What Is Appetite Supplement?
Appetite Supplement is a traditional Chinese herbal formula designed to support a healthy appetite, balanced eating habits, digestive function, digestive comfort, nutrient utilization, healthy weight maintenance, and normal growth and development.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), appetite and digestion depend heavily on healthy Spleen and Stomach function. Together, these systems transform food into Qi, Blood, and nourishment needed to support energy, physical strength, healthy body weight, growth, and overall vitality.
When Spleen and Stomach function becomes weak or food accumulation develops, individuals may experience poor appetite, picky eating, small portions, early fullness, bloating, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, bad breath, fatigue, loose stools, or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. Children with long-standing digestive weakness may also appear thin, have low energy, or experience slower physical development.
According to TCM, these patterns may involve Spleen Qi deficiency, food accumulation, digestive stagnation, Dampness, or other underlying digestive imbalances. Appetite Supplement is traditionally used to strengthen the Spleen, support Stomach function, reduce food stagnation, promote comfortable digestion, and encourage a healthy, natural appetite.
This formula is commonly chosen for children, teenagers, and adults seeking traditional support for poor appetite, picky eating, weak digestion, bloating, early fullness, difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, or a thin and weak constitution. By supporting digestion and the body’s ability to obtain nourishment from food, Appetite Supplement helps support healthy appetite, physical strength, normal growth and development, and overall vitality.*
Common Signs of Poor Appetite and Digestive Imbalance in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Low appetite or little desire to eat
- Picky eating
- Eating very small portions
- Feeling full after eating small amounts
- Difficulty gaining or maintaining a healthy weight
- Thin or small physique
- Abdominal bloating or distention
- Occasional abdominal discomfort
- Indigestion or food stagnation
- Bad breath associated with digestive imbalance
- Fatigue, weakness, or low energy
- Loose stools or occasional digestive upset
- Occasional nausea associated with indigestion
- Weak digestion or poor nutrient utilization
- Slower physical growth associated with digestive weakness
Why Choose Silkie Herbs® Appetite Supplement?
- Based on traditional Chinese herbal principles
- Made with carefully selected medicinal herbs
- Traditionally used to support healthy appetite and balanced eating habits
- Supports healthy Spleen and Stomach function according to TCM principles
- Supports comfortable digestion and nutrient utilization
- Helps address patterns involving food accumulation and digestive stagnation
- Supports healthy weight maintenance through improved appetite and digestive function
- Traditionally used to support normal growth, physical strength, and vitality
- Supports the underlying digestive pattern rather than only providing temporary appetite stimulation
Suggested Combinations for Appetite, Digestion, and Healthy Growth Support
For persistent poor appetite, picky eating, difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, weak digestion, fatigue, or a thin constitution, Appetite Supplement may be paired with Spleen Support or Immune Booster according to the individual’s constitution and TCM pattern.
Appetite Supplement + Spleen Support
Spleen Support may be appropriate when poor appetite occurs with weak digestion, bloating after meals, abdominal fullness, loose stools, fatigue, Dampness, or poor nutrient utilization. According to TCM, strengthening Spleen and Stomach Qi supports the body’s ability to transform food into Qi, Blood, energy, and nourishment.*
Appetite Supplement + Immune Booster
Immune Booster may be appropriate when poor appetite or a thin constitution occurs with low energy, frequent seasonal challenges, prolonged recovery, or weakened vitality. Supporting both digestive nourishment and defensive Qi (Wei Qi) may provide broader traditional support for energy, immune health, and resilience.*
Appetite Supplement + Spleen Support + Immune Booster
This three-formula combination may be considered when poor appetite and weak digestion occur together with fatigue, a thin constitution, difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, and recurring seasonal wellness concerns. Because individual needs vary, the complete combination should be selected according to the individual’s age, constitution, digestive tolerance, and TCM pattern.*
Non-GMO | Gluten-Free | No refined sugar, corn, or dairy | No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, chemical binders, or wax
Made with carefully selected traditional herbs and pure honey; blended and packaged in the USA.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Benefits of Appetite Formula
Strengthens Spleen Qi and Supports Healthy Digestion*
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Spleen and Stomach play central roles in appetite, digestion, nourishment, and energy production. This formula is traditionally used to strengthen Spleen Qi, support healthy Stomach function, and help the body transform food into Qi, Blood, and nourishment.
