Tag Archives: tonic

Spleen Qi Deficiency – How long to reverse?

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Customer Asks:

I have recently ordered your middle way herbal blend for spleen qi deficiency. Spleen qi def. and stomach problems tend to be two of the biggest issues that my acupuncturist has been working on. I am now traveling and unable to get care from my acupuncturist as much as I would like and was hoping that by ordering your herbal blend that it could help keep me on track. Do you know of any signs that I should be aware of to show that I am making progress on the middle way blend and how long should it take to see some results in the sluggishness, heavy limb feeling that comes with the spleen qi def?

Sounds like you have developed some Internal Dampness due to your Spleen imbalance; obviously, you would notice a lessening of the symptoms you have mentioned, but if it has developed this far, it is going to take many months. It is not like taking echinacea to get over a cold, as you are rebuilding organ health.

Best Regards,
Catherine

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Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Removal and Chinese Medicine

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A Website Visitor Asks:

Can Kidney Yang Tonic help with  hypothyroidism, after the thyroid has been removed?

That is an interesting question. In Chinese medicine, the “Kidney” is an energetic organ system relating to various functions, and the energetic channel that acupuncturists utilize and is also part of the system. Hypothyroidism is typically related to the Kidney Yang Deficiency in TCM, and if you have indications of Kidney Deficiency, than the tonics will be of benefit. Note that one indication, such as hypothyroidism, is not enough to make a diagnosis of Kidney Deficiency; you would have several that begin to form a pattern. Take care when utilizing a Kidney Yang tonic such as our Ancestor Treasure formula. What we typically do in clinic in this situation is utilize Yin Valley and Ancestor Treasurer formulas together. Please peruse the Yin/Yang article to understand how to balance Yin and Yang in the body, and why it is important.

Ma Huang: quite literally a miracle?

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A website visitor asks:

Do you have a product with pinyin: ma huang? The ingredient helped with my energy level, my appetite and my sex drive and was quite literally a miracle. Then I think it was taken off the market. Now I am reading it is back with specific parts of the plant removed. Is it still effective? It seems if the FDA is requiring the active compound to be removed it will no longer be useful. I am confused and looking for a solution.

In traditional Chinese medicine, ma huang was not used an energy stimulant, it was used for lung and breathing problems. The misuse of the herb as an energy stimulant is what led to it being removed. You would do better to utilize Qi tonics such as our Sea of Qi formula and benefit your health rather than utilizing ephedra this way. It is said that using stimulants is like stealing vitality from your future health; ask anyone with adrenal fatigue. By utilizing a Qi Tonic, you are actually helping to build your energy and support the organ systems that help you maintain healthy energy levels.

Oh! I like that reasoning! That makes perfect sense! Thank you!! I will go find the appropriate Qi  tonic and be grateful to hang onto the healthy energy I have!
Thank you so much. grins

Inflammation of Kidneys, Prostate and Herbs Safe to Use

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I still have some kidney issues and take your yin valley occasionally.  We have communicated  several times before and I have thanked you, my GFR varies but mostly is ok. I do have constant kidney pain, not stones. I now have chronic inflammation of various areas of my body, including kidneys the most recent is inflammation of my prostate.  I just had a scope.  What do you recommend for my urinary tract and prostate that will not hurt my kidneys…

As always, you want to run supplements by your local health care professional. Your concern is well founded, as most of the western herbs used for the urinary and kidneys are quite diuretic and can cause more stress on the kidneys. The Yin Valley formula is supporting in its actions rather than stimulating, so it seems a good fit. You would want to read the tonic herb article and our faq’s page to better understand that this formula is not something that can be taken occasionally with any great effect. Saw Palmetto berry is something we often utilize in clinic for the prostate inflammation and can be purchased inexpensively at any local health food store.

Yin Yang Theory Chinese Medicine – Can you be just Kidney Yang Deficient?

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A website visitor asks:

If I’m mostly Kidney Yang deficient and taking Ancestral Treasure formula , should I also take Kidney Yin deficient herbs such as Yin Valley formula to balance the Yin/Yang? I don’t seem to have any of the symptoms listed on the Yin deficient list except constipation. I always feel cold and never sweat and it seems like Yin deficiency causes people to be hot and sweat a lot.

Hi,

Yin/Yang theory is a bit tricky, and it sounds like you may have read the related article on our website that explains, in this situation, a Yin tonic supports the “substance” of the body. You will likely be able to tolerate the AT by itself for a time, but as you heal the Yin Deficiency will likely show itself as Deficient Heat signs develop. This is why we sell the two formulas separately, as every individual will have different levels of Yin and Yang deficiency, and the formulas can be adjusted as needed. Yin is a relative term that has to be used in reference to something Yang. It could be cold to hot (so you are correct), or substance to activity.

