Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of health care. Using the guiding principles of Chinese medical theory to resolve illness, herbs are prescribed in a well-balanced formula combining 2-20 naturally occurring substances for internal or external use. Various parts of plants, minerals, and occasionally animal parts may be used including seeds, berries, bark, roots, leaves or flowers. (Animal parts can always be omitted.)  Formulas are distributed conveniently in premade and packaged pill form or as liquid extracts sourced from companies using strict and regulated manufacturing practices. And occasionally the actual ingredients will be given in dried form to brew into a tea.