How Long Should You Be Taking Herbs?

Herbal Medicine can be an excellent option for a patient looking to meet a health goal, enhance their treatment outcome or maintain homeostasis, but it is important to ask – How long should I take an herbal formula for?

In an oversimplified categorization, herbs can be either used to clear an excess or tonify a deficiency. A formula that clears excess is one that can deal with pain, inflammation, or any other bodily function that is working in overdrive whereas a formula that tonifies a deficiency is one that can boost low energy, build blood or enhance slow bodily functions. There are ones that sit in the middle of both categories, but we will keep it simple for the sake of explanation.

If you are taking a formula that clears excess, then anywhere between six weeks to three months is the ideal timeline which is then followed by a three-month break for the body to adjust.

If the formula you are prescribed is one that tonifies deficiency, then you may be taking it for about six months before taking a short break. The nature and contents of a tonifying formula is rather gentle so extended durations on them are likely quite safe but it is important to check back with your herbalist at least once a month to be sure.

Of course, there are situations where both types of formulas are only taken for a much shorter duration such as formulas that assist in promoting fertility – once the goal has been achieved, there is no need to continue. The opposite is also applied; indefinite periods of herbal medicine may be necessary when assisting in the treatment of things like cancer or chronic illness.

It is always important to start out with a shorter course of herbs so you can report back to your herbalist if any side effects occur (usually gastric in nature) and if nothing of the sort happens then you can take a longer prescription course. Checking back with your herbalist will also allow them to perform regular diagnoses which may see the discontinuation of herbs earlier.

Therefore, herbal medicines are an excellent way to help you reach your health goals, enhance your treatment outcome or maintain homeostasis but it is important to consider the duration of which to take the formula; always consult with your herbalist regularly to ensure safety.

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