Promotes a Healthy Appetite and Interest in Food*
Individuals with poor appetite may rarely feel hungry, eat only small portions, become full quickly, or frequently skip meals. This formula is traditionally used to support a natural desire to eat and encourage more regular eating habits.
Supports Picky Eating and Reduced Food Intake*
Some children and adults eat very little or avoid a wide variety of foods. This formula is traditionally used to support picky eaters, encourage a healthier interest in food, and promote more consistent nutritional intake.
Supports Digestion and Nutrient Utilization*
Healthy digestion helps the body break down food and transform it into usable nourishment. This formula is traditionally used to support digestive function, nutrient utilization, and the body’s ability to make effective use of the foods consumed each day.
Promotes Abdominal Comfort After Eating*
Weak digestion and food stagnation may contribute to occasional bloating, abdominal fullness, gas, discomfort after meals, or a sensation that food is sitting heavily in the stomach. This formula is traditionally used to reduce food stagnation and support comfortable digestion.
Supports Healthy Weight Gain and Nourishment*
Individuals with poor appetite or weak digestion may have difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight. By supporting appetite, digestion, and nutrient utilization, this formula helps promote healthy nourishment and gradual weight gain in individuals who need additional support.
Supports Normal Growth and Physical Development*
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, normal growth and development depend on sufficient nourishment and strong digestive function. This formula is traditionally used to support healthy physical development, strength, and vitality by maintaining balanced Spleen and Stomach function.
Supports Energy, Stamina, and Physical Strength*
When digestion is functioning properly, the body is better able to transform food into the Qi and Blood needed for daily activity. This formula is traditionally used to support healthy energy levels, stamina, physical strength, and overall vitality.
Encourages Regular Eating and Long-Term Digestive Balance*
Rather than temporarily stimulating appetite, this formula is traditionally used to support the underlying digestive functions associated with appetite, nourishment, and healthy body weight. Consistent use as directed may help maintain regular eating patterns, digestive balance, and overall wellness.
Individual results may vary. Benefits generally develop gradually as appetite, digestion, and internal balance are supported.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Common Signs You May Need Appetite Formula
This formula is most appropriate for Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns associated with poor appetite, weak digestion, Spleen Qi deficiency, food stagnation, and inadequate nutrient utilization. Different individuals may experience different signs, such as:
Low Appetite or Lack of Hunger
Some individuals rarely feel hungry, have little interest in food, routinely skip meals, or need encouragement to eat. A reduced appetite may make it difficult to consume sufficient nourishment to support energy, strength, and overall wellness.
Picky Eating or Consistently Small Portions
Picky eaters may avoid a wide variety of foods, eat only a few preferred items, or consume very small portions. Limited food variety and inconsistent eating may contribute to inadequate nourishment and reduced vitality.
Becoming Full Quickly
Some individuals feel full after eating only a small amount of food. Early fullness may occur with weak digestive function, food stagnation, abdominal pressure, or reduced movement of food through the digestive system.
Bloating, Fullness, or Discomfort After Meals
Weak digestion may contribute to occasional bloating, gas, abdominal distention, stomach discomfort, or a sensation that food remains heavily in the stomach after eating.
Weak Digestion and Poor Nutrient Utilization
Even when food intake appears adequate, the body may have difficulty digesting and making effective use of nourishment. Signs may include poor appetite, digestive discomfort, low energy, weakness, or difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight.
