), decreased kidney function, increased liver stress, infertility and cancer treatment.
Q. Can I take herbs while undergoing cancer treatment?
A. Yes you can with the professional advice of your Oriental Medicine Practitioner. Herbal medicines can help support your immune system and help reduce the severe side-effects of many cancer treatments.
Tags: allergies, Cancer, faq, frequently asked questions about herbal medicines, herbal formulas, Herbs, nursing, pregnancy, Uncategorized
Hi, I'm Christine Hasinger, DOM. I’m an Oriental Medicine Practitioner of which a large part is utilizing natural herbal medicine. You see, we're Master Herbalists as well as Acupuncturists. A large part of our extensive training focuses on the preparation, making, use and prescribing of herbs and herbal formulas for a wide variety of health disorders and problems.