What Is Hernia Formula?
Hernia Formula is a traditional Chinese herbal formula designed to support groin health, lower abdominal comfort, healthy Qi circulation, digestive balance, connective tissue wellness, and the body’s natural structural support.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hernia-related patterns may involve Qi stagnation, Qi deficiency, Cold accumulation, Phlegm, and weakness of the Spleen and Kidney systems. When Qi does not circulate smoothly or the body’s supportive energy becomes weakened, individuals may experience pressure, heaviness, fullness, discomfort, or a noticeable lump or bulge in the groin or lower abdomen.
These concerns may become more noticeable while standing, lifting, bending, coughing, or engaging in physical activity. Digestive weakness, abdominal bloating, food stagnation, fatigue, and reduced physical strength may also accompany the underlying TCM pattern.
Hernia Formula contains carefully selected herbs traditionally used to promote healthy Qi and Blood circulation, disperse Cold, relieve stagnation, support digestion, and maintain lower abdominal and groin comfort. It is commonly chosen by individuals seeking traditional herbal support for inguinal hernia patterns, groin pressure, abdominal fullness, digestive imbalance, weakened Qi, and long-term structural wellness.*
Common Signs of Qi Stagnation and Hernia Patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Lump or bulge in the inner groin
- Groin pressure, fullness, or heaviness
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Dull discomfort that worsens while standing
- Swelling or fullness on one or both sides of the groin
- Firmness or hardness in the affected area
- Occasional discomfort around the umbilical region
- Abdominal bloating or digestive stagnation
- Nausea or occasional digestive discomfort
- Fatigue or reduced physical stamina
- Discomfort during lifting, bending, or coughing
- Weak Qi associated with reduced abdominal support
- Constipation or straining during bowel movements
- Occasional bowel discomfort associated with stagnation
Why Choose Silkie Herbs Hernia Formula?
- Based on traditional Chinese herbal principles
- Formulated specifically for hernia-related TCM patterns
- Supports healthy Qi and Blood circulation
- Traditionally used to support groin and lower abdominal comfort
- Supports digestion and the proper movement of food
- Helps relieve Qi stagnation and abdominal fullness
- Supports healthy connective tissue and structural wellness
- Made with carefully selected medicinal herbs
- Formulated to address the underlying TCM pattern
Suggested Combination for Comprehensive Hernia Support
For individuals experiencing a groin lump or bulge, abdominal pressure, digestive weakness, fatigue, reduced physical strength, or signs of weakened supportive Qi, Hernia Formula may be paired with Spleen Support and Energy Endurance.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, maintaining healthy abdominal support depends on sufficient Qi, strong Spleen function, healthy digestion, and the smooth circulation of Qi and Blood. When Spleen Qi becomes weak, the body may have difficulty producing the energy needed to nourish muscles, connective tissues, and the lower abdomen.
Spleen Support is traditionally used when hernia-related patterns occur with bloating, poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue, food stagnation, or weak digestion. Strengthening Spleen and Stomach Qi supports nutrient transformation, healthy muscle nourishment, digestive balance, and the production of Qi and Blood.*
Energy Endurance is traditionally used when groin or abdominal weakness occurs with fatigue, reduced stamina, physical weakness, low vitality, or signs of Qi deficiency. It provides additional support for energy, strength, endurance, and the body’s natural recovery process.*
Together, these formulas provide a broader TCM approach by promoting healthy Qi circulation, strengthening digestive and supportive Qi, maintaining abdominal and groin comfort, nourishing connective tissues, and supporting long-term structural wellness. The appropriate combination depends on the individual’s underlying TCM pattern and accompanying symptoms.*
Non-GMO | Gluten-Free | No refined sugar, corn, or dairy | No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, chemical binders, or wax
100% Pure all natural herbs, blended, made, 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 Hernia Support Supplement
Supports Healthy Groin Comfort*
Hernia Formula is traditionally used to support comfort in the groin region when occasional pressure, fullness, heaviness, or pulling sensations accompany the underlying TCM pattern. It helps maintain overall groin wellness by promoting the healthy circulation of Qi and Blood.
