Foundations of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is rooted in the principle that human health depends on the balance of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. When this balance is disrupted, illness occurs. Herbs, each with their own unique properties, are used as natural tools to restore harmony and rebalance the body.
The effectiveness of herbs is explained through two main aspects: character and flavor. Character refers to the herb’s nature—cold, cool, warm, or hot—while flavor refers to its taste, such as sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, or salty. These qualities determine how an herb acts in the body, and by choosing herbs with the right properties, practitioners can correct imbalances and treat disease.
The Healing Power of Herbs
The Four Natures
The four characters describe how herbs influence body temperature and metabolism. Cold and cool herbs (like mint and watermelon) reduce internal heat, calm overactive organs, and slow metabolism. Warm and hot herbs (like ginger and chili) boost circulation, increase metabolism, and treat conditions caused by cold. In this way, the character of a herb directly addresses imbalances of hot and cold in the body.
The Five Flavors
The five flavors explain how herbs guide energy and organ function. Sour herbs preserve fluids, bitter herbs clear heat and toxins, sweet herbs nourish and harmonize, pungent herbs disperse and promote sweating, and salty herbs soften hardness and purge accumulations. Each flavor corresponds to specific therapeutic effects, allowing precise targeting of illness patterns.
Remedy for Cold Exposure
A classic warming recipe for colds combines ginger, green onion, coriander, white radish, and tangerine peel. Together, these herbs expel cold, clear phlegm, improve circulation, and restore balance. This example shows how herbs are often combined in formulas to complement and strengthen one another’s effects.
Modern Scientific Perspective
Modern research has found that many herbal properties align with pharmacological effects. Ginger contains compounds that reduce inflammation and improve circulation, mint provides cooling and antimicrobial benefits through menthol, and watermelon hydrates and supports circulation. While Traditional Chinese Medicine uses symbolic language, these parallels show how herbs support the body’s self-regulation rather than directly attacking disease.
Our Mission
At HerbalWell, we believe in the power of nature to enhance well-being. Our extensive range of herbal remedies is meticulously sourced and crafted to ensure quality and efficacy. Our mission is to provide natural solutions to support your health and wellness journey, guided by nature's wisdom. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to helping you navigate the array of products tailored to your needs, ensuring a personalized experience every time you visit. We are passionate about promoting holistic health through natural remedies, supporting our community's journey to wellness.
48 Years of Excellence
Dr. Xiao Chen
Dr. Chen, a graduate of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture since 1977. In China, she worked at the Research Institute of Chinese Medicine in Shandong Province and served as a Professor of Treatment at the Provincial Hospital.
Since relocating to New York City in 1994, Dr. Chen has devoted her practice to helping patients overcome a wide range of health challenges. With decades of expertise, she has treated countless individuals suffering from pain, chronic conditions, and complex health issues.
Dr. Chen’s lifelong commitment to TCM has also inspired the creation of innovative herbal formulas, designed to support patients facing both serious illnesses and everyday health concerns, including:
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Cancer and diabetes support
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Heart and cardiovascular health
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Eye and skin health
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Women’s and men’s health needs
Her deep knowledge and compassionate care continue to help patients live healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Chen provides acupuncture for:
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Acute & chronic pain (neck, back, arthritis, shoulder, hip, sacroiliitis)
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Intervertebral disc herniation
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Pain from diabetes complications
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Pain related to chemotherapy side effects
Additional Services
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Massage Therapy
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Cupping Therapy
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Tonic Food Therapy
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Qigong Therapy
Specializations
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Tumors
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Diabetes
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Prostate diseases
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Heart & cardiovascular conditions
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Gynecological and andrological disorders
