Herbal therapy has been championed by China and other Eastern countries for centuries. As Western medicine looks for more natural alternatives with fewer side effects, herbal medicine is gaining a foothold in the treatment of several common health concerns. Read on for advice from the Cleveland Clinic and learn what recent research has to say about herbalism. 

According to Galina Roofener, LAc, of the Cleveland Clinic, you should treat Chinese herbs just as you would a prescription, i.e. get an evaluation from a qualified practitioner before taking anything.  I  will conduct a complete health history with you before your first examination to determine what your health concerns are and how herbs might best be used, along with traditional acupuncture treatments.

Roofener also points out an important distinction between Western medicine and Chinese herbalism. She says that herbalists don’t just treat symptoms but rather they treat the entire human being, including the pattern of symptoms. Acupuncturists believe in “qi” or the flow of energy throughout the body. When something exists to disrupt that flow, they don’t just treat the resulting symptoms, rather they treat the underlying cause of the issue to restore complete health.

Roofener says that at the Cleveland Clinic they “use traditional formulas that consist of a few herbs that have strictly designated roles. Some of them are the main active ingredients that address the primary complaint. Others may address secondary complaints or symptoms. That’s why we customize the majority of herbal formulas to each person.” And Chinese herbs come in a variety of forms. You might receive them as capsules or granules, but they also might be teas, liquids, or powders.

What the Research Says

There are some exciting recent research studies about herbal medicine but one of the most promising investigated the use of Chinese herbs and acupuncture to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers for this study, published in 2021, ultimately proposed “that these two approaches be integrated to improve outcomes for AD patients.”

The abstract outlined it best, saying, “Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a variety of causes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes the two main approaches of acupuncture and herbal medication, views the human body as a self-controlled system network. Fundamental theories, including “qi,” the five elements, and the theory of viscera, form the basis for classification. Diseases in humans are considered to be caused by an imbalance of “yang qi” and “yin qi” that lead to the non-homeostasis of organs. Acupuncture is derived from 12 main meridians and 365 acupuncture points characterized by “blood and qi.” Needling of different positions corresponds to specific disease treatments to increase qi. Treatment with Chinese herbal medicines is based on syndrome differentiation characterized as “Zheng” which differs from the cause orientation approach of Western medicine.” This goes back to the theory mentioned by Roofener that herbalists don’t just treat symptoms but the whole body.

What can Herbs Treat?

Chinese herbal medicine, combined with Acupuncture, can treat a variety of health concerns including seasonal allergies, the side effects of cancer treatments, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, infertility, menopause, and sleep disorders.

As for the safety of taking herbs, Roofener has done extensive research on the safety of herbs and notes that, “over a 7-year study, we did not have a single lab result show kidney or liver problems. And out of 333 patients, we had just five very mild cases of itching or shortness of breath due to allergic reactions.”

What to Expect

At your first appointment, I  will go over a detailed health history, including current and past health issues. I will discuss any medications you are currently taking because some herbs and drugs may not interact well together. Your whole health team, doctor and myself, will be checking your progress regularly to ensure everything is progressing normally.

If you are curious what herbal therapy might do for you, contact me today to see what options are available to you. It just might be the natural solution you’ve been looking for.

Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.

At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.

Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.

Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.

Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.