Starting herbal therapy may feel a little unfamiliar at first, especially if you’ve never taken Chinese herbs before. Here’s what to expect, so you can feel confident about beginning your herbal medicine journey. When you work with me personally for herbal treatments, here are answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs).
The First Step: A Personalized Consultation
We start with a comprehensive consultation, either in person or online. I take the time to really understand what’s going on—your main concerns, your health history, and any symptoms you may be having, even those you are not coming in to treat. Then, using Chinese medicine principles, I make a diagnosis that helps guide the herbal formula I choose for you. A “formula” is a personalized combination of herbs based on adding and subtracting herbs from ancient formulas. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. I use combinations of herbs personalized to you, your condition, and your unique situation, based on time-tested methods to ensure efficacy and safety both.
What Will the Herbs Be Like?
You’ll usually be taking herbs twice a day. In nearly all cases, I can prescribe concentrated tablets or capsules, which makes taking herbs simple and taste-free. Most people find them easy to work into their routine. In some specific situations, especially for certain skin conditions and severe IBS, I may recommend herbal powders that you dissolve in hot water and drink like tea. These are only used when capsules or tablets aren’t available or won’t be effective enough.
Do I Have to Take Them Every Day?
Yes—consistency matters. And, almost always, twice a day. Herbal medicine works best when taken regularly. Think of it like watering a plant: you don’t flood it once and hope it survives. You give it just the right amount, every day, and over time it grows stronger. I’ll help you figure out how to make it part of your daily routine. Most patients find a rhythm quickly—taking herbs with breakfast and dinner, or pairing them with brushing their teeth or preparing meals.
How Long Until I Start to Feel Better?
That depends on what we’re treating. Some people feel a difference within a week, especially with issues like digestion, sleep, or energy. For deeper, more chronic conditions, it may take a few weeks or over a month to start seeing changes—and longer to fully resolve the issue. Chinese herbal medicine is about treating the root, not just the symptoms, so the results often build gradually but lead to deeper, lasting shifts.
How Long Will I Take the Herbs?
For short-term or more recent issues and uncomplicated issues, we may do a 1 - 3 month course. For more chronic or long-standing conditions, treatment may take 6 months or more. The goal in most cases is to resolve the issue, not just manage it—so we give your body the time it needs to restore balance. Once we’ve gotten the results we want, many people don’t need to continue herbs. Some move to a maintenance dose or only take herbs seasonally or during times of stress. For some chronic conditions, you may be recommended to continue a maintenance herbal regime longer term to keep your symptoms at bay.
Do You Change the Formula?
Yes, or likely—and that’s one of the best parts of Chinese herbal medicine. After you start your formula, we’ll typically check in every 2 weeks to 1 month initially to assess what’s changing, and adjust the herbs if needed. More follow up is needed at the initial stages of treatment precisely because we need to see if we need to adjust the formula. If your care requires longer term treatment, some patients only need follow up visits every 3-6 months to ensure the formula is still matching with the changing needs you have. One of Chinese herb’s best qualities is that it is personalized all the way through. As your condition changes, the herbs may change too, to keep up with what your body needs now. Herbal therapy a living, responsive treatment—not a static prescription.
What Does It Cost?
The cost of herbs varies depending on your condition, how much you need, and how many different formulas are being used. On average, expect $40 to $200 per month. Dermatology is the most expensive, and that is merely because the dosage is higher for skin conditions. I always do my best to work within your budget and find the most efficient, affordable path to your goals.
What If I Miss a Dose?
It happens! Don’t stress. Just get back on track as soon as you remember. The key is overall consistency, not perfection. Think of it like building momentum—your body responds to daily support, and if you miss a dose here and there, it won’t undo all your progress.
Final Thoughts
Starting Chinese herbal therapy is a process of supporting your body’s ability to heal. It’s gentle, effective, and tailored just for you. If you’re dealing with symptoms that haven’t been resolved or want to get to the root of your health issues, herbal treatment offers a time-tested, natural path forward.You don’t have to figure it out alone—I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Kim Drolet
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