Difficulty Gaining or Maintaining Healthy Weight
Some individuals have difficulty gaining or maintaining a healthy body weight because of poor appetite, small portions, weak digestion, or inadequate nutrient utilization. They may also have a naturally thin or weak constitution.
Fatigue, Weakness, or Reduced Stamina
When the body does not receive or properly utilize sufficient nourishment, individuals may experience low energy, physical weakness, reduced stamina, tired limbs, or becoming fatigued more easily during daily activities.
Loose Stools or Digestive Sensitivity
Spleen Qi deficiency and weak digestive function may contribute to occasional loose stools, digestive irregularity, food sensitivity, or discomfort after eating certain foods. These signs often occur together with poor appetite and fatigue.
Frequent Cravings for Sweets
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, frequent cravings for sweets may sometimes be associated with weakened Spleen function and digestive imbalance. Individuals may rely on sugary foods for temporary energy while continuing to experience poor appetite, fatigue, or irregular eating habits.
Individuals with more complex, persistent, or long-standing digestive weakness may benefit from additional herbal support selected according to their individual Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern.
Diet & Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Appetite and Digestion
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a healthy appetite is closely connected to strong Spleen and Stomach Qi, balanced digestion, and the body’s ability to transform food into Qi and Blood. Patterns involving Spleen Qi deficiency, digestive weakness, Dampness, or food stagnation may be associated with poor appetite, early fullness, bloating, low energy, loose stools, and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
Daily Habits to Support Appetite and Digestion
For best results while using Appetite Supplement:
- Eat regular, balanced meals at consistent times each day.
- Eat breakfast daily to support appetite, digestion, and steady energy.
- Choose warm, freshly prepared foods instead of excessive cold or raw foods.
- Create a calm eating environment with minimal distractions.
- Chew food thoroughly and eat at a comfortable pace.
- Allow sufficient time between meals for hunger to develop naturally.
- Drink adequate water throughout the day, preferably at room temperature or warm.
- Stay physically active with regular movement and outdoor activities.
- Get adequate sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Avoid pressuring children to eat, and introduce nourishing foods gradually and consistently.
Foods & Habits to Limit
Individuals with poor appetite or digestive weakness may benefit from limiting:
- Excess sugar, sweets, and sugary beverages
- Excessive snacking between meals
- Cold or iced foods and beverages
- Large amounts of raw or difficult-to-digest foods
- Deep-fried, greasy, and heavily processed foods
- Frequent fast food and processed snacks
- Excessive portions that may worsen fullness or bloating
- Late-night meals and irregular eating schedules
- Eating while distracted, rushed, upset, or under pressure
Foods Traditionally Supportive of Appetite and Digestive Health
A balanced diet may include warm soups, rice porridge, oats, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, cooked vegetables, dates, whole grains, eggs, fish, poultry, lean proteins, and other nourishing foods that are appropriate for the individual.
From a TCM perspective, the Spleen and Stomach play an important role in transforming and transporting food, nutrients, and fluids. When these systems become weak or imbalanced, the body may have greater difficulty producing Qi and Blood and obtaining adequate nourishment from food.
Supporting Healthy Appetite from Within
Traditional Chinese Medicine views appetite, digestion, energy, growth, and physical strength as closely connected. Consistent nutrition, regular meals, healthy digestion, quality sleep, appropriate physical activity, and calm eating habits can complement a traditional Chinese herbal wellness routine and support healthy appetite, nourishment, development, and overall vitality over time.
Individual needs may vary according to age, constitution, digestive tolerance, and Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern.
Key Ingredients in Appetite Supplement
Appetite Supplement contains a carefully selected combination of traditional herbs that work together to support healthy appetite, digestion, nutrient absorption, gastrointestinal comfort, and overall physical development.
Areca Seed
Traditionally used to promote healthy digestion, support the movement of food through the digestive system, and help relieve occasional abdominal fullness. Areca Seed is commonly used in traditional formulas that support appetite and digestive function.
