I began my career as a Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner in 1996. Quite idealistic at first, I came to realize that there are limits to what it can do, although maybe more so to whom it may be beneficial. One of the success stories of TCM is the availability of simple and effective herbal formulas in pill format, or what is know in our trade as herbal patent remedies, or ‘over the counter’ (OTC) remedies.
There are remedies for insomnia, hot flashes, low energy, painful menstruations, and more which are safe and pleasant to ingest, that is, compared to the traditional format of decoctions which have the nasty habit of stinking up the house while being cooked up, not to mention how strong the resulting taste can be. |
Liu wei di huang wanThis formula is one of the classics of Chinese medicine. Used to treat signs and symptoms of ‘Yin Deficiency’ such as insomnia, night sweats and aching lower back and knees, I suggest its use most frequently for women having mild hot flashes.
Suggested dosage: 8 pills three times daily, before meals. (Note, these ‘pills’ are actually quite small and are made up of ground up herbs.) Safe for prolonged use. |
Yin qiao sanAnother of the classic formulas, this one should be in your natural remedies pantry at all times. Part of the first line of defense when you feel a cold coming on. Best taken right at the onset of symptoms, just as you suspect that you’ve pushed your machine a little too far and you’re feeling it. For general signs of any kind of cold.
Suggested dosage: 4-6 pills, every 4 hours. Use only in acute cases, not for prevention. (A preventative, homeopathic remedy was reviewed in the previous newsletter. Please request that information by email if necessary.) It is also advisable to stop any tonic herbs while using Yin Qiao. |
po chai pillsMost excellent first aid remedy for acute gastritis, especially if suspecting food poisoning. I have seen this ‘miracle’ remedy in action many times, often effecting change within 10-30 minutes, i.e. going from acute, cramping, debilitating pain with nausea and/or vomiting to almost nothing!
Suggested dosage: as directed on the package. This remedy comes as a box of several plastic vials (as shown) filled to the brim with tiny reddish-brown pill. If unclear as to the dosage, take ½ - 1 whole vial immediately you feel symptoms of gastritis and/or suspect food poisoning. |