Kind Regards,
Catherine

Herbal Cure for Diabetes

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Website visitor asks:

I am looking for a cure for diabetes; are there herbs that will reverse the condition? Thank you.

Hi,

I do not know from what you are saying if you are type 1 or type 2 diabetic, or how long you have been diagnosed with diabetes. I practiced at a hormonal clinic where they tested patients, and we were able to reverse pre-diabetic insulin resistance levels and bring them back to normal alternating Temple of Health and Restore the Middle Way formulas each 6 weeks on a regular basis for 6-8 months.

For diabetics who are insulin dependent, the two formulas have helped to maintain balanced sugar levels for my patients, but not reverse the condition. It would be unethical of me to suggest a “cure” for diabetes, but there are certainly herbs that can address blood sugar imbalances and help you move towards wellness.

Kindly,

Catherine Browne, LAc, MH, DiplAc

Chinese Herbs for Hair loss and Hypothyroidism

1 Reply

Website Visitor Inquires:

I have a serious hair loss problem since the last 10 years. I had been hypo thyroid since last 13 years. I have very scanty hair especially in the front and cover it up with concelers.I had tried tropical solutions and vitamins, but did not see much improvement. Want your recommendation on Chinese herbs/medication that would help me to
regrow hair and stop hair loss.

Hi,

I have had a lot of positive feedback from customers and patients over the years in regards to the benefits of Return to Spring formula and hair loss. It is important to first understand how they work, and that you have realistic expectations of tonic herbs.
http://www.agelessherbs.com/chineseherbsfor/hypothyroidismhyperthyroidism.html

First, hair loss and premature graying is generally attributed to Kidney Deficiency in Chinese medicine, but there are countless other possibilities for your hair loss. Hypothyroidism is also often attributed to Kidney Deficiency, so there is a good chance that this is the reason for your hair loss.
http://www.agelessherbs.com/hairlossremedy.html

Instead of viewing Chinese herbs as some type of potion that will magically re-grow your hair, realize that you are restoring Kidney (TCM)  health, and therefore your hair will grow normally. Restoring Kidney health in Chinese medicine takes time and you will not likely see improvement in one or two months. A lot of people start seeing some improvement in 3 months, but it will take many more months to benefit from the full potential of the herbs.

Kindly,
Catherine Browne, L.Ac, MH, DiplAc

Kidney Failure Dialysis and Chinese Herbs

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Website visitor asks:

My mother has chronic kidney disease and the doctor wants to do dialysis. They also said she has to much phosphorus in her body which limits her food choices. What vitamins/herbs would be good for her to take and to strengthen her kidney function.

Hi,

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I have had the opportunity to assist quite a number of patients in clinic who were in kidney failure or approaching kidney failure, and they responded very well to acupuncture.

Supplements are another thing all together in this situation, as you never want to overstress the kidneys when they are failing; the time for herb tonics would be years before this stage when symptoms of imbalance begin to appear. I wish that I could pull some miracle out of my hat for you, but this has gone beyond a self treatment situation. You may be able to find a local licensed acupuncturist who also prescribes herbs who can work together with your mothers prescribing physician to work out a smart plan for her.

Kind Regards,
Catherine

Adrenal Fatigue and Kidney Deficiency

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Website Visitor Asks:

Why is adrenal fatigue called “Kidney Deficiency” in Chinese medicine? I know the adrenals sit atop the kidney’s, but I have had my kidneys tested and they are fine.

Hi,

In Chinese medicine, organ systems encompass a complex functional system rather than just the organs themselves. Practitioners trained in Chinese medicine look for patterns of imbalance to determine the underlying “Root” causes that must be addressed in order to bring the body back in to balance. Within this system, the adrenals are part of the Kidney energetic system.

Moreover, the whole syndrome involved with adrenal fatigue, or adrenal exhaustion, points to the depletion of “Essence” that is stored in the Kidneys. Essence is also referred to as “Jing” and is a substance that must be protected and preserved in order to have a prolonged life of good health and wellness. One can have a genetic pre-disposition to an Essence Deficiency, or can burn through the available Essence through poor lifestyle habits; in our culture, the latter is more likely.

Because we are only allowed only a certain amount of Essence at birth, exhausting it can be devastating for our health. This is why those with adrenal fatigue have such a difficult time recovering, often suffering for many years if they do ever fully recover. It is much better to avoid adrenal exhaustion by moderating stress, sleeping well, and eating well, but if you have already been diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion than Kidney Tonic Herbs are one of the best ways to begin to restore your health.

Wishing You Well,

Catherine