Copyrite © Acupuncture Northwest      Chinese herbs can treat many of the same diseases, injuries, or pains as Western medicine. However, it is important to note the difference in taking herbal formulas versus a drug.  It is crucial to understand the difference between the Chinese herbal approach - ingesting the whole plant/animal substance. Chinese medicine follows nature’s way, and seeks treatment success on a broader, more gradual path. versus      Western pharmacologists - extracting the potent molecule, they take a plant substance, find the most effective molecule for a certain disease, extract it, patent it and sell it in a very high concentration. What is considered a superior drug in Chinese medicine may be considered an inferior drug in Western medicine and vice versa. Chinese medicine follows nature’s way, and seeks treatment success on a broader, more gradual path.      A good example is ephedrine. Derived from the Chinese herb Ma Huang/Ephedra, it was put into concentrated capsule form for the treatment of asthma in Western medicine. In its pharmaceutical form, ephedrine can over stimulate the heart, leading to high blood pressure, palpitations and increased nervousness. In Chinese medicine, however, Ephedra is used in its natural form, where the ephedrine has a concentration of less than 1% for the treatment of asthma. Although the beneficial effects are more gradual, there are far fewer negative side effects. Ephedra in its natural form is more suitable for gradual absorption into the metabolism of the body because the plant has other ingredients which offset many side effects.      Western culture fosters the quick-fix, pop-a-pill approach which can suppress symptoms immediately. Herbs are not a quick-fix, except in acute cases where the changes can be dramatic. Many patients who seek herbal treatments have chronic problems and it is important that they understand that herbs are slow and gradual in their efficacy. Herbs work on the root cause of the illness as well as treating the symptoms.      At Acupuncture Northwest we offer a full pharmacy of Chinese Formulas. Ask Patty what is best for you!