Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine is a rich, nuanced, holistic medical system that has been in active use for over two thousand years. Chinese herbs are almost always given as a formula consisting of 5-15 synergistic single herbs, which are selected after collecting thorough information about the whole, unique you who is being treated.
The practitioners at MHS are extremely picky about substances we put on and in our own bodies; this attention also applies to the quality of Chinese herbs we carry. We only source from suppliers such as Spring Wind, Crane, or Mayway Herbs that guarantee cleanliness, safety, and proper herbal identification. The herbs we carry pass or exceed all standards for levels of pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminants. They are herbs that we felt safe taking during our own pregnancies and give to our own families when they need.
About 70% of our patients use some form of Chinese herbal medicine during their treatment time with us. Herbs come in various formats. The most common type we dispense, chosen for its effectiveness and ability to tailor each formula individually, is powdered herbal formulas that are brewed with hot water and taken daily. Herbal pills or tablets are chosen for their convenience, and are very effective for the common cold, digestive problems, or seasonal allergy symptoms. Herbal salves, liniments, or plasters are applied topically to ease muscle and joint aches.
Want to know more? Read our frequently asked questions (and answers!) about Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Dermatology
Our practitioners who specialize in dermatology are: Fang Cai, Michael Harding
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Dermatology is a unique specialty within Chinese Herbal Medicine. Collecting a detailed history, current symptoms, plus careful visual examination of the skin helps determine a correct diagnosis and effective treatment. Chinese herbal medicine can yield profound and lasting results in many inflammatory and autoimmune skin conditions. The best way to show the power of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Dermatology is through photos of patient improvements over time:
Acne
Eczema
Pompholyx (Dishydrotic) Eczema
Psoriasis
Lichen planus
Lichen simplex
We treat these conditions and many others including Rosacea, Perioral Dermatitis, Urticaria (hives), Recurrent Herps, Unexplained itching, and Topical Steroid Withdraw (TSW).
Patients come to us seeking relief from discomfort and because they want actual healing, rather than the immune suppression or disruption that comes from the steroids, antibiotics, and biologics offered in conventional dermatology treatment. Our main tool for dermatology is Chinese herbal medicine; we also bring in topical remedies, acupuncture, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and other lifestyle adjustments as needed.
Depending on the severity and history of skin condition, treatment length can be a few days (e.g. poison ivy rash), or 3 - 6+ months (e.g. whole-body rash from TSW, or chronic hives of 20 years duration). If your skin disorder falls under the "severe" category, you must be prepared to take high-potency (i.e. very bad tasting) herbs, prepared by Kamwo Pharmacy in NYC. Because of the high dosage, specialized cooking process, and shipping of herbal teas to your residence, the treatment is expensive, ranging $18-22 per day, plus shipping. The good news is that there is an end point! We expect to see improvements within the first 2-4 weeks of treatment. Many of our patients have been amazed and ecstatic to see a return of their normal, healthy skin.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Fertility
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Fertility is another specialized field in which our fertility practitioners have intensive training. Read more about Fertility & Pregnancy.
Contact us
Location
3207 Old Chapel Hill Road
Durham, NC 27707
Hours
M-F: 9am-5pm
Sat: by appointment
Sun: closed