Do the chinese herb shops have many herbs that I have more than likely never heard of? are the shops helpful?

Question

have you ever been in one?

Answer 1

I have been in a few, in California, and yes, they have many unfamiliar-to-Westerners herbs. However the shopkeepers are generally helpful and willing to explain what each substance does and how to use it. For treating mild ailments, such as colds, fever or acne, Chinese herb and Western health food shops are worthwhile. In my experience.

Answer 2

Yes (although they smell funny).  However, given how the chinese herbal system works (since they have a completely different diagnostic and medical theory), they are relatively useless unless you are perscribed some by someone familiar with the system.  Fortunately, in most herb shops (at least for those in san francisco) the person working there will be able to recommend herbs to you for your condition (and not say charge you for the analysis and recommendation).

To some extent I'm pretty lucky in this regard since I live in the best area in the world for having access to this.

Also, yes, chinese shops will almost certainly have tons of herbs you've never heard of.  I've taken multiple naturopathic courses about herbs, along with a chinese herb class, and whenever I go to the herb stores, there are plenty that I've never heard of.  However, I sincercely believe in the doctrine of "just because you don't know about something, doesn't mean it's bad."

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

I am an herbalist and when I visited Hong Kong I was really disappointed. All the labels were in Chinese and I recognized only maybe 3 herbs in the whole store. My daughter who lives there says you are supposed to go in and tell them what is wrong with you & they pick out what you need. Sort of like going to the doctor. Not that they don't know what they're doing, but not my style. I want to know what I'm taking - don't do rhinocerous horn or bird's nest soup, you know.

Answer 4

unfortunately where I live I don't have that pleasure of visiting a chinese herb store.  however with the internet and online business, I've wanted to purchase a few and see what they are like.  I have yet to do that.