Promotes Healthy Qi Circulation*
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hernia-related patterns may develop when Qi becomes stagnant or cannot circulate properly through the lower abdomen. This formula is traditionally used to regulate Qi, relieve stagnation, and maintain healthy internal movement and balance.
Supports Lower Abdominal Comfort*
Lower abdominal fullness, pressure, bloating, and discomfort may accompany patterns involving Qi stagnation, Cold, or digestive weakness. This formula traditionally supports comfortable lower abdominal function and the healthy movement of Qi through the abdominal region.
Supports Healthy Connective Tissue and Structural Wellness*
Strong Qi and proper nourishment are traditionally considered important for maintaining the body’s supportive structures. Hernia Formula supports healthy connective tissue function, abdominal stability, and the body’s natural structural wellness.
Promotes Healthy Liver Qi Movement*
The Liver is responsible for maintaining the smooth circulation of Qi throughout the body according to TCM. This formula traditionally supports healthy Liver Qi movement when tension, fullness, emotional stress, or stagnation contributes to abdominal or groin discomfort.
Supports Healthy Qi and Blood Circulation*
Healthy circulation helps nourish the muscles, connective tissues, and lower abdominal region. Herbs in this formula are traditionally combined to promote the coordinated movement of Qi and Blood while supporting tissue nourishment and internal balance.
Supports Digestion and Relieves Food Stagnation*
Digestive weakness, bloating, abdominal fullness, and retained food may increase pressure and discomfort within the abdomen. This formula includes herbs traditionally used to support digestion, promote the transformation of food, and maintain comfortable digestive movement.
Supports Physical Comfort During Daily Activities*
Standing, walking, bending, lifting, coughing, or other physical activities may make groin pressure and lower abdominal discomfort more noticeable. Hernia Formula is traditionally used to support everyday physical comfort, strength, and resilience.
Promotes Long-Term Abdominal and Groin Wellness*
Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on supporting the underlying pattern rather than addressing one isolated symptom. Consistent use of Hernia Formula may support healthy Qi circulation, digestive balance, groin comfort, structural wellness, and long-term lower abdominal health.
Individual results may vary. Improvement may develop gradually as Qi circulation, 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 Hernia Support
This formula is most appropriate for Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns involving weakened Qi, Liver Qi stagnation, Cold accumulation, digestive weakness, and reduced structural support. Different individuals may experience different signs, such as:
A Lump or Bulge in the Inner Groin
A noticeable lump or bulge may appear in the inner groin and become more prominent while standing, lifting, coughing, bending, or engaging in physical activity. In TCM, this presentation may be associated with weakened supportive Qi and impaired Qi circulation.
Groin Pressure, Heaviness, or Discomfort
Individuals may experience pressure, fullness, heaviness, pulling, aching, or dragging discomfort within the groin. These sensations may vary throughout the day and become more noticeable after walking, prolonged standing, or physical exertion.
Swelling Around One or Both Testicles
Fullness or swelling may affect one or both testicles and may occur with groin pressure or lower abdominal discomfort. Traditional Chinese Medicine associates this presentation with Qi stagnation, Cold accumulation, and impaired circulation through the affected region.
A Firm or Hardened Groin Mass
A firm, hardened, or stone-like mass may gradually develop within the groin. In TCM, firmness and fixed accumulations may involve Qi stagnation together with Blood Stasis, Phlegm, or other accumulated substances.
Umbilical or Lower Abdominal Discomfort
Some individuals experience pressure, pulling sensations, fullness, or discomfort around the navel or lower abdomen. These concerns may accompany weakened abdominal support and impaired movement of Qi through the lower abdominal region.
Symptoms That Worsen When Standing, Lifting, or Coughing
Groin pressure, bulging, or discomfort may become more noticeable during prolonged standing, heavy lifting, bending, coughing, or other activities that increase abdominal pressure. Symptoms may feel less noticeable during rest or while lying down.
Digestive Stagnation, Bloating, or Nausea
Hernia-related TCM patterns may occur with abdominal bloating, fullness after eating, sluggish digestion, occasional nausea, reduced appetite, or food stagnation. Supporting Spleen and Stomach function is traditionally considered important for maintaining Qi production and abdominal wellness.