Japanese Stemona Root
Traditionally used to support digestive balance and overall wellness. In traditional herbal practice, it is often included in formulas designed to help maintain healthy gastrointestinal function and support the body's natural balance.
Rangoon Creeper Fruit
Traditionally used to support healthy digestion, nutrient utilization, and overall gastrointestinal wellness. Rangoon Creeper Fruit has long been used in traditional herbal practice to promote digestive health and support healthy growth and development in children and adults.
Medicated Leaven
Traditionally used to support the digestion of food, promote healthy appetite, and assist the body's ability to break down and utilize nutrients. Shen Qu is one of the most widely used traditional digestive herbs for supporting healthy eating habits and digestive comfort.
Germinated Barley
Traditionally used to support appetite, digestion, and healthy stomach function. Germinated Barley is commonly included in formulas designed to promote healthy eating patterns, improve food utilization, and support digestive wellness.
Pure Honey
Silkie Herbs® formulas are prepared with pure honey as the traditional binding ingredient. Honey holds the powdered herbs together, helps the pills dissolve and break down during digestion, supports the absorption of the herbal ingredients, moderates their taste, harmonizes the formula, and naturally helps preserve freshness.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, honey has an affinity for the Lung, Spleen, Stomach, and Large Intestine systems. Its gentle and harmonizing nature makes it especially suitable for preparing traditional honey-bound herbal pills.
Unlike compressed tablets and conventional capsules, our honey-bound pills are made without artificial colors, artificial flavors, chemical binders, lubricants, wax, or unnecessary fillers. This traditional preparation method allows Silkie Herbs® to preserve the character of the herbal formula while making it convenient to take.
Together, these herbs have traditionally been used to support healthy appetite, improve digestion, promote nutrient absorption, support healthy weight gain, encourage healthy eating habits, and maintain overall digestive wellness and physical vitality.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Serving Size: 10 pills Servings Per Container: 30 Amount Per Serving: 3,000 mg |
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Herbal Blend: Areca Seed Japanese Stemona Root Rangoon Creeper Fruit Medicated Leaven Germinated Barley |
| Other ingredients: Pure Honey (Traditional Binding Agent) |
How to Take Appetite Supplement
Adults and teenagers may take 5–10 pills, and children ages 5–10 may take 3–5 pills once or twice daily with warm water, or as directed by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. If taking medications or other supplements, allow at least 2 hours before or after using this product.
Healthy appetite, digestion, nutrient utilization, and healthy weight gain are influenced by many factors, including digestive function, meal quality, stress, sleep, constitution, and overall wellness. Changes in appetite and eating habits may develop gradually over several weeks of consistent use.
For best results, take consistently as directed. Appetite Supplement may be used as part of an ongoing digestive wellness routine when appropriate for the individual’s age, constitution, digestive response, and Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern.
Research on Traditional Chinese Herbs for Appetite and Digestive Support
Modern research has examined traditional Chinese herbs and related herbal combinations used to support digestion and gastrointestinal comfort. A randomized, double-blind clinical trial involving children with functional dyspepsia evaluated Shenqu Xiaoshi Oral Liquid, a separate multi-herb product containing Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu). The study reported improvements in digestive symptoms; however, the product tested was not Silkie Herbs® Appetite Supplement, so the results cannot be applied directly to this formula.
Preclinical research has also examined Jiao Sanxian, a traditional combination containing Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu), Germinated Barley (Mai Ya), and charred Hawthorn Fruit. In an animal model of functional dyspepsia, researchers observed changes associated with digestive function and the regulation of brain-gut peptides.
Another animal study investigated raw and stir-fried Germinated Barley in a functional dyspepsia model. The researchers examined its effects on brain-gut peptides, intestinal microbiota, and digestive enzymes. The results suggested that compounds produced during stir-frying may contribute to some of its observed effects on digestive regulation and the intestinal environment. These findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as proof of effects in humans.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, a healthy appetite depends on the proper function of the Spleen and Stomach. Medicated Leaven and Germinated Barley have traditionally been used in Chinese herbal formulas to reduce food stagnation, support digestion, harmonize the Stomach, and encourage a healthier appetite.
