Chinese herbs are a combination of natural plant, animal and mineral substances used to heal and balance the human body, mind and emotions. For a majority of the world's population, herbs are the primary if not the sole source of medicine and nutritional supplementation. They may used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture. In combination, acupuncture and Chinese herbs will increase the effectiveness of the treatments and hasten healing. Herbs are safe, natural and balanced energetically, eliminating the harmful side effects and high expense commonly found with western pharmaceuticals.