FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Herbs have been relied upon for the healing of ailments for thousands of years. The focus of herbalism is to support the body’s self healing ability. Herbs nourish us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Herbs are strong foods, so by eating them we enrich ourselves with a vast array of nutrients.
The two most common questions: What are Chinese herbs and Why packets? Click here
How Safe are Chinese Herbs?
Chinese herbs have been used for literally thousands of years. Asian cultures use herbs in a variety of everyday food products, from teas, soups, congees ( healthy oatmeal) to meat dishes which contain herbs to help digest the meat. Today’s medicinal herbs have been researched and studied extensively. So much research has been done in fact that we now can distinguish exactly which active ingredients such as flavonoids, glycosides, tanins, polysaccirides and alkaloids exist in each plant species. Many of these are the same active ingredients in our prescription drugs. Alkaloids for example have been manufactured as various pain killer drugs such as morphine. Tannins, are the chemicals known as the healthy antioxidants found in red wines that show beneficial effects on vascular health. Check out our “News” link for information on studies and recent published articles.
How long before I see results?
Just as people and their various states of dis- ease, (an abnormal condition of the body causing discomfort or dysfunction)vary results can vary, according to the relative imbalance in an individual. There are many variables to this answer, your age, your overall health and your severity of symptoms. The best person to help you answer this question is a Licensed Acupuncturist who has studied Chinese Herbal medicine. You may call us and speak to a Licensed Acupuncturist or go to “Find an Acupuncturist” above for a referral in your neighborhood. If we don’t have anyone listed who is close to you, call us and we will be happy to help you.
What do the herbs look like and how do people use them?
What’s the best time of day to take my herbs? Each formula has instructions of either “take between meals” or “take with meals”. If your digestion is somewhat compromised it is always better to take your herbs with meals, than not at all. Generally formulas are taken anywhere from one to three times daily. Our products are made for your busy lifestyle, easy to take with you on the go and as easy as swallowing a ½ cup (or less) of water.
I’m taking prescription medication. Can I also take these herbs? It is very common to combine both western medications with herbal remedies. However, it is always recommended to talk to a Licensed Acupuncturist who has studied Chinese Herbal medicine to insure your particular medications will not interact with any of our herbal formulas. You may call us to discuss your situation at any time. We usually make appointments for such discussions with a Licensed Acupuncturist. If you are under a doctor’s care we do recommend you continue to follow your medication schedule as your Doctor prescribed. PAC Herbs products will help support your overall well being and your body’s desire for balance or homeostasis.
How do I take packets of herbs? Generally 1-3 packets per day are the recommended dosage. First dose in the morning after breakfast, second, during middle of the day and third, in the early evening (if taking 3 doses). There are approx. 1 -2 teaspoons of small granules inside each packet. The granules dissolve completely in warm water and are easy to drink as a tea or you can simply pour the packet of granules onto your tongue and swallow as if taking a pill. This is easier than you think.
Do I have to take these herbal products forever? You may be experiencing what you simply thought was old age, however it may be more of a disharmony or the body out of balance. Once you build up your strength again you will feel healthy and have the energy for your body to function in a state of wellness.
I have been told that herbal medicines take a long time to take effect, is this true or can I take herbal medicines for acute conditions like the common cold?
It is a myth that herbal medicines take a long time to take effect. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the condition, herbal medicines provide effective and immediate relief even for the common cold. Herbal medicines can be taken for any type of acute condition, including infections, such as sore throats, inflammations, bleeding, injuries or temporary stresses.
It is a myth that herbal medicines take a long time to take effect. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the condition, herbal medicines provide effective and immediate relief even for the common cold. Herbal medicines can be taken for any type of acute condition, including infections, such as sore throats, inflammations, bleeding, injuries or temporary stresses.
If a particular health condition has already progressed, can taking herbal medication help? The optimal goal of herbal medicine is complete reversal of the condition. If the condition is chronic, then herbal medicines can slow the progression. In less advanced cases, herbs can stop the condition from worsening.
Is it true that herbal medicines are mostly preventative?