Fatigue and Reduced Physical Strength
Weak Qi may be accompanied by fatigue, low stamina, reduced endurance, physical weakness, or difficulty recovering after activity. In TCM, insufficient Qi may also reduce the body’s ability to maintain healthy muscle tone and structural support.
Constipation or Straining During Bowel Movements
Hard stools, irregular bowel movements, or repeated straining may increase pressure within the abdomen and make groin discomfort more noticeable. Supporting healthy digestion, intestinal movement, hydration, and regular elimination may help maintain abdominal comfort.
Individuals with chronic or long-standing patterns may also notice reduced structural support with aging, physical stress, digestive weakness, or prolonged fatigue. Hernia Formula may be combined with additional traditional herbal support to strengthen Qi, promote healthy circulation, support digestion, and maintain long-term abdominal and groin wellness.
Diet & Lifestyle Tips for Hernia Health
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), abdominal and groin wellness is closely connected to strong Spleen Qi, smooth Liver Qi circulation, healthy digestion, regular elimination, and the body’s ability to maintain proper structural support. Patterns involving Qi deficiency, Qi stagnation, digestive weakness, constipation, or excessive physical strain may contribute to abdominal pressure, groin discomfort, heaviness, or reduced support.
Daily Habits to Support Abdominal and Groin Wellness
For best results while using Hernia Support Supplement:
- Eat regular, balanced meals at consistent times each day.
- Choose warm, freshly prepared foods instead of excessive cold, raw, or processed foods.
- Chew food thoroughly and avoid overeating.
- Stay well hydrated to support digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Maintain a healthy body weight through balanced nutrition and appropriate activity.
- Practice gentle movement such as walking, Tai Chi, Qigong, or light stretching.
- Use proper lifting techniques and avoid lifting objects that are too heavy.
- Avoid holding the breath or straining during lifting, exercise, or bowel movements.
- Support regular elimination and avoid repeatedly ignoring the natural urge to have a bowel movement.
- Manage prolonged coughing when possible because repeated abdominal pressure may worsen discomfort.
- Get adequate sleep and allow sufficient time for physical recovery.
- Manage stress through meditation, relaxation, or slow breathing to encourage the smooth movement of Liver Qi.
Foods & Habits to Limit
Individuals with abdominal weakness, groin pressure, digestive stagnation, or hernia-related TCM patterns may benefit from limiting:
- Heavy lifting and strenuous activities that increase abdominal pressure
- Excessive straining during bowel movements
- Overeating and unusually large meals
- Late-night meals and irregular eating schedules
- Deep-fried, greasy, and heavily processed foods
- Excess sugar, sweets, and sugary beverages
- Excessive cold foods and iced beverages
- Large amounts of raw or difficult-to-digest foods
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Smoking and tobacco products
- Prolonged inactivity or sitting for extended periods
Foods Traditionally Supportive of Digestion and Structural Wellness
A balanced diet may include warm soups, rice porridge, oats, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, cooked leafy vegetables, whole grains, dates, eggs, fish, poultry, lean proteins, legumes, and other nourishing foods appropriate for the individual.
From a TCM perspective, the Spleen transforms food into Qi and Blood, which nourish the muscles, connective tissues, and internal structures. Warm, easily digested meals and adequate protein help support healthy digestion, energy, physical strength, and regular elimination.
Supporting Hernia Health from Within
Traditional Chinese Medicine views abdominal and groin health as closely connected to Spleen Qi, Liver Qi, Blood circulation, digestion, and physical strength. Strong Spleen Qi traditionally helps maintain the body’s lifting and holding functions, while the smooth movement of Liver Qi supports circulation and abdominal comfort.
Consistent nutrition, healthy digestion, regular bowel movements, appropriate physical activity, proper lifting habits, quality sleep, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight can complement a traditional Chinese herbal wellness routine and support long-term abdominal, groin, and structural wellness.
Individual needs may vary according to constitution, digestive function, physical activity, and Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern.