Current research supports continued scientific investigation into these traditional herbs and preparation methods. However, research on individual ingredients or related herbal products does not establish that the complete Silkie Herbs® Appetite Supplement has been clinically proven to produce the same results.
Research References
Digestive Promoting Effect and Mechanism of Jiao Sanxian in Rats
The Extraordinary Transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Processing With Liquid Excipients
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Appetite Supplement used for?
Appetite Supplement is traditionally used in Chinese herbal practice to support healthy appetite, digestion, nutrient utilization, physical development, healthy weight maintenance, and overall digestive wellness. It may be appropriate for individuals experiencing poor appetite, picky eating, reduced food intake, early fullness, digestive weakness, low energy, or difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view poor appetite?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), poor appetite is commonly associated with Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency, digestive weakness, food stagnation, or the accumulation of Dampness. When digestion becomes weak or imbalanced, the body may have greater difficulty transforming food into Qi, Blood, and nourishment.
What is Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency?
Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency is a TCM pattern involving weakened digestive function. Common signs may include poor appetite, picky eating, early fullness, bloating after meals, occasional abdominal discomfort, fatigue, loose stools, reduced physical strength, and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
Who may benefit from Appetite Supplement?
Appetite Supplement may be suitable for children, teenagers, or adults experiencing poor appetite, picky eating, small portions, inconsistent eating habits, digestive weakness, bloating, low energy, reduced food intake, or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
Can Appetite Supplement support picky eaters?
Appetite Supplement is commonly selected for individuals who have little interest in food, eat only small portions, become full quickly, or avoid a wide variety of foods. From a TCM perspective, supporting Spleen and Stomach function may help promote a healthier appetite and more consistent eating habits.
Can Appetite Supplement support healthy weight gain?
This formula may support healthy weight gain when difficulty maintaining weight is associated with poor appetite, digestive weakness, or inadequate nourishment. Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on supporting digestion and the body’s ability to transform food into Qi, Blood, energy, and physical nourishment.
Why is healthy digestion important for appetite and growth?
Healthy digestion allows the body to break down food and make effective use of its nutrients. In TCM, strong Spleen and Stomach function supports appetite, energy production, physical development, healthy weight maintenance, and overall vitality.
How long does it take to notice changes?
Individual responses vary according to age, constitution, digestive health, eating habits, nutritional status, the underlying TCM pattern, and consistency of use. Changes in appetite and eating habits may develop gradually over several weeks of consistent use.
Can Appetite Supplement be taken daily or year-round?
Appetite Supplement may be taken daily during periods of poor appetite or digestive weakness, according to the product directions. It is not intended for indefinite year-round use without periodic reassessment. Once appetite and digestion improve, continued use should be evaluated according to the individual’s age, constitution, current symptoms, and underlying TCM pattern.
When is the best time to take Appetite Supplement?
Appetite Supplement may be taken consistently according to the directions on the product label. Some individuals take it before meals to support appetite, while others divide the recommended amount throughout the day. If taking medications or other supplements, allow at least two hours before or after using this product.
Can Appetite Supplement be combined with other Silkie Herbs formulas?
Appetite Supplement may be combined with other formulas when additional support is needed. Depending on the individual’s TCM pattern and wellness goals, it may be paired with Spleen Support, Energy Endurance, Focus Support, Calm Formula, Immune Booster, or Allergy Relief. Formula combinations should be selected according to the individual’s needs and underlying pattern.
What makes Silkie Herbs® Appetite Supplement different?
