Ann Mongeau, L.Ac., RN
Mongeau Acupuncture LLC

Herb page

How are Herbs Used?

Herbal medicine is by itself a powerful method of healing. Western drugs are usually used to control symptoms but do not alter the disease process. For example: Antibiotics kill bacteria but do not improve a person's resistance to infection; diuretics drain excess fluid from the body but do not improve the kidney function. Chinese herbs can also rid the body of disease but they also nourish and balance the body in very specific ways, thereby improving organ function and building up a person's constitution and immune system.

Chinese herbs are traditionally given as a very strong tea boiled from raw herbs. While this method is the most effective of the herbal preparations, many people find the method too inconvenient. Powdered herbs can be mixed specifically for each person's condition and are the next most effective. Several small spoons of the powder are added to hot water 2-3 times a day and consumed as a tea. Herbal pills are also available. They are taken three times a day but are less adaptable to a person's specific condition. All forms of herbs are effective. They also work synergistically with acupuncture.