Frequently Asked Questions: A Guide for Dispensary Patients

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine and what can Chinese herbs do for me?

This is a good question for your practitioner on your initial visit. However, in general, Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic medicine that is based on the balance of the complementary opposites of yin and yang. Chinese herbal medicine has a history of nearly two thousand years and is at the core of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese herbal medicine uses nature's harvest of natural substances - primarily plants and minerals - to promote natural healing and good health. Chinese herbal medicine is a very powerful system of healing that has been continuously researched in Chinese medical literature. Chinese herbs can offer not only symptomatic relief in acute cases, but can also strengthen the body systems of many patients who cope with chronic conditions.

Why should I use the NESA Herbal Dispensary?

The NESA Herbal Dispensary is a professionally-run dispensary that uses the most exacting methods of quality control. We use high-quality herbs that are rigorously tested and controlled for purity. Most of the herbs used in our prescriptions are imported from China, and all are as close to organically grown as is possible to obtain at the time. Our dispensary staff members are fully trained and are students of Chinese herbal medicine. They are overseen by a licensed Acupuncturist with over twenty years of experience. Needless to say, you are in good hands at the NESA Chinese herbal dispensary.

Are they safe?

All of the Chinese herbal products used in the NESA dispensary are manufactured by companies meeting FDA Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. We investigate each distributor thoroughly, which means our herbs are of consistently high quality. Our powdered herbs are produced by Kaiser Pharmaceutical Company (KPC) of Taiwan. KPC is one of the most well-established and respected producers of concentrated Chinese herbs in all of Asia. Modern scientific processing methods and rigorous quality control set KPC Herbs apart from all other sources of Chinese herbs through their use of premium raw materials, state-of-the-art processing facilities and rigorous quality assurance. Throughout the entire manufacturing process, KPC's herb extracts are submitted to tests to ensure that they meet GMP standards as well as KPC's own, even higher expectations. The on-site laboratory uses equipment such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to assure consistent levels of active ingredients. All products are analyzed for the presence of heavy metals and harmful bacteria such as salmonella and e.coli

In what form are my herbs prescribed?

The NESA Chinese Herbal Dispensary fills three different forms of customized prescriptions:

Decoction of raw herbs. Raw herbs are distributed in bags, and each bag of herbs will produce tea for one or two days. These are the actual raw herbs that must be "decocted" or boiled at home to produce the liquid tea. Raw herbs must be boiled in a glass, pottery or Corning Ware pot. Iron, copper or aluminum should not be used. Unused tea should be refrigerated in a sealed container.
Powdered herbs. You will receive these in a bottle containing powdered granules. The dosage of your prescription will be written on the bottle, and a gram measure spoon will be provided. Generally, you would take 4-5 level scoops with the gram spoon twice daily. This is taken dissolved into one cup of lukewarm water.
Capsules. Each capsule is filled by hand with the same dosage of powdered herbs. Because it is so labor -intensive and time-consuming, this is the most expensive prescription - usually doubling the cost of filling your prescription. Also, it often requires an extra day of preparation. To reach the total dosage of herbs for your prescription, you may need to take 10-20 capsules per day.

How are Chinese herbs taken?

Your practitioner will decide the best method to administer your herbs for you. Generally herbal prescriptions are taken twice daily. Normally, they are taken two hours after eating, although in certain cases (as determined by your practitioner) they may be taken before eating or on an empty stomach. You should continue taking all of your herbs until they are gone unless specific instructions are given to you by your practitioner. Some herbs are somewhat hard to digest, therefore please avoid raw, cold, greasy or hard-to-digest foods while taking them. Please feel free to discuss any general dietary or lifestyle issues with your practitioner, or whether herbs will have an effect on any present medications you are taking.

When can I pick up my prescription?

You may pick up your prescription in person from the front desk of the NESA Clinic. Most prescriptions are ready within two days, but please always call the clinic (617-558-NESA [6372] ext. 0) to confirm that your prescription is ready before coming. Prescriptions need to be picked up within two weeks of preparation. Prescriptions not picked up during this time period will be charged to your account.

Can I have my herbs shipped to me?

Yes, you may choose to have your prescription shipped via UPS to you. To register for this service you must complete a credit card authorization form with the Clinic. Please inquire at the front desk for the form. A minimum shipping fee of $7.50 will be added to your total cost. Shipping fees are based on weight of package, location and preferred delivery schedule.

How much do herbs cost?

Because each prescription is formulated specifically for you, the cost of your prescription will depend on the cost of the ingredients. In general the cost is about $30 - $45 per week, which includes the $15 consultation fee. Actual costs will vary depending on the ingredients and the preparation. Large prescriptions, prescriptions with expensive herbs, or capsule preparation will increase the price.

Can I get a refund if I don't like the herbs?

Because each prescription is especially formulated and custom-made for you, there are no refunds, credits or reimbursements for either Chinese herbal prescriptions or patent medicines. Under no circumstance can unused herbs or patents be returned. If you are unsure about taking herbs, your practitioner may give you a small quantity of herbs the first time so you can try them out.

How do I refill a prescription?

At the discretion of the practitioner, you may be allowed to refill your prescription a number of times or for a certain period. Many practitioners feel they need to see or talk to you in order to adjust herbs and dosages. If refills are permitted, please call the NESA herbal dispensary directly and request a refill, specifying preferred pickup time or shipping method (617-558-NESA [6372] ext. 211).

How can I find out what exactly is in my prescription?

The names in Chinese Pin Yin and English common names and quantities of the herbs are on the label that the dispensary attaches to each prescription in compliance with the Nutritional Labeling and Information Act. Or, you may ask your practitioner to write you out a copy of your prescription at your next visit. If you do not, because your prescription information is medically confidential, we require you to sign a Release of Information Form prior to receiving any information about your prescription. The NESA dispensary will provide you with either a photocopy of your prescription written in Pinyin (Romanized Chinese) at no charge, or an official copy ($3) of your prescription which includes the Latin, common name, Pinyin and the Chinese characters. Please inquire at the front desk for the release of information form.

What if I can't stand the taste?

Many Chinese herbal formulas are quite bitter to some palates. Some people find the taste strong at first, but then become used to it. You may mix the tea or decoction with honey or you can have capsules made if you prefer not to taste it at all. However, we recommend tasting the formula before you sweeten it, as the honey may also change the flavor.

What if I have side effects or I feel sick?

If you have any adverse symptoms, stop taking the herbal prescription and contact your licensed practitioner immediately. If you are a NESA Clinic patient, please call the main desk and explain the problem. You will be connected to or contacted by the prescribing Clinical Faculty or the Dispensary Manager.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Call the NESA Clinic at (617) 558-NESA x211 to talk to the Dispensary Staff or x202 to talk to the Dispensary Manager.