All that man needs for health and healing has been provided by God in nature, the Challenge of science is to find it.

— Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim, known as Paracelsus (1493–1541)

CHAPTER 5

Herbalicious

No, I don’t mean those kinds of herbs. And, yes, I do get asked that—a lot.

The healing properties of herbs were discovered through trial and error, and also during the observation of animals. Animals instinctively know what to eat to help them. Early herbologists began their studies by observing animals eating specific plants and achieving very specific results. For example, when animals were seen eating the root of ginseng, there were subsequent signs of an increase in energy.

I also see this natural instinct and response in the small children I treat. One of my autistic patients, age five, would grab her bottle of powdered herbs out of her parents’ hands. Sylvia was severely autistic when she first came to see me. She only spoke to mimic what someone else said, was unable to feed herself, couldn’t make eye contact at all, would only wear certain colors, ate just about ten foods of a particular texture, had issues with anger and temper tantrums, and still wasn’t potty trained. But she knew her herbs were making her feel better. She lit up when she took them, three times a day—and for any of you who have taken Chinese herbs, fresh or in powder, you know how awful they can taste! Yet almost all my younger pediatric patients (five and under) have the same response as Sylvia. They intuitively know the herbs are helping and don’t care or don’t even notice the taste. Very small children have to use liquid or powdered herbs until they are able to swallow capsules, but remarkable results are possible.

Sylvia’s results were nothing short of miraculous. She was seeing several other health-care providers and specialists beside me, so I can’t take all the credit, but her parents did comment that after her sessions with me, the response was always quite drastic. Once Sylvia was feeling much better, she eventually changed her diet as well. If you’ve been around a child with autism, you know that you can’t make them do anything they don’t want to; dietary changes came after about a month of treatments. Sylvia was able to make eye contact, albeit for only a few seconds, after just three weeks. Her tantrums, which used to last hours, were practically gone right away. Within a year, her autism spectrum symptoms were essentially gone, noticeable only in situations when she felt shy or didn’t understand social cues.

Chinese herbs are another incredibly powerful healing modality in TCM. Acupuncture and proper nutrition can do wonders in healing, even for conditions that many think are “unhealable.” Adding a special herbal formula to the treatment can vastly improve any emotional and physical issues and quicken recovery time drastically.

Chinese herbs are very complex and should be studied thoroughly before prescribing. This is why I highly recommend only going to a qualified licensed practitioner for herbal remedies. Each state has its own laws about prescribing Chinese herbs. In California, where I’m licensed, I had to study herbs along with acupuncture to qualify for a license. About one-fifth of my class hours were spent learning Chinese herbology as part of my curriculum. I had to memorize the healing properties and contraindications of hundreds of Chinese herbs to graduate. In California, 11 percent of the state board exam is on herbs.

Chinese herbology is a science and an art form. Each herb has its own healing properties. Some have several. Each herb has a recommended dose to it. For example, the dose for ginseng is from 1 gram to 9 grams, depending on your condition and what other herbs you are combining with it. If you’ve experienced severe blood loss from an injury or childbirth, the dose goes up to 30 grams. How much you use determines how effective it is and its purpose. How an herb is prepared also changes its healing capabilities. Whether it’s prepared fried, raw, dried, or freeze-dried can all tweak an herb’s effects. Also, each part of a plant has very specific properties and uses. The bark might not have the same effect as the leaf, root, seed, or berry. For example, most people have heard gingko biloba helps with memory. Yes, it does—at least the seeds do—but in TCM the leaf is used for asthma, chest colds, and other lung-related illnesses.

Patent Formulas

There are herbal remedies that are called patent formulas. They’re premade concoctions that address a specific ailment, sometimes even a few. You might even be able to buy some of them at your local health food store. For example, there are traditional formulas that treat sinus infections, bladder infections, muscle aches and injuries, anxiety, and digestive problems. These offer an excellent way to focus on and treat a specific and acute condition. Patent formulas can also be used for more chronic conditions, such as hay fever or long-term insomnia.

I prefer starting my new patients with one of these formulas. I see how they’re doing for a few weeks, make sure they’re consistently taking their herbs, then I make a specialized formula that treats many, if not all, of their problems. I make sure they’re consistently taking their supplements, because many people just aren’t wired to do that. I can’t tell you how many patients come in with grocery bags of vitamins and herbal supplements they’ve had sometimes for years. They have no idea why they bought most of them, and a majority of the bottles are expired. We end up throwing away sometimes hundreds of dollars of unusable or unnecessary products. You can get some benefit by occasionally taking herbs or vitamins, just as you reap some rewards from occasionally eating fruits and vegetables. But the best results come from consistency, to give you a cumulative effect. I don’t want people to spend money on supplements that are just going to sit in their medicine cabinets and be forgotten. I also prescribe premade herbal formulas when a patient comes in with a new symptom, like a chest cold or stomach flu. Taking herbs this way can knock out a bug pretty quickly, so something that would normally last days or even weeks can be gone in just a few days.

