Herbal Medicine
Cara is licensed to provide both in-person & telehealth services in Pennsylvania & New Jersey
How Chinese Herbology Works
Our scope of practice includes Eastern Traditional Medical diagnosis and treatment. As we do in acupuncture, in Chinese herbology, we use our training in meridian theory and Western biomedicine to treat patterns of disharmony and to help manage symptoms associated with modern medical conditions. My goal is to prescribe formulas with herbs that work together synergistically to help restore balance and to strengthen the body by removing blockages and encouraging improved blood flow and overall functionality.
This is often a process that takes some time. We recommend starting with at least 4-6 weeks of treatment. Depending on your condition and personal treatment goals, I'll start with prescribing herbs that will last one to two weeks, and I may adjust your prescription as your body responds to treatment, over time. I want you to experience immediate results, and to get better and stay better - herbs are a great way to have easy access to therapy at home on a daily basis when symptoms arise, and to remind the body how to get back into its rhythm.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is complementary medicine - please consult your primary healthcare provider before seeking any herbal treatment, and also with regard to any medications, supplements or herbs that are either prescribed by other practitioners or self-prescribed.
Telemedicine appointments:
Please complete your intake forms (for first appointments) prior to your online session. We recommend using the latest version of Chrome on your desktop or laptop computer. Joining your appointment is easy - just click the link in your email reminder that will be provided 30 minutes prior to your session, or by logging into your account. Click here for a guide on how online appointments work in Janeapp.
Custom Herbal Formulas
Our raw and granular herbal formulas are highly customizable for optimum efficacy. I’ll create a formula based on Eastern medical diagnosis and individualized just for you. Custom formulas can be modified over time in response to your changing needs throughout the healing process. We especially recommend custom formulas for more complicated/chronic health conditions.
Raw Herbs
Raw herbal decoctions are the most traditional and customizable way of prescribing herbs in TCM, and the process of cooking the herbs at home offers an enhanced healing experience - to prepare herbs and inhale the healing aroma is soothing and can also provide an opportunity to establish a deeper connection with herbal medicine. Our in-house dispensary includes several high quality medicinals from reputable suppliers, Spring Wind and NuHerb. I will write and compound a formula just for you, provide easy cooking instructions, and arrangements can be made for curbside pickup, local delivery, or delivery by mail.
Concentrated Herbal Granules
Granular herbal formulas are a popular and effective form of herbal medicine and are a great and convenient option, particularly for traveling. To prepare granular formulas, just add the recommended dosage of granules to hot water, and voilà! You’ll still get all the healing benefits of the medicine, including the taste and aroma. Our granule supplier, Crane Herb Company, will fill your custom prescription and drop ship it to your door.
Prepared Herbal Formulas
I also offer prepared/patent herbal formulas in convenient granular, capsule, and tablet forms in house. These formulas may be prescribed with herbal consultations and/or acupuncture treatments.
Herb Quality
Safety and quality are of utmost important to us. We source our high quality herbs from companies that rigorously test for bacteria, pesticides, molds, and fungus. We practice transparency and provide ingredient lists for all prescriptions. We emphasize herbs sourced from plants and minerals, and never from the CITES endangered species list. Our main suppliers are Spring Wind, NuHerb, Crane Herb Company, KPC, Sunten, and Mayway.
