One of the three main techniques employed in chinese medicine, herbal therapy involves the combination of herbs and medicinal substances into formulas. Available as teas in a variety of forms, the formulas can be brewed from bulk herbs, or prepared with hot water from granules or extracts. The possiblity of modification of the ingredients, and their dosages allows tailoring the herbal treatment to address a particular state of a patient’s condition at a particular time, and minimizes side effects. Herbal formulas are effective in treating all TCM syndromes and western conditions ranging from the common cold, cough, insomnia, anxiety, digestive difficulties, as well as various side effects of western medications or treatments.
In Switzerland, the combining of two or more herbs into a formula requires that one be a pharmacist. M. Epps works with three pharmacies (Lian China Herb,Pharmacina Dhao, and Dr. Noyer), and your herbs can be picked up at a local pharmacy or are delivered to your home address in certain cases. Currently local pharmacies are located in Onex, Bernex, Genève, Gd-Lancy, Meyrin, Morges and Lausanne.