Acupuncture and herbs can help reduce the symptoms of many imbalances and illnesses by addressing the underlying causes. Both acupuncture and botanical medicine can work in conjunction with western forms of treatment to help you stay in good health. Here’s a review of some of the most common conditions we treat in Lafayette, CA:
Allergies:
Acupuncture and [...]
St. John’s Wort extract is effective as an anti-depressant in the management of mood disorders. Because the herb has an important side effect of increased photosensitivity, it may be best to consider St. John’s Wort as a winter time remedy. Although internal use of St. John’s Wort increases one’s sensitivity to the [...]
Properties of Hawthorn Berries
Cardio-tonic (strengthens the heart muscle)
Diuretic (promotes urination)
Astringent (solidifies loose stool)
Hypotensive (lowers blood pressure)
Physical Effects
Heart and cardiovascular tonic
Relaxes and dilates blood vessels
Lowers blood pressure
Improves general circulation and blood flow
Strengthens damaged or weak heart muscles (increasing the heart’s efficiency)
Exerts a scrubbing action on plaque inside the blood vessels.
Click here for research on using [...]
50 grams Hawthorn fruit ‘Shan Zha’
150 grams Walnuts ‘Hu Tao Ren’
sufficient water for soaking and boiling
6 TBS honey or ¼ cup sugar
Soak the walnuts overnight or at least ½ hour. Rinse well and moisten with new water. Grind this walnut and water mixture into a thick liquid. Add more water to dilute if necessary to [...]
Lotus seeds ‘Lian Zi’ strengthen the digestive system and the kidneys. The seeds are also used for strengthening certain types of heart deficiency. White lotus seeds (peeled before drying) are better quality than the red lotus seeds (unpeeled product). Soak overnight and cook with soups and warm cereals, or mix with rice. Lotus seeds are [...]
Kudzu root, the invasive plant of the south, really does have some great value. In fact, its unusual ability to grow several feet in one day is testament to its strength and ability to replenish the body’s resources. This healing, fibrous root can be used as a cooling, regenerative medicine and is common in many [...]
Mimosa Tree Flower Tea ‘He Huan Hua Cha’
6 grams Mimosa Flower ‘He Huan Hua’ (Albizzia julibrissinis)
honey (to taste)
Place mimosa flower in a cup and soak in boiling water. Strain. Add honey to taste and drink when cool.
Functions:
Nourish heart and fortifies the spleen
Resolves depression and moves liver qi
Clears the mind and encourages a cheerful spirit
Indications: [...]
These lovely red berries are also called wolfberries or ‘Gou Qi Zi’.
Botanical name: Lycium barbarum
Goji berries, with their sweet taste, enter and work in a moistening and strengthening way upon the channels of the kidney and liver. The energetic temperature of these berries is neutral, which means that they can easily be used with [...]
Certain types of clay from the earth have an astringent, pulling nature. This cleaning ability is activated when wet clay goes through its drying process. When used externally on the body, this means that clay can be used to draw out toxins or other foreign particles from the epidermis. The external use of clay is [...]
Many herbal tinctures are made using alcohol as a base. The alcohol is used to extract and preserve the medicinal properties of herbs, but does not have to be consumed with the medicine. If you would like to prepare an alcohol-free version of the tincture for children or patients who cannot tolerate alcohol, follow these [...]
Lana Farson, M.S., L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist • Professor, Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College
510-847-6459 • 3441 Golden Gate Way Suite H, Lafayette, CA 94549
Schedule an Appointment • Get Directions
About Lana • FAQs • Blog • Events and Workshops • Treatments • Herbal Medicine • Contact • Site Info • Credits • Copyright
