In China, herbs are called herbal medicine, which is made up of roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, and branches. Herbal medicine has been a part of the written history of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 4000 years. There are over 3000 different herbs that can be used for medical purposes. Only 300 to 500 of these herbs are commonly used. It is important to use herbs grown in China rather than outside of their native environment. One must use the right herb from the right resource to get the full benefit.

Herbal therapy has three main functions:
(1) to treat the immediate problem, such as killing bacteria or a virus.
(2) to strengthen the body, helping it to recover.
(3) to maintain health.

Property: Every herb is said to have the property of being either cool, cold, warm, or hot.
Cool and cold herbs treat symptoms, such as fever, thirst, sore throat or constipation.
Warm and hot herbs treat symptoms, such as cold hands and feet.
Flavor: There are seven flavors of herbs; pungent, sweet, sour, astringent, bitter, salty, and neutral.
Channels: Channels (or meridians) run throughout the body, affecting different organs. Each kind of herb affects a particular channel and organ.
Actions: Herbs perform different actions in the body. These are known as lifting, floating, lowering, and sinking.

Herbs are processed before use. There are several reasons for this. First, processing reduces any possible side-effects by detoxifying the herbs, removing any poisons. Another reason for processing herbs is for easier storage. Processing also filters out impurities such as dirt and sand, and can tone down a strong taste or smell. Finally, processing an herb can strengthen its function.

Patent herbs are premixed herb combinations, similar to over-the-counter-drugs. The patient symptoms must fit the patent herb narrow indications. Prescribed herbs are mixed by an herbalist and tailored to the patient symptoms and diagnoses.

Contrary to popular belief, Chinese herbalists do not normally grow or process herbs. The herbalist writes a prescription tailored to the patient individual needs, then mixes it using herbs processed by pharmaceutical companies in China and Taiwan province. Only G.M.P. standard herbs are used. G.M.P. stands for Good Manufacture Practice, the highest standard for pharmaceuticals. In China, Chinese herbalists are graduates of Chinese Traditional Medical School, with the same privileges as western physicians.

Herbs are seldom used singly. Most often, they are used in combinations of 10 to 15 herbs. There are three ways to beneficially combine herbs. Mutual Reinforcement involves combining two very similar herbs to create a strong effect. Mutual Assistance is the method of using one herb to help another work better. Mutual Restraint relies upon one herb reducing or eliminating side effects of another herb in the combination. Two other types of combinations show why one should be experienced and knowledgeable about herbs before attempting to combine them. Mutual Inhibition occurs when one herb reduces another effectiveness. Incompatibility occurs when the combination of certain herbs produces side effects or becomes poisonous.

Herbs, like anything you put in your body, should be taken with a certain amount of caution. Some herbs are too strong for pregnant women and may cause miscarriage. Certain foods can have adverse effects on the herbal therapy. While taking herbs, one should avoid food that is raw (fruit is okay, but vegetables should be cooked), greasy, strong tasting or smelling, difficult to digest (such as beef), or irritating to the digestive system (like spicy foods).

Herbal medicine is traditionally taken in tea form. Tea absorbs into the system quickly, and is the most commonly used method. However, if the smell or taste of the tea is unpleasant, capsules or tablets are recommended. Tea should always be warm, and capsules or tablets should be swallowed with warm water. Generally, it is best to take herbs on an empty stomach. You should consult an herbalist for specific instructions on taking herbs, but here are some basic guidelines. Tonic herbs, to promote health, are best taken before meals. Purgative herbs, to cleanse the system, are best taken on an empty stomach. Herbs that either irritate the stomach or are taken to protect the stomach should be taken after eating. Herbs for insomnia and other sleeping disorders should be taken at bedtime.

As stated before, the three functions of herbal medicine are treatment, recovery, and health maintenance. Generally speaking, herbs can be taken for many kinds of illness. Also, many kinds of western drugs have an herbal alternative. Because it is natural therapy, most herbs do not cause side effects. Those side effects that do occur can be easily counteracted with other herbs. Herbal medicine is simply gentler and safer than chemical medicine. For these reasons, people turn to herbal therapy for a number of indications.

To treat a chronic illness
Many people with chronic illness take a number of different drugs. Those who are looking for a natural alternative for those drugs switch to herbal therapy. According to current practice in China, and classical Chinese medical teachings, there are many herbal remedies for pain syndromes, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, stress related syndromes, respiratory disorders, heart problems, sexual dysfunction, allergies and immune system deficiencies, as well as alternatives for antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

To reduce side effects
Herbs can be taken to reduce the side effects of other medication. Antibiotics weaken the immune system. Herbal therapy can strengthen the system. Also, during chemotherapy, the white blood cell count drops, causing fatigue, lack of energy and appetite. Herbal therapy has proven quite successful in relieving the side effects of chemotherapy.

To assist Western medication
Herbal medicine can strengthen the effects of Western medication. For example, if a patient is taking medication for his high blood pressure, but it is not producing the desired effects, his doctor may increase the dosage. A heavy dosage can produce unwanted side effects. The patient can, instead, take an herbal supplement that will produce the desired decrease in blood pressure without the side effects.

For prevention
Herbs are often taken as a method of prevention. For a person suffering from frequent headaches, taking herbs to prevent the headache from ever starting is a much better option than taking a pain reliever after the fact. Herbs are also used to prevent the flu, menstrual cramps and pre-menstrual syndrome, among other things.

For health maintenance
Herbal therapy can also be used for general health maintenance. Tonic herbs are used to increase energy and to slow the aging process. They are also used for enhancing sexual energy and for cosmetic purposes.