Silkie Herbs® formulas are rooted in five generations of traditional Chinese herbal practice. Appetite Supplement is prepared with carefully selected herbs and pure honey using the traditional honey-bound pill method. It contains no capsules, compressed tablets, artificial fillers, synthetic binders, or unnecessary additives. The formula is manufactured in the United States and undergoes quality testing for identity, purity, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants.
Why Silkie Herbs
Silkie formulas are rooted in five generations of traditional herbal practice, not trend-based supplement marketing.
- 5th Generation Herbalist Family Tradition
- Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas
- Honey-Bound Herbal Pills
- No Capsules
- No Tablets
- No Artificial Binders or Fillers
- Made in the USA
- Third-Party Tested
- Authentic Medicinal-Grade Herbs
- Traditional Herb Preparation Methods (Pao Zhi)
- Classical Formula Design
- Five Generations of Herbal Knowledge
Silkie Herbs formulas are rooted in five generations of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal practice. Rather than following supplement trends, our formulas are based on traditional herbal principles passed down through generations and refined through clinical experience.
Unlike most supplements, Silkie Herbs uses traditional honey-bound herbal pills instead of capsules or compressed tablets. We do not use artificial binders, fillers, lubricants, or flow agents. Pure honey is used as a natural binding agent to help preserve the formula while supporting digestion and absorption.
Every formula is manufactured in the United States using authentic medicinal-grade herbs and traditional preparation methods. Each batch undergoes third-party testing for identity, purity, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants to help ensure quality and consistency.
True healing takes time. Silkie formulas honor the body’s natural ability to restore balance — the way herbal medicine has always been practiced.
Important Safety Information and Cautions
Keep out of reach of children. Use only as directed. If discomfort or irritation occurs, discontinue use and seek professional guidance.
Traditional Chinese herbal formulas should be selected according to the individual’s Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern. For personalized guidance, consult a professional TCM practitioner.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Traditional Herbs in Appetite Formula
Areca Seed
Areca Seed (Bing Lang) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to promote the movement of Qi and reduce food stagnation. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for patterns associated with abdominal fullness, bloating, sluggish digestion, and food accumulation.
Traditional Herbs in Appetite Formula
Areca Seed
Areca Seed (Bing Lang) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to promote the movement of Qi and reduce food stagnation. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for patterns associated with abdominal fullness, bloating, sluggish digestion, and food accumulation.
Japanese Stemona Root
Japanese Stemona Root (Bai Bu) has traditionally been included in Chinese herbal formulas addressing certain underlying patterns that may accompany poor appetite and digestive weakness. In this formula, it works alongside digestive herbs to support appetite, abdominal comfort, and overall internal balance according to traditional Chinese herbal principles.
Rangoon Creeper Fruit
Rangoon Creeper Fruit (Shi Jun Zi) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to support the Spleen, appetite, and digestive balance. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for patterns associated with poor appetite, food accumulation, abdominal fullness, and digestive weakness, particularly in children.
Germinated Barley
Germinated Barley (Mai Ya) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to reduce food stagnation and support healthy digestion. It is especially associated with the digestion of grains and starchy foods and is commonly included in TCM formulas for patterns associated with poor appetite, abdominal fullness, bloating, and sluggish digestion.
honey is the only binding agent
no artificial fillers or ingredients
herbs harvested at the height of potency
Traditional Honey-Bound Herbal Pills
Silkie Herbs® formulas are prepared with pure honey as the traditional binding ingredient. Honey holds the powdered herbs together, moderates their taste, and helps preserve freshness. Our formulas are not made as compressed tablets or conventional capsules, and we do not use artificial colors, flavors, chemical binders, or unnecessary fillers.
Peak Harvest Herbs
We carefully select herbs harvested during their appropriate season, when their traditional qualities are considered most developed. Proper species identification, growing region, harvest timing, processing, and storage all contribute to the quality of a traditional Chinese herbal formula.
