Chinese Herbalist in Dallas, TX

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest continuously practiced forms of medicine in the world, and much of modern pharmacology grew out of the study of medicinal plants. At Hawken Acupuncture, Dr. Elijah Hawken, DACM, LAc, has worked as a Chinese herbalist in Dallas since 2005, creating custom formulas for each patient. She is the Chinese herbalist Dallas patients turn to when they want herbal medicine prescribed with care.

Dr. Hawken is a Diplomate in Chinese Herbology with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the national board for the profession, and a member of the Chinese Herb Association.

What Does a Chinese Herbalist Do?

A Chinese herbalist uses the same diagnostic methods as an acupuncturist, including a detailed health history, tongue diagnosis and pulse diagnosis, to understand what is out of balance in your body. From there, the herbalist builds a formula designed specifically for you.

Western herbalism often uses a single herb for a single complaint. Chinese herbal formulas are different. Each formula combines anywhere from two to twenty herbs that work together, with some herbs addressing your main concern and others supporting the body as a whole and balancing the formula.

Your Herbal Formula

Because every formula is personalized, Dr. Hawken will choose the form that best suits your condition and your lifestyle:

• Dried granulated herbs that dissolve in hot water to make a tea
• Raw herbs that you cook into a traditional decoction at home
• Pre-made pills or tinctures for convenience

As your health changes, your formula changes with it. Follow-up visits let Dr. Hawken adjust your herbs so they keep matching what your body needs.

Herbal Consultations With or Without Acupuncture

You do not have to receive acupuncture to work with a Chinese herbalist. Dr. Hawken is happy to treat you with Chinese herbal medicine alone if that is what you prefer. That said, herbs and acupuncture work very well together, and using both may help your condition resolve more quickly.

What Chinese Herbs Can Help With

Patients see our Chinese herbalist in Dallas for a wide range of concerns, including:

• Fertility for women and men
• Painful, heavy or irregular periods, PMS and menopause symptoms
• Digestive problems such as bloating, reflux, constipation and diarrhea
• Allergies, sinus trouble, colds and coughs
• Stress, anxiety and trouble sleeping
• Fatigue and recovery after illness or surgery
• Support during cancer treatment, in coordination with your oncology team
• Childhood complaints such as colds, ear infections and digestive upset, using small, child-appropriate doses

Dr. Hawken also holds a professional certification in the treatment of Hepatitis C with Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Are Chinese Herbs Safe?

Herbs are powerful medicine, which is why they should be prescribed by a trained professional. When used properly, side effects are rare. To keep you safe, Dr. Hawken will:

• Review every prescription medication and supplement you take, so please bring a list
• Consider pregnancy, breastfeeding and any existing health conditions before prescribing
• Start with an appropriate dose and adjust it at follow-up visits
• Coordinate with your doctors when needed

Always let your physician know that you are taking Chinese herbs, especially before surgery or if you take blood thinners or other prescription medications.

What to Expect at Your Herbal Consultation

Your first visit lasts about 90 minutes and includes a full health history, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and a personalized formula with clear instructions. Follow-up visits are shorter and focus on how you are responding, so your formula can be fine-tuned.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Chinese Herbalist?

Dr. Hawken completed more than 3,000 hours of master’s-level training at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and earned her Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in 2023. She was also formerly registered as an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist in Victoria, Australia. That depth of training matters when you are choosing someone to prescribe herbs for you.

Common Questions

What do Chinese herbs taste like?

Herbal teas often taste earthy or bitter, and most people get used to them quickly. If taste is a concern, ask about pills or tinctures instead.

How long will I need to take herbs?

It depends on your condition. Short-term concerns such as a cold may need only a few days of herbs, while long-standing problems usually need a longer course. Dr. Hawken will review your formula at each visit and adjust it, or stop it, as you improve.

Visit Our Chinese Herbalist in Dallas

Hawken Acupuncture is in White Rock Tower, 6510 Abrams Road, Suite 401, Dallas, near Abrams Road and Skillman Street, with free parking on site. Call (972) 804-9113 or book online. If you are not sure whether herbs are right for you, ask for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.