Chinese herbal medicine can be a wonderful alternative or adjunct to pharmaceutical drugs, especially in patients with depression. Often patients come to see me because their prescription anti-depressants aren't working (the main side-effect of most anti-depressants is depression), because they want to safely wean off their medication, or because they want to choose a natural, drug-free approach.
He Huan Pi (Albizia/Mimosa Tree Bark) is my go-to Chinese herb when treating patients with depression. He Huan Pi literally means “collective happiness bark” and it has been discovered by scientists as being the secret ingredient in Coca-Cola that makes people feel happy! The taste of this herb is neutral and sweet, making it very well tolerated by patients. This calming herb improves liver and heart function in patients experiencing depression, short temper, insomnia, irritability, poor memory or PMS. He Huan Pi is always used in combination with other herbs (made into a formula) to provide the best results.
Benefits of He Huan Pi:
Lifts depression
Reduces anger
Improves sleep
Alleviates irritability
Improves focus
Regulates mood
Reduces dream disturbance
Alleviates PMS symptoms
In Chinese medicine, we always evaluate each patient thoroughly before prescribing Chinese herbal medicine. Additionally, Chinese herbs are always combined together to strengthen their effects and create balance. It is not recommended to take just one single herb. Unlike many medications, Chinese herbal medicine is not a one-size-fits-all. Each herbal formula is designed specifically to treat each patient’s unique condition(s) while also correcting the underlying root cause (so no two formulas are completely alike). There are years of education, licensing, and experience required to dispense Chinese herbs safely and effectively, so be sure to get your herbs from a licensed Chinese herbalist and never attempt to self-prescribe. To learn more about our Chinese herbal medicine program click here.
Are you ready to combat your depression and start feeling more like yourself? Schedule your consultation and evaluation today and have custom Chinese herbal prescriptions made just for you! 321-972-2940
References:
Chen, J. K., Chen, T. T., & Crampton, L. (2012). Chinese medical herbology and pharmacology. City of Industry, CA: Art of Medicine Press, Inc.