The term prevention has a number of meanings and herbs typically fulfill all of them. For instance, the flu is something preventable. But for some reason, some of us can’t seem to avoid it every year. In such a case, taking herbs can help bolster the immune system so that we are not so susceptible to contagious diseases. Another way in which herbs are preventive is that they help to prevent chronic, degenerative diseases. So, it is true that herbs are preventative, although there are many uses in helping all call kinds of ailments is also true.
The term prevention has a number of meanings and herbs typically fulfill all of them. For instance, the flu is something preventable. But for some reason, some of us can’t seem to avoid it every year. In such a case, taking herbs can help bolster the immune system so that we are not so susceptible to contagious diseases. Another way in which herbs are preventive is that they help to prevent chronic, degenerative diseases. So, it is true that herbs are preventative, although there are many uses in helping all call kinds of ailments is also true.
Can herbs and herbal medicines help for (remove) psychological conditions?
Many herbs have natural tranquilizing effects and are amply suited to depression, anxiety and hyperactivity. Some herbs work as effectively as well-established drugs, without the associated addictive tendencies. Herbs are known to work well with psychotherapy because they often sharpen cognition.
Many herbs have natural tranquilizing effects and are amply suited to depression, anxiety and hyperactivity. Some herbs work as effectively as well-established drugs, without the associated addictive tendencies. Herbs are known to work well with psychotherapy because they often sharpen cognition.
I have heard that herbs play a huge role in anti-aging. How does this work?
It is true that herbs play an important role in anti-aging. Some of the first Chinese Emperors who had everything except the fountain of youth, looked to the natural world to promote their own longevity. Some of the same herbs discovered in the 1st century AD are still used today for the same reasons, their special rejuvenating properties. Herbs can provide anti-oxidant protection, improve circulation, enhanced immunity and increased neurological function. All of these help in reversing the body’s natural cycle of degeneration. Herbs can slow down natural aging but they can’t stop it altogether.
It is true that herbs play an important role in anti-aging. Some of the first Chinese Emperors who had everything except the fountain of youth, looked to the natural world to promote their own longevity. Some of the same herbs discovered in the 1st century AD are still used today for the same reasons, their special rejuvenating properties. Herbs can provide anti-oxidant protection, improve circulation, enhanced immunity and increased neurological function. All of these help in reversing the body’s natural cycle of degeneration. Herbs can slow down natural aging but they can’t stop it altogether.
How do herbs and herbal medicines work to strengthen the immune system?
Immune health has been recognized as the cornerstone of our health – it is the body’s defense system that holds the key to longevity and freedom from infection and chronic illnesses. Herbs possess unique abilities to augment and maintain immune health.
Immune health has been recognized as the cornerstone of our health – it is the body’s defense system that holds the key to longevity and freedom from infection and chronic illnesses. Herbs possess unique abilities to augment and maintain immune health.
Every once in a while, when reading the description of an herb, I come across the term, adaptogen. What does it mean when an herb is adaptogenic?
Adaptogens are a class of herbs that have universal applications. Although a relatively new term, adaptogenic herbs have the ability to either increase or decrease body functions, according to its need. They are renowned for their ability to help the body adapt to stress, improve performance, and fend off or recuperate from illness. Many also have specific anti-aging effects. One example is ginseng.
Adaptogens are a class of herbs that have universal applications. Although a relatively new term, adaptogenic herbs have the ability to either increase or decrease body functions, according to its need. They are renowned for their ability to help the body adapt to stress, improve performance, and fend off or recuperate from illness. Many also have specific anti-aging effects. One example is ginseng.
I was advised by my doctor to take a cardiac tonic for overall conditioning of the heart. I would like to know how these cardiac tonics work.
Also known as cardiotonics, these herbs improve the functioning of the heart in a global way. They increase the force and volume of blood pumped, improve the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle and regulate its rhythm. Additionally, many herbs in this group work on the blood vessels, influencing arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Also known as cardiotonics, these herbs improve the functioning of the heart in a global way. They increase the force and volume of blood pumped, improve the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle and regulate its rhythm. Additionally, many herbs in this group work on the blood vessels, influencing arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Is the manufacturing process an important consideration when choosing the brand of herbs? DEFINITELY!
