Supplements and Herbs in Chicago

Herbal Medicine in Chicago

We provide herbs and supplements in Chicago area. Herbs and Supplements are used considerably in the treatment of disease in Chinese medicine. Knowledge about the effect of herbs has been gathered throughout many generations, since the existence of humankind.

According to the Chinese medical history, there are more than 3000 plants and animal products that are being used. Chinese herb is a very broad term, including roots, grains, seeds, the bark of trees, stems, flowers, leaves, even minerals like gypsum and clay, and animal parts like shells and bones. In order to achieve the best result, different parts of the herbs are harvested at particular time. It is very important to follow the formula preparation rules and measure the quantities precisely, since an overdose can be very harmful for the body. Every body is unique and every condition is specific, so precise and unique combinations of herbs have to be prescribed.

Even though there is such a variety, all herbs are characterized based on whether they are hot, warm, cold or cool. Also, they are grouped based on how they relate to the following tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, spicy and astringent, which does not always correspond to their actual taste, but to how they affect the body. Spicy herbs affect mainly the metabolism of the body as well as the circulation of Qi and blood. Sweet herbs influence the digestive, respiratory and immune systems and are used usually in a case of deficiency. Sour herbs have an effect on hypo-metabolism. Bitter herbs control the heart, bowel movement and improve appetite. Salty herbs open the bowels and also are very successful in removing inflammatory masses from the body. There are herbs which have more than one taste.

The forms in which the herbs can be taken by the patient vary. They include mainly teas, which represent an infusion of dry herbs in boiling water; powders, which are grounded herbs that can be taken dissolved in warm water, in capsules, or applied as a cream to the problem area; congees are soup of herbs and rice cooked until thicken and have great nutritional value; tinctures are herbs soaked in alcohol, usually red wine. There are also pills made from herbs, which dissolve slowly in the body and have a longer lasting effect. Chinese herbs have proven their beneficial effect over time and continue to grow and develop.