Plants have been used as medicine since the beginning of our recorded history, and possibly before. Chinese herbal medicine is arguably the most advanced herbal system of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3^rd century BC. In China, the knowledge of herbal science continued to expand and develop and became a complete, well-researched medical system for the treatment of a wide range of medical symptoms and conditions. Many people assume that Chinese herbal medicine only incorporates herbs from China, however herbalists from China were constantly collecting and studying plants throughout their travels and by the 20^th century had the world’s largest pharmacopoeia including herbs from all over the planet. For example, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) is a species native to North America. Now, predominately grown in Wisconsin, this treasured herb is almost exclusively exported to China, where it is revered by many as superior to other forms of ginseng. The Chinese were the first culture to have a truly international perspective in its herbal practices.

The Indian science of Ayurveda focuses more on life-style management and diet. Unlike Chinese medicine, Ayurveda diagnoses using defined constitutional parameters. The Ayurvedic constitutions, or "doshas", are Vata (air and ether), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (water and earth). Our dosha is deciphered by physical appearance, behavior, an evaluation of our pulse and other diagnostic tools. We are born with a certain dosha, and when we become ill or out of balance, Ayurveda (the science of self-healing) can set up guidelines on how to re-achieve balance with specific foods, herbs, stretches, and spiritual practices according to each constitution. Ayurveda has some similar herbs as the Chinese pharmacy, however a powdered form of the herb, placed on the tongue, is the preferred administration. Ayurveda is also a proponent of cleansing toxins from the system. There is the belief that if one is filled with "ama" (toxins) then the digestion does not work properly and herbs and food will not be as effective. Ayurveda has many techniques for cleansing the system, physically and spiritually. "Panchkarma" is a complete cleansing and is catered to the individual’s constitution.

Ayurveda works in conjunction with Yoga. Both originating from the ancient Vedas, Ayurveda is the branch that deals more with the physical body and Yoga focuses on the spiritual body.

Western herbal medicine has a more broken tradition. Up until the late nineteenth century, use of whole plant therapy was widespread in the United States. Locally grown plants were used extensively for the treatment of illness. The main physician was called an "Eclectic" doctor, who combined Native American and European knowledge of plants to develop a broader base of treatment until the discovery of penicillin. That discovery led to the advent of modern-day pharmacology, which is the practice of extracting one chemical constituent from a plant or fungus for the treatment of a particular ailment. Today western herbal medicine has become intertwined with double-blind studies and standardized extracts of active chemical compounds. Historically the Eclectics had a strong relationship with plants, complete with plant energetics. They also had the ability to diagnose a client by observing their tongue and feeling their pulse, just as in Oriental Medicine. Clinical western herbalists are now working at retrieving this lost information and reconnecting with the plants of our area.

Herbal medicine seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone. Traditionally herbal medicine uses a whole plant substance, which contains many chemical constituents working together, while pharmaceutical drugs isolate one chemical constituent to treat a specific symptom or condition. There is a danger in isolating single constituents, such as with ephedrine from ephedra. Ephedra as a whole plant is a balanced and effective herb for treating asthma and other respiratory ailments, but isolating one chemical from the plant has proven to be over-stimulating and dangerous. A whole plant is more like a food and less likely to cause side effects due to its balanced nutrients. It will work slowly within the body, assisting in finding equilibrium. Any isolated chemical constituent will have a stronger effect on the system. A pharmaceutical is designed to suppress or kill disease or pathogens, not restore the body to a health. This does not mean that all herbs are harmless. Herbal medicine does work with some toxic plants. This is why it is important to work with a skilled herbalist who understands proper dosage, as well as contraindications. Properly blending different herbs together is an advanced technique of minimizing side effects. In Chinese medicine, herbs are typically prescribed in combination. The different components of a formula balance each other, neutralize toxins, increase efficacy, and enhance the safety of other herbs in a formula.

It is best to work with a licensed herbalist or Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) who is skilled in Oriental diagnostic procedures and treatment with herbs. A licensed practitioner will take a complete medical history in order to be sure that there are no contraindications for the herbs you are taking, thereby reducing the chance of allergic reactions or adverse interactions with other herbs or pharmaceuticals. Herbs ordered from reputable distributors, like the companies providing herbs for Formulations, test their herbs and guarantee that the herbs are authentic as well as organic or pesticide-free.

Dr. Mota has successfully used herbal remedies to treat gynecological symptoms, infertility, menopause and other conditions of women. Herbs have been prescribed for pain management, chronic and acute diseases, as well as emotional and sleeping disorders. People suffering from cancer, kidney or liver disease, and childhood epilepsy have been helped by herbal therapy.

If you would like to schedule an herbal consultation with Dr. Mota, call

505 247 HERB (4372).