Chinese Herbs

A big part of our healing protocol includes Chinese herbs. These come in pill form, granules, and decocted versions. Herbs also include alcohol extractions or "tinctures." The part I like about the herbs is that each formula is uniquely tailored to our specific needs, which change frequently.

Some suggest it’s best to stick to herbs native to your country and culture. (Something to keep in mind when considering adding herbs to any protocol.) I developed a trust in our acupuncturist, and with acupuncture in general, and therefore felt comfortable trying them.

In addition, plants tend to be alkaline, and since raising the PH of our systems is a big goal, I ventured confidently into the world of Chinese herbs.

We’ve experienced help with nosebleeds, digestion, a urinary tract infection (which came after my first acupuncture treatment and the sudden release of toxins), and energy.

As our acupuncturist explained recently, many of the formulas target a lurking or latent pathogen. A pathogen which lies dormant, appears, and then disappears again. This is a good description of chronic illness. The goal then is to feed the system from the inside, push out the pathogen, expose it, and facilitate its exit from the body.

Here is one set of herbs I recently cooked.


An example of a decocted herbal formula is as follows:

Xiau Chai Hu Tang (used in upper respiratory infections, influenzas, malaria, jaundice, headaches, dizziness, and more)

The specific herbs are as follows (the English version is italicized):

Chai Hu (bupleurum)

Ban Xia (pinellia)

Huang Qin (skullcap)

Ren Shen (ginseng)

Zhi Gan Cao (licorice)

Sheng Jiang (ginger)

The herbs are placed in a pot. Soaked for one hour. Brought to a boil and then simmered for 30 minutes. The liquid is poured into a jar and more water is added and the process is repeated.


This is our kitchen counter.


Because I learn and process much more slowly now, it has taken me months to master this process. The benefits, however, far outweigh the “work” of Chinese herbs as we continue to inch our way toward recovery.