It is important to buy herbs from companies that adhere to the highest good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for food products. Good companies provide full disclosure on the label and offer considerable support literature, describing the manufacturing process and adherence to various guidelines for keeping herbs safe and effective. It is always advisable to ensure that you are aware of a company’s manufacturing process when making a decision about trying its herbal products. Some standards to look out for are specie identification with chromatography, heavy metal testing, pesticide testing using a standard of PPB (parts per billion rather than PPM – parts per million). PAC Herbs completely discloses the source and manufacturer of its products because we purchase from a manufacturer with the highest standards worldwide.
It is important to buy herbs from companies that adhere to the highest good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for food products. Good companies provide full disclosure on the label and offer considerable support literature, describing the manufacturing process and adherence to various guidelines for keeping herbs safe and effective. It is always advisable to ensure that you are aware of a company’s manufacturing process when making a decision about trying its herbal products. Some standards to look out for are specie identification with chromatography, heavy metal testing, pesticide testing using a standard of PPB (parts per billion rather than PPM – parts per million). PAC Herbs completely discloses the source and manufacturer of its products because we purchase from a manufacturer with the highest standards worldwide.
Which are better, herbs in capsules, tablets or granules in packets? There are several different choices today in ways to consume herbal medicine. Capsules have been the preferred method simply because technology was available to fill the capsules at a low cost. However, herbs are generally sticky. Capsule making machines tend to get clogged up unless filler, usually starch, is added to the herb product. Often 20% filler is commonly added so the machines don’t clog. That means you’re paying 100% but getting only 80% active herbal ingredients. Capsules are easy to take, however, at most they hold only 1/2 a gram of product per capsule. This is a very small dose of herbs.. You need to take 6-8 capsules 3 times a day to receive a standard dosage of 3-4 grams. That’s 24 capsules a day.
Another downside to the capsules, neither the containers nor the capsules themselves are air tight. When you consume a natural product, it begins to breakdown when exposed to air. Just as bananas sitting out for too long turn brown. PAC Herbs granules are sealed in air tight packets immediately after cooking and drying. This means active ingredients are as fresh as the day they were cooked. A fresher product is always better. Tablets are another form of processed herbs. They also have disadvantages similar to capsules, but because they require binders and stabilizing agents. PAC Herbs granules are 100% pure herbal medicinal.
How do our products compare?
As an informed consumer, it is important that you look for products that have been researched clinically and standardized to guarantee bio-equivalence. Bio-equivalence refers to ensuring that the product on the market is equivalent to the one on which clinical trials were successfully conducted. PAC Herbs uses chromatographic fingerprinting, one of the most sophisticated standardization techniques, to ensure consistent quality and performance. Most companies that manufacture herbal medicines are neither equipped nor care to perform such expensive fingerprinting test. PAC Herbs products are tested for pesticides and heavy metals. Many herbal companies will not disclose where their raw material originates, or whether they are tested for contaminants. PAC Herbs gives you all the information up front to be an informed consumer. Our manufacturer, KPC Manufacturing is a global leader in scientifically validated herbal medicine since 1950's and their products are marketed in more than 45 countries including Germany and Australia which have much stricter government regulations over herbal supplements than the United States.
As an informed consumer, it is important that you look for products that have been researched clinically and standardized to guarantee bio-equivalence. Bio-equivalence refers to ensuring that the product on the market is equivalent to the one on which clinical trials were successfully conducted. PAC Herbs uses chromatographic fingerprinting, one of the most sophisticated standardization techniques, to ensure consistent quality and performance. Most companies that manufacture herbal medicines are neither equipped nor care to perform such expensive fingerprinting test. PAC Herbs products are tested for pesticides and heavy metals. Many herbal companies will not disclose where their raw material originates, or whether they are tested for contaminants. PAC Herbs gives you all the information up front to be an informed consumer. Our manufacturer, KPC Manufacturing is a global leader in scientifically validated herbal medicine since 1950's and their products are marketed in more than 45 countries including Germany and Australia which have much stricter government regulations over herbal supplements than the United States.
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