Powerful, tailor-made therapy
In China, medicinal plants are considered a “national treasure” and are widely used for both preventive and curative purposes. Indeed, in its country of origin, Chinese pharmacopoeia is used as a priority therapy. It is considered more powerful than acupuncture.
Chinese pharmacopoeia is a traditional medical system that has been developed in China for thousands of years. It is based on a holistic approach to health, aimed at restoring the balance between body and mind. It is used primarily to maintain health, but also to heal. It is a living discipline that continues to evolve over time.
Chinese pharmacopoeia is based on a set of principles and theories that form the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The most important of these are: Yin and Yang, Qi (vital energy), and the Five Elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water). According to these principles, health is the result of a harmonious balance between these forces and elements. Any imbalance or obstruction in the flow of energy leads to illness.
Before prescribing a herbal preparation, the Chinese doctor will carry out a diagnosis to assess the imbalances at the root of the patient’s symptoms. Each prescription, even if it’s based on existing recipes called formulas, will thus be tailored to each patient’s individual terrain and temperament.
Over 100,000 formulas recorded
Since the origins of Chinese pharmacopoeia, numerous formulas have been developed by renowned physicians. Some have been refined, while new ones have been developed over time.
There are many treatises listing these formulas. For example, Zhu-su’s Universal Aid Prescriptions, from the Ming dynasty, contained 61,739 formulas from ancient China.
More recently, the Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Prescriptions, compiled by Nanjing University of TCM, lists all existing formulas since the beginning of TCM. It contains more than 100,000 prescriptions!
A formula always consists of several plants or substances. Indeed, Chinese pharmacopoeia relies on the combined effect of several plants to create a synergistic effect.
This also minimizes the side effects that could result from taking a single plant in large quantities, or neutralizes certain toxic effects of a plant. The different substances can act on several aspects of the disease or on different organs.
The formula thus treats the disease with the aim of balancing the whole body and correcting underlying imbalances. With this in mind, the formula will be tailored to each patient to best address their specific conditions. Similarly, depending on the progression of the disease or changes in the patient’s health, the proportions and plants used may be adjusted accordingly.
Thousands of plants and substances
Chinese pharmacopoeia contains several thousand substances, of which around 300 are commonly used. These substances are mainly derived from plants, but may also include other elements. For example, there are mineral substances (cinnabar, sulfur, magnetite, etc.), animal substances (bones, shells, birds’ nests, pearl powder, etc.), insects (ants, silkworms, scorpions, etc.). Medicinal preparations may also include other substances such as beeswax, honey, and resinous substances. The list is not exhaustive.
Medicinal plants are selected based on their specific properties, flavor, nature, and interactions with the body’s organs.
Chinese pharmacopoeia takes into account contraindications and potential interactions between different medicinal herbs.
A formula is developed with particular attention to “the specific combination of the Monarch, Minister, Assistant, and Guide.” The Monarch remedy is the essential ingredient in the formula, responsible for curing the main symptom being treated.
The Minister reinforces the healing effect of the Monarch; the Assistant works with the first two to enhance their therapeutic effects and make them more tolerable. Finally, the Guide directs the effects of the other herbs to the organs to be treated and regulates the properties of the other herbs.
Chinese pharmacopoeia uses various methods of preparing medicinal herbs, such as decoctions (Tāng), infusions (Zhǒu), powders (Sǎn), tinctures (Jiǔ), and pills/tablets (Wàn). Decoctions are the most common.
A treatment not suitable for self-medication
It may seem obvious, but it is worth reiterating. Chinese medicine is effective, but it must be prescribed wisely, following a Chinese medicine diagnosis. Indeed, a disease, according to Western medicine criteria, may present different pathological pictures in Chinese medicine. This is why each patient will be prescribed a formula tailored to their individual case.
Furthermore, Chinese medicine considers that a disease evolves over time. This is why treatments vary rapidly throughout the course of care. A patient’s condition changes from day to day.
Medicinal plants are then adapted according to the patient’s evolving diagnosis. This is why, even if a patient has taken a formula a few weeks or months ago and it has been beneficial, it will not necessarily be suitable if certain symptoms—which appear similar—return. The patient is strongly advised to consult their Chinese doctor again.
Bitter-tasting remedies?
If herbal medicine is the most widely used form of Chinese medicine, it is because of its effectiveness. The Chinese are pragmatic and are not interested in pampering themselves, but rather in treating their ailments. Many Westerners are more sensitive to the comfort aspect of a treatment. Yes, it must be effective, but it should also be as pleasant—or at least as unobtrusive—as possible.
While acupuncture may scare some people, Chinese decoctions are often much worse! Some people don’t even have the courage to swallow them, while others throw them in the trash. Western noses and palates have undoubtedly become too discerning for their own health…
Beyond individual tastes and dislikes, the taste of a preparation varies greatly from one formula to another, ranging from rather sweet to very bitter. The decoction is usually consumed twice a day. Preparing a decoction takes a certain amount of time, which can also put some people off. However, many Chinese pharmacies now cook them and deliver them vacuum-packed to their customers.
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