Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs can be used to support a wide range of health concerns. They’re often used to help with issues like digestive problems, stress and anxiety, sleep difficulties, auto-immune conditions, pain and inflammation, hormonal imbalances, respiratory conditions, and fatigue. Chinese herbs work by addressing the root imbalances in your body’s energy, helping to restore harmony and promote overall wellness. Because formulas are personalized, they can be tailored to your unique symptoms and health goals.

Chinese herbs come mostly from plants—roots, leaves, flowers, and stems. Some traditional formulas include small amounts of animal or mineral ingredients, but many today use only plants.

If you have allergies or follow a vegan lifestyle, I’ll always customize your formula to fit your needs.

Yes! I source Chinese herbs through a trusted online dispensary for licensed acupuncturists that offers a wide range of high-quality formulas tailored to your specific needs. All the herbs I provide, whether from my office or the online dispensary, are guaranteed to be heavy metal free and produced following strict good manufacturing practices to ensure safety and effectiveness.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a single herb—like turmeric or ginger—can be helpful, especially in teas or supplements. But true healing comes from carefully crafted formulas that combine 3 to 15 (or more) herbs in precise amounts. Each herb plays a specific role: addressing the root cause, relieving symptoms, guiding or balancing the other herbs, and supporting your overall health. This teamwork creates a powerful synergy that makes formulas effective for complex or chronic issues, something a single herb or low-dose supplement can’t achieve on its own.

Yes! Chinese herbal medicine can be very effective when used appropriately. When Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed based on your individual symptoms and constitution, they can address root causes, complement other treatments like acupuncture, and promote long-term health. That said, effectiveness depends on choosing the right herbs for you at the given time and using them consistently, so personalized herbal consults are important to get the best results.

No! Herbs in Chinese medicine are different from vitamins or supplements because they contain a natural mix of plant compounds that work together to restore balance, rather than supplying a single isolated nutrient. While vitamins usually replace something the body is missing, herbal formulas can both strengthen what’s depleted and reduce what’s overactive—often at the same time, but in different ways. They’re chosen based on your unique pattern and combined to support multiple systems at once, and in most cases, common vitamin supplements (ex. D3, magnesium, B12, probiotic, etc.) are completely fine to take alongside herbs.

Yes! Most common medications—like those for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, mild pain relief, and antidepressants—are generally safe to take with Chinese herbs. However, some medications, such as blood thinners and immunosuppressants, can interact or counteract the herbs’ effects. In these cases, we might avoid using Chinese herbs to keep you safe. As a board-certified herbalist trained in pharmacology and herb–drug interactions, I carefully review your prescriptions and always recommend getting your physician’s approval before starting any new treatments.

Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced for thousands of years. Many of the formulas we use today were first recorded in ancient medical texts from China, some dating back over 2,000 years. These formulas have stood the test of time, used, refined, and proven effective over countless generations.

Unlike modern “herbal blends” you might find online, TCM formulas are built on a deep medical tradition. They’re designed to work in harmony with your body, addressing both symptoms and their underlying causes. The fact that we still rely on them today speaks to just how well they work.

During the consult, I’ll assess your symptoms, review your tongue or pulse, and determine the best herbal formula to support your unique needs. After the consult, I’ll prepare the prescription for you to order from the online dispensary (unless I have it stocked). You will also receive details about the formula, the why behind the strategy, and instructions on how to use them. Follow-up herbal consults will be scheduled as check-ins to adjust your formula as you heal and track your progress.

The cost of your herbal formulas are separate from the consultation fee. The cost depends on the formula itself and your individual needs.

If your formula is customized, meaning we adjust a classic formula or combine two or more formulas, it may cost a bit more. Additionally, if you choose to have your customized formula encapsulated, there is an extra fee.

Typically, a two-week supply of herbs ranges from $30 to $80, depending on the formula and preparation.

Herbal formulas are typically taken 2-3 times per day and come in various forms:

• Patents (teapills/tablets): Easy for regular use.

• Granules (powder): Mixed with hot water for instant tea.

• Tinctures & topicals: Liquid extracts or powders for specific needs.

Yes! Especially at first, like with acupuncture. Many treatment plans involve taking herbs for at least 3–4 months, with follow-ups to monitor progress and make adjustments. But some formulas are designed for short-term use too—we’ll tailor your plan to what works best for you.

Herbal medicine isn’t meant to be taken forever. Most people start noticing changes within a few days to a few weeks, but substantial improvement often takes about 3–4 months of consistent treatment. As your health improves, the goal is to adjust or reduce your formula so you take only what you truly need. Treatment is always focused on helping you reach balance—not keeping you on herbs long-term.

No! Herbs and acupuncture can be used together or separately. Many people choose to combine them for faster, more complete results, but herbal medicine can be very effective on its own. We’ll design your treatment plan based on what’s best for your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

An herbal consultation is a different treatment with its own process, skills, and focus. I ask different questions, look for different signs, and think in a different way than I do during acupuncture. Creating the right formula takes time, attention, and a deep understanding of your body’s patterns—attention we can’t give if we’re also doing your acupuncture treatment at the same time.