At least one patient a day comes into my clinic with a cold or flu. So I keep plenty of cold-busting formulas on hand. My immediate goals are to relieve symptoms and get rid of the infection by boosting the immune system. There’s no need to be coughing out a lung for weeks on end! Once the cold symptoms are gone, I give herbs that will prevent future infection. Herbs can take care of it all.

Then there are custom-made herbal formulas. I’d say about 80 percent of my patients take a special formula. These are a mix of several different Chinese herbs that are specific to each patient. I take into consideration each herb I use in a formula, because they can have a synergistic effect with other herbs in a formula, increasing or decreasing its effectiveness. Chinese herbs work in harmony and can have better results, depending on the combination and dosage. For example, if constipation is your chief complaint, but you also suffer from headaches and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), your special formula will contain herbs that treat each of these problems. The focus is on constipation, but the formula will also reduce or eliminate your headaches and PMS. This way your practitioner works on several issues without prescribing several different pills. I can tell you from clinical and personal experience that Chinese herbs can eradicate or at least drastically reduce the symptoms of most illnesses, even those considered incurable by Western medicine.

Herbs can also be helpful in treating infertility, an issue for almost seven million American women between the ages of fifteen and forty-four. Patty was thirty-six when she first came to see me. She had been trying to get pregnant for four years with no luck. Patty, unfortunately, had two early-term miscarriages during that time. She tried every type of Western treatment imaginable, including nine attempts with in vitro fertilization. Yes, nine times. Her periods were always regular, and her hormone levels were considered in the normal range. Patty’s doctors had given up, and Patty was about to give up as well. Luckily, one of her coworkers whom I had helped with similar problems suggested coming to me. After just three months of herbs, acupuncture, and some simple dietary changes, Patty became pregnant. She now has a healthy six-year-old boy.

Fertility is one gynecological issue where TCM takes a very different approach than Western medicine. It’s important that a patient’s hormones be at the appropriate levels to conceive, of course, but in TCM fertility is much more than a bunch of numbers. I can only speak from my own clinical experience on this, but I’ve helped at least eighty couples conceive that were considered lost causes, just like Patty. There is almost always an emotional component to infertility that also needs to be dealt with, along with an energetic component. Many of my female patients with gynecological issues, such as infertility, endometriosis, severe cramps, and fibroids, have an energetic blockage “down there.”

Chinese herbs can heal fertility issues in men as well. Men usually respond very quickly to the protocol I give them. Whether it’s low sperm count, low motility, oddly shaped sperm, impotence, low libido, or weak sperm, Chinese herbs are very powerful in improving male fertility without medications or hormones. Dave and his wife were trying to conceive for almost a year before he got his sperm tested. All his numbers were very poor. Dave was retested after just seven weeks of Chinese herbs and everything had improved. As an added bonus, he had a lot more energy, and his short temper was practically gone. Three months later Dave’s wife was pregnant.

Reproductive organs of men and women are related to the liver channel. This is because liver channel wraps around the genitals. So whenever there’s a blockage in the uterus or testes, I treat the liver channel with herbs and acupuncture. Herbs are the perfect way to remove any accumulations or excesses in the reproductive organs. Many women with fertility concerns have experienced some type of sexual trauma. It doesn’t have to be as traumatic as rape—it can be sexual harassment, feeling unsafe or upset in a sexual situation, or being ogled by a neighbor while growing up. I can’t say this is the case with every woman dealing with fertility, but it’s very common. Once the incident or incidents have been processed and released, most women get pregnant pretty quickly.

Many people hear about the “weird” stuff that can be used in Chinese herbal medicine, such as deer antler, bugs, and the like. I personally only use plant sources, such as berries, leaves, roots, flowers, and bark, for all my formulas. This isn’t just because of my own lifestyle. Most Western folks are uncomfortable with the idea of drinking a tea with cicada shells in it. If you’re at all concerned about this in regard to your own herbalist, make sure to bring it up. Most Western-trained acupuncturists know to mention what’s in a formula to their patients, but not all actually do it. Also, please note that things like bear bile are illegal to use anyway!

If taken correctly, Chinese herbs have no negative side effects. Unfortunately, people sometimes take them in extremely high doses (five to ten times the recommended dose or more) and can get very sick. Usually, this overdosing is done for weight loss. So when you hear of a completely safe and commonly used Chinese herb being taken off the market due to safety, it’s because people abused it. Herbs are very powerful, just like drugs, so taking them properly is important. Consulting with a licensed professional is always a good idea when taking herbal supplements, not just for safety, but also to guarantee you get the best results possible.

Chinese herbs are usually taken two or three times a day. Sometimes they can be taken less, such as once before bed to combat insomnia, or more often, such as every few hours to combat an acute condition, such as a sinus infection. But in general, taking Chinese herbs two or three times a day is all that’s necessary to benefit from them. You’re probably used to taking Western medication once or possibly twice a day. Chinese herbs—at least how I prescribe them—haven’t been chemically altered to fit in one tiny pill. Keeping herbs as close to their natural state as possible guarantees their efficacy.

