If this is your first time encountering a Chinese herbal formula, you will probably need to adjust to its taste and power. Although some of the formulas can be made into capsules, the most powerful and easy way to consume is through a customized powder formula.
They are usually prepared for you specifically, adjusted with the consideration of your symptoms and body type. Typically formulas consist of several herbs, or in some cases more than ten herbs mixed as a “Formula” based on the traditional theory of herbal medicine and the herbalist’s diagnoses of your condition. A skilled herbalist not only treats your main complaints and symptoms, but also takes into consideration any side effects of certain ingredients and balances the mind and body when treating the diseases. Herbal formula and acupuncture support for cancer treatment could effectively help mitigate the severe side effects of radio/chemotherapy and other treatments by reducing nausea, vomiting and pain.
When taking an herbal formula, it is important to give accurate and up-to-date health history to the practitioner so they will have a good understanding of your condition, and prescribe the right formula for you while avoiding any conflict with the medications/supplements that you are currently taking.
Some may consider herbal medicine as natural and thus being “safe”, but this is a misconception. Yes, they are mostly plant based with a few exceptions, but as with any medicine, herbal medicine can also have side effects and some might be serious. Talking with your herbalist about any allergies you might have is very important to avoid any severe issues that might be caused by herbal formula.
My recommendation to my patients who are taking the herbal formula for the first time is to start with just one small spoon of the powder dissolved in water, and take a few sips of it for the first dose. This way, if you are allergic to certain ingredients, you will catch it in the very beginning and avoid bigger issues. Certain formulas have bitter herbs, others might have spicy herbs. If the formula is too hard for you to consume, the herbalist might be able to make them into capsules, or you can mix them into applesauce or apple juice to take it. In general, mixing it with warm water is best, but do not microwave it, putting sugar or honey might be okay, (however, that still changes the results of the formula a bit). Also, do not mix into soda or orange juice, since the acidity level will change. Do not mix with tea, coffee or alcohol unless you are instructed by your herbalist to do so.
Some conditions will change quickly after taking the formula, others might take longer. The first formula might not work, so the herbalist might adjust the dosage, and add or subtract some ingredients.
Hopefully you found this discussion helpful for your understanding of herbal formulas. I found that more and more patients started to take an active role in their health care. This is intended to help you learn a few things about herbal formulas, and if you have any questions or concerns about integrated medicine, always be sure to consult your provider.
