PREPARED BY THE NEW YORK BUYERS' CLUBwww.newyorkbuyersclub.org 800-650-4983

In China, there is a very long history of using herbs for liver disease, digestive disorders, fatigue, chronic infections—just to name a few conditions. Present-day U.S. suppliers like Pacific Biologic, Health Concerns, or Bio-Botanical Research (all three featured by NYBC) have drawn on this herbal tradition, while also adapting and refining it.

For example, Health Concern’s Marrow Plus combines Chinese herbs in a formula designed to offset the bone marrow suppressive effects of certain drugs or chemotherapies, while its Enhance formula is intended to counter fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, digestive problems, muscle aches and other symptoms that often accompany immune system disorders.

Similarly, Pacific Biologic’s tonic formulas Hepato-C and Hepato-Detox have been devised particularly to help manage chronic liver disease. And Bio-Botanical Research’s Biocidin is a combination of traditional herbs found useful in combating stubborn parasitic infections.

Since the 1980s, much expertise has been developed in applying TCM to HIV/AIDS.

For example, Andrew Gaeddert, creator of the Health Concerns formulas, has produced a guide, Healing Immune Disorders , that takes a comprehensive look at how Chinese herbs can be employed to boost energy, protect against infections, and alleviate pain in people with compromised immune systems.

Like herbs in general, Chinese herbs are usually safer and slower acting than drugs, and have fewer side effects. They can be more effective in fighting some infections or dealing with some digestive disorders, and have been used with success alongside standard Western medical treatment (or to counteract the side effects of Western drugs).

TCM is complex, so if you are pursuing this therapeutic approach you’ll benefit from consultation with a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner (Lic. Ac. should be one of the credentials listed after the name) - see list below. And don’t forget (how many times have we repeated this!) to keep all your health care providers informed about what you’re taking.

Referrals for Naturopaths: Note: Naturopathy is a complementary medical system used to diagnose and treat people using natural therapies such as nutrition, supplements herbal medicine and homeopathy, usually alongside conventional Western medicine. The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to focus on helping the body to heal itself. American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) 8201 Greensboro Dr. 300, McLean, VA 22102. Tel: 703-610-9037; Fax: 703-610-9005                                                                  Email: info@aanp.com Website: www.aanp.net

Referrals for Western Herbalists: American Herbalists Guild 1931 Gaddis Road, Canton, GA 30115. Tel: 770-751-6021 Email: ahgoffice@earthlink.net Website: www.americanherbalist.com American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) 433 Front St., Catasauqua, PA 18032 Tel: 888-500-7999; Fax: 610-264-2768 Email: aaom1@aol.com Website: www.aaom.com

Referrals for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners: Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance 14637 Starr Rd., SE, Olalla, WA 98359 Tel: 253-851-6896; Fax: 253-851-6883 Website: www.acuall.org This site provides comprehensive information on the state to state educational requirements of acupuncturists, a list of schools, comprehensive info on Alliance members (with full biographies), and a directory of approximately 10,000 TCM practitioners. American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) PO Box 162340, Sacramento, CA 95816 Phone (toll-free): 866-455-7999 Website: www.aaom.org American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) PO Box 2016, Edmonds, WA 98020 Phone: 425-967-0737 Website : www.holisticmedicine.org Click here for the AHMA Physician & Practitioner Referral Directory