There can be some crossover between Western and Chinese herbs. I get asked all the time what I think of a particular Western herb, such as ginseng and gingko biloba, as mentioned earlier. Many Americans have heard of, and even tried, ginseng and licorice root, which have been used in China for centuries. Sometimes I know about it because it’s also in the Chinese herbal pharmacy or I’ve done research. I don’t like to give an opinion unless I know the herb or supplement well.

Ginseng

I’ll use the example of ginseng to help you see how Chinese herbs work and how specific herbal medicine is. First, it’s important to know there are different types of ginseng: Korean, Chinese, American, and Siberian. Each kind has its own set of healing properties, but some of them overlap. Because the plant’s root often grows to resemble a human body, the name ginseng is a combination of the Chinese words for “man” and “plant.” All the names of herbs and acupoints have a meaning, which stems from the history of how people learned what the herbs did, how they looked, possibly where to find them, and sometimes their spiritual significance.

All the different types of ginseng boost the immune system to prevent illness; reduce stress, anger, and frustration; aid in liver function; improve digestion; increase libido and sexual stamina; and enhance energy levels. In addition, American ginseng reduces or cures menopausal disorders and reduces fever and cough. Siberian ginseng improves memory. Korean ginseng prevents cancer, helps with diabetes, and aids in mental focus.

And something I probably shouldn’t be telling you . . . ginseng reduces the effects of alcohol and alleviates hangovers.

Ginseng is one of those wonder herbs that can do so much. The older it is, the stronger it gets. You can make a tea out of the root, cook it in soup, or stir-fry it with your favorite veggies and tempeh. But remember that ginseng is not recommended if you are already suffering from a cold or the flu, as it can actually nourish an infection instead getting rid of it.

Ginger

Another Chinese herb that you might already have in your spice rack is ginger. Ginger has many more functions than just tasting great or helping with an upset tummy (in the form of ginger ale). Sushi lovers will be glad to know why it’s almost always served with raw fish: Ginger kills parasites, warms the belly, and aids in the digestion of fatty foods. Ginger is also an immune booster. So, if you’re fighting the flu or have been around sick people at work, have some ginger tea, juice it, or eat it in your carrot soup. It has very strong anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain and swelling. Ginger also thins the blood to prevent heart attacks and stroke. It aids in the release of toxins by strengthening the kidneys and stimulating perspiration. If you suffer from cold hands and feet, it also helps with circulation. Ginger minimizes worry. You can eat it, drink it, or even add some to your bath. This little root can heal almost anything and should be called a panacea.

John came in complaining of food poisoning. He was exposed to salmonella in his morning scrambled eggs almost two weeks before coming in for treatment. He still felt nauseated most of the time, had no appetite, was very weak, and had diarrhea at least three times a day. Poor John was miserable. I gave him ginger tea before starting his treatment, and an herbal formula, which included dried ginger, to take four times a day until his symptoms improved. John e-mailed me the next afternoon with the great news that he was already better.

Turmeric

Turmeric, the herb that makes curry yellow and gives it that extra zing, is a powerhouse of healing properties. In Chinese medicine this little yellow root is mostly used for inflammation and, even more specifically, for shoulder pain. But there are many other health benefits of turmeric: It has been recommended for the treatment of skin conditions, reducing pain, improving metabolism, detoxifying blood, diminishing overthinking and obsessive thoughts, reducing gas and bloating, accelerating wound healing, moderating the effects of asthma, lowering cholesterol, healing stomach ulcers, slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, and reducing the side effects of chemotherapy—and the list goes on from there.

As with all herbs, fresh is always best, but powdered and capsule forms will still help quite a bit. Turmeric can be added to soups, stews, grilled veggies, tofu scramble, and, of course, curry. Juice a small amount with some cucumber, carrots, lemon, and lettuce for a delicious, immune-boosting treat every morning. You can also make it into a paste with aloe vera to reduce itching from bug bites and chicken pox.

Cinnamon

Then there’s cinnamon. I grew up having cinnamon on applesauce. But my favorite way to eat it was on toasted Wonder bread with butter and sugar as a sweet dinner treat. Totally healthy, right? Well, at least there was cinnamon on there.

It’s not just delicious; it’s really good for you. Cinnamon has many healing properties and tastes great with all root veggies and fruits (and white bread). It is high in fiber, manganese, iron, and calcium. It helps regulate blood sugar, improves memory, removes toxins from the blood, and aids circulation because it includes a blood-thinning compound. It has antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory and circulation properties, cinnamon helps reduce pain, stiffness, and menstrual cramps. It helps with indigestion, releasing grief, morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence. It also helps combat the symptoms of colds and the flu, such as sore throat and congestion. It even increases the secretion of breast milk and freshens your breath.

Isn’t it amazing how the things we have in our kitchen cabinet can keep us healthy? Every time we cook, we have the opportunity to improve our quality of life. As Hippocrates pointed out, food can really be thy medicine.