As a student of Chinese herbal medicine, I’ve come to see the big difference between casually sipping on an herbal tea and using time-tested herbal formulas that target the root of health issues. Herbal teas—made from flowers, leaves or roots—offer mild benefits, but they’re mostly just quick fixes. On the other hand, Chinese herbal medicine is built on thousands of years of tradition, balancing the body’s Yin and Yang and working with the Five Elements to restore true harmony.

Instead of just brewing a single herb, Chinese herbal formulas combine multiple ingredients to maximize benefits and minimize side effects. Take Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, a formula that strengthens the kidneys and boosts vitality, or Xiao Yao San, which helps with stress and emotional balance. These aren’t just random mixes: they’re carefully designed based on centuries of clinical use and deep theory.

Another big difference? Personalization. Chinese herbal medicine isn’t one-size-fits-all. A trained practitioner looks at your overall health, symptoms and even things like your body’s temperature balance before recommending the right formula. It’s a precise, long-term approach that goes beyond the temporary relief you get from Western herbal teas.

The more I study, the more I realize how powerful and structured Chinese herbal medicine really is. Herbal teas can be a great introduction to natural remedies, but if you’re serious about long-term healing, Chinese herbal medicine is the way to go. It’s all about understanding how the body works as a whole and using herbs in a purposeful, intentional way. If you’re looking for real, lasting health benefits, this ancient wisdom is hard to beat.

Did you know that among the many health care education facilities offered at NUHS, our herbal dispensary is one of the largest in the Midwest? Learn about our herbal dispensary and more here.