5 Generations
Over five generations we have collected, tested and refined Chinese herbal formulas that themselves draw from 3,000 years of experience of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a profound pathway to create the life you were born to live. It's a timeless bridge that can initiate and support change and growth in any and every life dimension: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Message From Ann
“Good Health is crucial for our overall well-being. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional aspects, and it's important to prioritize taking care of ourselves to lead a fulfilling life. Emphasizing prevention over cure is paramount for maintaining this balance. Without health, life can become incredibly challenging. It affects our ability to pursue our goals, enjoy our relationships, and experience daily life to the fullest. Good health forms the foundation for everything else we want to achieve and experience.” - Ann Tam
Click below for
Ann's Story
If you feel skeptical or unsure about Chinese herbal remedies, I could hardly blame you. I wasn’t a believer either—not until my daughter became very sick and my father, a fourth-generation herbalist, helped guide our family through her recovery with traditional Chinese herbs.
I was born into a family of herbalists. My father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather were all herbalists. I represent the fifth generation of this long family lineage, which dates back to Imperial China.
When I was three or four years old, I began learning herbal songs and how to identify different herbs. As I grew older, my father taught me how to process herbs while I worked in his clinic in Vietnam.
After we immigrated to the United States, my dad asked whether I wanted to pursue a career in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an herbalist or acupuncturist. I told him, “No, just leave me alone, Dad. I will find something I enjoy doing for work.” So he left me alone to find my own way.
I wanted nothing to do with herbal medicine until I gave birth to my second daughter, Catherine, who was born with severe gastric reflux. When Catherine was only 10 days old, I had to take her to the emergency room because she couldn’t keep milk down. She received fluids through an IV in her tiny hand. In addition to vomiting, she was also having diarrhea. Catherine was losing nourishment from both ends, and her little body was becoming smaller and weaker.
At the time, my dad warned me, “She needs to be treated with herbal medicine, or she may have seizures later.” I didn’t fully understand what he was telling me, so I ignored his warning.
My daughter became so ill that she could only drink half an ounce of milk each hour. Before feeding her, I used a syringe to give her Zantac to help reduce the vomiting. As time passed, she needed to be fed more frequently and consequently received Zantac more often. By the time Catherine was eight months old, she needed to be fed and medicated as many as 11 times a day.
I could hardly sleep, eat, shower, or rest. Even at night, I had to drape my daughter over my shoulder so she could sleep. If I put Catherine down, she would vomit. I barely had time to take a five-minute shower once or twice a week. I was exhausted, but what could I do? I had to care for my daughter and do my best to survive each day, hoping she would get better—or at the very least, that her condition would not worsen.
Catherine had to wear a turtleneck, two sweaters, a baby cap, and a scarf whenever we went outside, even during the summer when the temperature was over 100 degrees. If I didn’t cover her, she would develop a runny nose and cough, followed by nonstop vomiting. I constantly worried about her future. How would she ever attend school or go anywhere with air conditioning?
One day, we went to a Vietnamese pho restaurant. After placing Catherine in a high chair, I turned around to adjust my own chair. Suddenly, I heard a woman shout, “Look at her!”
I looked in the direction she was pointing. It was Catherine. Her eyes had rolled upward, her entire body was stiff and shaking, and fluid was coming from her mouth. Someone nearby told me to squeeze lemon into her mouth. Frightened and desperate, I followed that advice without hesitation. Her body eventually relaxed, and we rushed her to the emergency room.
At the time, I believed the lemon had helped her. I now understand that nothing should be placed in a person’s mouth during a seizure because it could cause injury or choking. I share this only as part of what happened that day—not as seizure first-aid advice.
Catherine remained in the hospital for three days while her brain activity was monitored. I was told that prolonged seizures could be dangerous. After that experience, I lived in constant fear because I had no idea when my baby girl might have another seizure.
