Herbal Medicine

The use of herbal medicine has been historically documented by cultures around the world and continues to be popular today. Each year new research is published that documents the health benefits, safety and efficacy of herbs. Available in a variety of forms including tablets, granular teas and loose herbal teas, herbs have never been easier or more convenient to take. The practitioners of NEFHA will help determine whether herbal intervention might be helpful for you and which form would be the most effective. Particular attention is given to those people taking prescription medications. We want to ensure the highest efficacy of both the prescription and the herbs while avoiding any potential interaction between the two. The practitioners at NEFHA are all highly trained and experienced in the use of herbal medicine and understand that just because a substance is natural, does not mean it is necessarily safe.

Western Herbal Medicine
The popularity of western herbal medicine in the United States has increased dramitically in the past two decades, with over 1/3 of the American population taking some form of herbs. Despite the argument by some conventional physicians that herbal medicine has no scientific basis, the fact of the matter is that several studies have shown that herbs can be as effective or in some cases, more effective than its conventional drug counterpart. Herbal medicine also has a deep historical basis, dating back hundreds to thousands of years. The efficacy and safety of herbs have been demonstrated through observation and repeated use over centuries, weheras most studies on conventional medications are often a matter of weeks to months. At NEFHA, we use standardized extracts, loose herbs or solid extracts, depending on which form best suits your needs.

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Ancient Chinese herbal formulas are as effective now as they were when first introduced more than 2,000 years ago. Millions of people over the past 23 centuries have successfully used these herbs with few changes in the original formulas. Most formulas consist of several different herbs that work together to treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body's natural healing process. The goal of Chinese herbal medicine is not to mask a symptom, but rather to help the body become stronger and healthier so that pain and disease are no longer present.

Some herbs may be toxic and should only be used under the direction of a qualified practitioner of herbal medicine.