Herbal Medicine & Supplements
As licensed acupuncturists, we are educated and licensed to prescribe herbal medicine as part of the care we provide.
In our integrative health clinic, we use plant-derived herbal products and dietary supplements for internal use as a complementary and integrative health approach that can help maintain health and support care alongside evidence-based treatment.
The herbal medicine within Chinese/East Asian medicine has a rich history spanning thousands of years, and because that system was all-encompassing, our custom herbal formulas address a broad range of issues, from fertility and hormonal disruption to women’s health, internal medicine, stress, and pain management.
Herbs treat physical and emotional conditions alike, and the potential benefits depend on the specific herb, product quality, and individualized care from a qualified healthcare provider. Use extra caution with herbal remedies during pregnancy or when complex medical conditions are involved.
A Critical Part of the Expertise That We Provide Is in Choosing High-Quality Herbs and Herbal Supplements for Our Patients
Because federal oversight of herbs and supplements is weak, buying just any product online or off a grocery-store shelf can quietly work against your health goals because contamination, inconsistent formulations, and differences from one manufacturer to another all affect safety and effectiveness.
Herbal Medicine Prescriptions
For patients receiving acupuncture care at Flourish, herbal medicine prescriptions are part of your standard care when your practitioner finds them relevant.
Because herbs can interact with prescription medicines, we review everything you take first and, when needed, consult with your healthcare provider to screen for drug interactions and other potential issues.
John’s wort is a clear example, as it can reduce the effectiveness of many medications when combined with antidepressants. Garlic may interact with anticoagulant medications, acting as a blood thinner, while goldenseal and echinacea can affect how the body metabolizes drugs by interacting with CYP enzymes. Dosage and daily dosage matter, and we usually start slowly with one herb at a time so we can monitor symptoms and side effects such as nausea or vomiting before adding more support.
Prefer herbal support without acupuncture? Virtual options are available.