CHINESE PHYTOTHERAPY 中药
PHYTOTHERAPY
SOME HISTORY
The chinese phytotherapy, also known as Chinese Pharmacopoeia or Zhong Yao (中药),has always been at the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) through ancestral medical literature. Generations of Chinese physicians have dedicated their lives to studying medicinal herbs and have developed systems to create complex formulas tailored to intricate syndromes. One of the most complete works in Chinese history in terms of medical prescriptions, the Pu Ji Fang (普济方) “Prescriptions for Universal Care”, published in 1406 and composed of 426 volumes treating 788 diseases, is often compared to the Chinese VIDAL, containing no less than 61,739 formulas!
Today, with the World Health Organization recognizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a form of traditional medicine, Chinese herbal medicine is widely employed globally to treat various chronic diseases affecting internal organs. These include diabetes, cancer, gynecological and endocrine disorders, digestive and cardiovascular conditions, as well as in the field of External Medicine (Wai Ke 外科), particularly in dermatology, rheumatology, virology, and bacterial diseases. Certain plants are known for their powerful antibiotic effects (like forsythia, Japanese honeysuckle, dandelion, etc.), as well as their antiviral and anticancer properties.
To learn more about diseases
PRINCIPLES
PERSONALIZED REMEDIES
The essence of this ancestral medicine lies in the individualized prescription of medicinal herbs, based on a precise diagnosis of Chinese Medicine. “There is no effective remedies without a proper diagnosis.” Thus, each patient is prescribed a unique formula, even if they share a common illness. For example, two patients with the same disease may receive different formulas from a Chinese doctor. The power of Chinese medical diagnosis lies in its ability to adapt to each individual’s profile. In China, it is common for patients to be treated only with Chinese herbal medicine and dietetics, without the use of acupuncture. Taking their personalized remedy daily is enough for their Treatment.
However, in the West, there are few practitioners specialized in this field, equipped with the skills and knowledge to judiciously use the vast range of medicinal herbs available. The approach goes beyond merely using plants to alleviate symptoms; instead, it entails formulating a complex blend that specifically targets the underlying cause and mechanisms of the disease in question.
These remedies draw from the three kingdoms of nature, namely the vegetal apogy (with 4773 plant species), the animal Kingdom (including 740 products of animal origin such as pollen, chicken eggs, insects, praying mantis eggs, etc.) and mineral kingdom (made up of 82 minerals such as clay, shells, fossils, rocks and crystals).”
The most frequently used remedies are primarily derived from plants, including roots, rhizomes, seeds, flowers, fruits, and leaves. Among the plants, we find names such as ginseng, angelica, licorice, peony, bamboo, ginger, violet, honeysuckle, etc. However, when needed, other kingdoms of nature can also be utilized, such as shells, insects, rocks, and minerals, among others.
It should be noted that some species traditionally used in Chinese medicine are now protected, and their use is strictly prohibited, including in China. This is true for items such as tiger bones and rhino horns. The laws impose severe penalties on those who violate them. While smuggling of these substances persists, the vast majority of practitioners now adhere to these prohibitions and no longer use them.
USE
HOW IS IT TAKEN?
Most of the time, these remedies are administered in the form of decoctions, which require boiling plants. However, there are also other forms of preparations such as ointments, syrups, water-soluble powders, poultices, capsules and tablets. Traditionally, the Chinese favor decoctions because of their short-term potency, although their preparation is more restrictive. However, it is important to note that medicinal products sometimes require different cooking times, which can be complicated for Westerners to do on a daily basis.
Concentrated powders, prepared in the laboratory with optimal cooking times, offer a more practical alternative. Simply mix the herbal powder in hot water, let it dissolve and drink it like herbal tea. In my experience, for chronic issues, this is often my preferred approach. I also sometimes choose capsules or tablets depending on the situation, as they are easier for Westerners to use.
It is essential to consult a specialized and experienced practitioner to guide you in the use of plants.. He will be able to tell you precisely how to prepare the remedies according to your personal clinical situation.
QUALITY AND ORIGIN OF MEDICINAL HERBS
AN ETHICAL MATTER
There was a time when medicinal plants from China were often subject to pollution and irradiation. In response to these concerns, the West imposed a mandatory international quality standard on China. For many years, this standard, called GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), has been systematically applied to Chinese medicinal products intended for export. It guarantees the absence of pesticides, heavy metals, chemical fertilizers and irradiation. Rigorous controls are carried out at every stage, from origin to distributor in each country. Thus, we can have confidence in the quality of the Chinese herbal medicine products we consume, knowing that they are clean, effective and beneficial to health.
Despite its rapid economic growth, China remains a vast country, with many mountainous regions where soils are preserved and where responsible, equitable and human-scale agriculture continues.”
As you probably understood, medicinal herbs are grown in China. A common question that arises is: “Why don’t we use American(or English etc…) herbal medicine plants ?”
To simplify, it is important to understand that the energetic properties of a plant are influenced by terroir, just as grape varieties produce different wine depending on where they are grown. To ensure that the properties of the plants are consistent with ancient teachings, it is essential that these plants come from China, where they have long been the subject of extensive study. Chinese have developed precise cultivation, harvesting and preparation methods, passed down for generations, which transform plants into true “medicines”. Europeans or North Americains do not necessarily possess this know-how described in ancient texts. Chinese laboratories strive to respect this tradition and know-how, which explains why they are often more qualified than Western laboratories.
That said, I have been working with ethical Chinese laboratory for over 24 years. Together, we share a common philosophy focused on quality, safety and effectiveness at the heart of our prescriptions.”
To learn more about the origin and quality of prescribed medicinal herbs
PARTNER LABORATORY
the laboratory calabasse
With more than two decades of experience, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with several laboratories.
My preferred choice is “La Calebasse Laboratoire” (formerly À La Calebasse Verte), a family business founded in 1997 by Dr. Shaohua LIU, doctor of gynecology and practitioner of Chinese Medicine. After many years of dedicated service, she passed the torch to her son, Ruosi LIU, a pharmacist and TCM practitioner.
Today, with around thirty employees, “La Calabasse Laboratoire” has demonstrated remarkable adaptability over the last 24 years. Based in Paris, this laboratory is constantly committed to the quality and effectiveness of treatments, while favoring local suppliers. Its ethical principles, particularly with regard to protected species, animal experimentation, and the fight against child labor, make it the undisputed leader of Chinese pharmacopoeia in Europe.”
To find out more about Calabasse Laboratory
