Services
Herbal formulas
A formula is a mix of herbs your acupuncturist chooses for you after a visit. Most are cooked at home as a tea or stirred from granules into hot water, and some come as pills.
People come for herbs on their own or alongside acupuncture. Some already take a formula from another practice and want a second look. Everyone brings a list of what they already take, because herbs and medicines can affect each other.
How a formula comes together
Herbs taste strong and earthy. Many people add a little honey or take the granules in hot water.
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Step 1: We talk and look
The same conversation as an acupuncture visit: your health, your sleep and digestion, your tongue and pulse. You hand us your list of medicines and supplements.
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Step 2: Your acupuncturist writes the formula
They choose the herbs and the amounts and say how long to take it. You see the list before it is filled.
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Step 3: The dispensary checks and fills it
We check the formula against your list, weigh each herb and label the bag. The label names every herb in it.
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Step 4: You take it and check in
Instructions come in writing. Call with questions, and we look at the formula again at your next visit.
Tell us first
Say these before we begin
Say these at the first visit, and again whenever something changes.
Everything you take
Prescriptions, vitamins, other supplements and teas. Bring the bottles or a list.
Pregnant or nursing
We avoid some herbs and explain the others. Tell your own doctor as well.
Allergies
Tell us about food, plant and medicine allergies before a formula is written.
Blood thinners and heart, sugar or blood-pressure medicines
Herbs may interact with these. Your prescriber should know what you take.
A surgery coming up
Tell us and your surgeon. We may pause a formula before a procedure.
Liver or kidney conditions
Some herbs are cleared by the liver or kidneys, so we plan around them.
How long a formula lasts, and what herbs do not do
A formula is usually written for a few weeks and looked at again at your next visit. That is our plan for you, not a promise of a result.
What herbs do not do
Herbs are not a substitute for a medicine your prescriber gave you. Tell your prescriber about everything you take, herbs included, and bring us a list too.
When to see a doctor instead
A rash, hives, swelling of the face or lips, trouble breathing or fainting after a formula needs emergency care: call 911. For an upset stomach or another reaction, call us and we will change or pause the formula.
- This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Next step
Ask about herbal formulas
Tell us how to reach you and when you are free. We call back to find a time.