Karen Taylor, L.Ac.
Herbal medicine
ancient wisdom for modern times
Herbal medicine is natural, powerful and personalized care for your body. Herbal consultations with Karen T Bryan, Certified Chinese Herbalist can be part of an acupuncture session, an in-person herbal consult, or we can schedule a phone or video meeting.
An herbal consult is a thorough interview and evaluation that allows Karen to select herbs that are right for you now. The herbs will correspond to the specific Chinese medical diagnosis. The diagnosis could be as simple as blood deficiency which could be causing insomnia, for example. Herbs that build blood are selected and combined so that this person will be able to digest and absorb them. This way of treating requires knowledge about all of the body systems, the whole person.
Rather than treating disease, herbal medicine treats the individual in order to guide that specific person to a healthy balance. The subtle effects of these herbs have been studied for centuries. Herbal selection can be tailored to exactly what an individual needs in that moment to return them to a state of healthy balance.
Like acupuncture, herbal medicine works with an understanding of the organs and how they function in relationship with the meridians or energy channels of the body. Sometimes a more material treatment is needed. While acupuncture or exercise are energetic treatments that mover or balance energy, herbs and foods are more substantial, more material and can more easily build blood or resolve nasal congestion, as examples.
Medicinal mushrooms are herbs that are also food. Food as medicine is a good way to think about natural herbal medicine. So many herbs are also eaten as food in Asia and around the world. Many Americans eat a very limited variety of foods and so have lost important micro and phytonutrients that our bodies need for optimal health. Goji berries are now popular in the United States, but there are several examples of Chinese herbs that are fruits containing large amounts of antioxidants. There are also important herbs which benefit the lungs and skin, or the liver and eyes that can be found daily on tables in Japan, Korea, China and beyond.
Herbal medicine can be taken as a tea made from fresh herbs. Granule powder can be made from the tea for convenience to drink as tea or that can be taken in capsules. Combinations of herbs that have been used by herbalists for hundreds of years, as well as those that are modern and scientifically based, can now be taken as liquids or tablets as well.
Herbs that taste good also tend to also be very good as tonics, herbs that help maintain a healthy, balanced body, mind and spirit, and also promote longevity. These can be included in porridge or congee...don't get me started on that topic! Ask me about congee because I love congee!
An herbal consult is a thorough interview and evaluation that allows Karen to select herbs that are right for you now. The herbs will correspond to the specific Chinese medical diagnosis. The diagnosis could be as simple as blood deficiency which could be causing insomnia, for example. Herbs that build blood are selected and combined so that this person will be able to digest and absorb them. This way of treating requires knowledge about all of the body systems, the whole person.
Rather than treating disease, herbal medicine treats the individual in order to guide that specific person to a healthy balance. The subtle effects of these herbs have been studied for centuries. Herbal selection can be tailored to exactly what an individual needs in that moment to return them to a state of healthy balance.
Like acupuncture, herbal medicine works with an understanding of the organs and how they function in relationship with the meridians or energy channels of the body. Sometimes a more material treatment is needed. While acupuncture or exercise are energetic treatments that mover or balance energy, herbs and foods are more substantial, more material and can more easily build blood or resolve nasal congestion, as examples.
Medicinal mushrooms are herbs that are also food. Food as medicine is a good way to think about natural herbal medicine. So many herbs are also eaten as food in Asia and around the world. Many Americans eat a very limited variety of foods and so have lost important micro and phytonutrients that our bodies need for optimal health. Goji berries are now popular in the United States, but there are several examples of Chinese herbs that are fruits containing large amounts of antioxidants. There are also important herbs which benefit the lungs and skin, or the liver and eyes that can be found daily on tables in Japan, Korea, China and beyond.
Herbal medicine can be taken as a tea made from fresh herbs. Granule powder can be made from the tea for convenience to drink as tea or that can be taken in capsules. Combinations of herbs that have been used by herbalists for hundreds of years, as well as those that are modern and scientifically based, can now be taken as liquids or tablets as well.
Herbs that taste good also tend to also be very good as tonics, herbs that help maintain a healthy, balanced body, mind and spirit, and also promote longevity. These can be included in porridge or congee...don't get me started on that topic! Ask me about congee because I love congee!