The seizures began occurring weekly, and the doctor prescribed anti-seizure medication. Catherine wasn’t even one year old, yet she was receiving Zantac as many as 11 times a day, in addition to anti-seizure medication three times a day. Administering the medicine was extremely difficult because whenever I took out the syringe, she would cry and begin vomiting.
I took Catherine to see a specialist at CHOC and asked, “Doctor, have you ever seen an infant with this condition get well?”
The doctor replied, “It depends. Some children grow out of it, but some don’t. If they don’t, they may have to continue taking medication.”
“What do you mean by ‘grow out of it’?” I asked.
The doctor explained that Catherine’s condition might improve naturally as she became older.
My mind was racing. I asked, “All this time, the prescribed medication hasn’t been correcting what is happening in her stomach?”
The doctor explained that the medication was intended to help keep the food down, which was why it had to be given before each feeding.
I then asked, “What if she doesn’t grow out of it?”
I was told that she might need ongoing medication. That conversation stayed in my mind and made me question whether there might be another way to support my daughter.
Feeling that I had reached the end of the path I was following, I finally turned to my dad for help.
My father recommended an individualized herbal prescription for Catherine three times a day. After everything we had been through, giving her herbs three times a day instead of administering something as many as 14 times a day felt like a tremendous relief. Even so, it sounded almost too good to be true, and I remained cautious.
During the first month of following my father’s herbal approach, Catherine began vomiting less frequently. At one point, I let her cry briefly to see whether it would still trigger vomiting. It didn’t, and that was when I first believed she might truly be improving.
After another month, Catherine was able to wear fewer layers without immediately developing a runny nose, coughing, or vomiting. Over the course of approximately three months, her reflux and seizure episodes became less frequent and eventually stopped.
This was Catherine’s personal experience under my father’s individualized guidance. It is not a promise that another person will have the same experience, but for our family, it changed everything. Today, Catherine is grown and living a normal, healthy life.
Because of Catherine’s dramatic recovery, I finally began to believe in the traditional medicine that had surrounded me since childhood. I also asked my dad to work with me because I had a long history of fainting easily, especially during the winter. My own experience with his individualized herbal approach deepened my appreciation for the knowledge my family had preserved for generations.
I began thinking seriously about everything that had happened and wanted to understand more about herbs, the human body, and the traditional principles my father had tried to teach me. I wanted answers, so I decided to study in China, where herbal medicine has been practiced and developed over thousands of years.
I attended Traditional Chinese Medicine schools in China and Hong Kong and gained experience in TCM hospitals, where I learned from highly respected herbal doctors.
While I was there, I realized that I wanted to become an herbalist. However, I also wondered how I could secure a dependable supply of high-quality herbs. My father and I traveled across China and visited numerous farming regions. We met with farmers, studied how the herbs were grown and harvested, and began establishing relationships with growers.
Our formulas are made with carefully selected herbs harvested during the appropriate season, when their traditional qualities are considered strongest. These herbs can be substantially more expensive than lower-quality materials harvested too early or too late.
After returning to the United States, I worked closely with my dad, learned from his many years of experience, and studied the formulas and written knowledge passed down through our family.
Everything I went through with Catherine helped me understand the true importance of health. Without health, it becomes difficult to think about a career, beauty, education, independence, freedom, or anything else we hope to enjoy in life.
I have now worked with many individuals and families who have struggled as my family once struggled. Their trust and heartfelt appreciation inspire me to continue learning, preserve my family’s traditional knowledge, and work even harder to help others support their health and well-being.
Our namesake, Silkie, comes from a Chinese breed of chicken known for its calm and friendly temperament. Silkies are gentle, caring, and devoted mothers. A Silkie loves nothing more than brooding over a cluster of eggs, whether the eggs are her own or even belong to a duck.
We share that same outlook at Silkie Herbs®. We care for our clients with the same attention, patience, and dedication that we would give to members of our own family.
This is Ann’s personal family story and is shared for informational purposes only. Individual experiences vary, and this story is not intended as medical advice or as a promise of specific results.