Herbal Chinese medicines possess potent therapeutic properties

To treat imbalances, Dr. Sokitch utilizes a wide variety of both Eastern and Western techniques, including Chinese herbal medicine. In TCM, herbs are prescribed not to suppress specific symptoms, but to heal the condition that is causing symptoms in the first place. Many Chinese herbs have been found to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities.

For example, Cordyceps sinensis, a fungus that grows on the backs of a specific species of Chinese caterpillar, is harvested in Sichuan, Qinghai and Tibet. Many of cordyceps’ constituents have proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordyceps is used in TCM to enhance and invigorate the kidneys and lungs, and for the treatment of asthma.

Lycium barbarum, also known as wolfberry and goji berry, contains many beneficial and antioxidant constituents, including linoleic acid, beta-sitosterol, and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthan. Goji berries are used for liver and kidney problems that cause lower back pain – and also for blurred vision and cataracts. Interestingly, mainstream medicine is beginning to focus on lutein and zeaxanthan for the purpose of preventing vision problems – such as age-related macular degeneration – as well.