Key Ingredients in Hernia Support Supplement
Hernia Support Supplement contains a carefully selected combination of traditional Chinese herbs that work together to promote healthy Qi circulation, support groin and lower abdominal comfort, strengthen digestive function, move Blood, and maintain overall abdominal wellness.
Tangerine Seed (Ju He)
Traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to regulate Qi, disperse Cold, and support comfort in the lower abdomen and groin. Tangerine Seed is commonly included in formulas for hernia-related TCM patterns involving Qi stagnation, groin fullness, swelling, or discomfort.
Corydalis Rhizome (Yan Hu Suo)
Traditionally used to promote the healthy movement of Qi and Blood throughout the body. Corydalis Rhizome is commonly included in formulas designed to address discomfort associated with Qi stagnation and Blood Stasis.
Hawthorn Fruit (Shan Zha)
Traditionally used to support digestion, relieve food stagnation, and promote the healthy movement of Blood. Hawthorn Fruit helps maintain digestive comfort when abdominal fullness, bloating, or sluggish digestion accompanies the underlying TCM pattern.
Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu)
Traditionally used to promote the smooth circulation of Liver Qi and relieve Qi stagnation. Bupleurum Root supports healthy internal balance when emotional tension, abdominal tightness, fullness, or constrained Qi contributes to discomfort.
Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu)
Traditionally used to strengthen digestion and support the proper transformation of food. Medicated Leaven is commonly included when food stagnation, bloating, reduced appetite, or digestive weakness accompanies lower abdominal discomfort.
Fresh Rehmannia Root (Sheng Di Huang)
Traditionally used to nourish Yin, cool the Blood, and support healthy body fluids. Fresh Rehmannia Root helps balance the formula while supporting internal nourishment and healthy circulation.
Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
Traditionally used to strengthen Spleen Qi, support digestion, and harmonize the actions of the other herbs in a formula. Licorice Root also helps maintain digestive comfort and overall internal balance.
Pure Honey
Used as the traditional binding agent for Silkie Herbs honey-bound herbal pills. Honey has historically been used to harmonize herbal formulas, support digestion, help preserve freshness, and improve palatability.
Together, these herbs have traditionally been used to promote healthy Qi and Blood circulation, support lower abdominal and groin comfort, strengthen digestion, relieve stagnation, and maintain overall abdominal wellness according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.*
*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: Tangerine Seed Corydalis Rhizome Hawthorn Fruit Bupleurum Medicated Leaven Fresh Rehmannia Licorice Root |
| Other ingredient: Pure Honey (Traditional Binding Agent) |
How to Take Hernia Formula
Adults may take 5–10 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 Qi circulation, digestive balance, abdominal comfort, and overall wellness develop gradually and are influenced by nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep, and healthy lifestyle habits. Individual response depends on constitution, duration of the pattern, symptom severity, lifestyle habits, and consistency of use. Traditional herbal support may develop gradually with continued use as directed.
For best results, take consistently as directed. Traditional Chinese herbal formulas are often used daily as part of a long-term wellness routine.
Research on Herbs in Hernia Support Supplement
Modern research has examined herbs used in Hernia Support Supplement, particularly Corydalis Rhizome (Yan Hu Suo), Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu), Hawthorn Fruit (Shan Zha), Licorice Root (Gan Cao), and Fresh Rehmannia Root (Sheng Di Huang). Published reviews have explored their traditional uses, phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, digestive effects, inflammatory-response pathways, circulation-related functions, and other biological activities.
Research on Corydalis Rhizome has examined its naturally occurring alkaloids and traditional use in formulas that promote the movement of Qi and Blood. Studies involving Bupleurum Root have investigated saikosaponins, flavonoids, volatile oils, polysaccharides, and other compounds associated with antioxidant activity, immune regulation, and normal inflammatory pathways.
Hawthorn Fruit research has explored its flavonoids, procyanidins, organic acids, digestive functions, antioxidant properties, and circulation-related activities. Licorice Root has been studied for its saponins, flavonoids, glycyrrhizin, immune-regulating properties, and traditional role in harmonizing herbal formulas. Research on Fresh Rehmannia Root has examined its iridoids, polysaccharides, phenylethanoid glycosides, antioxidant activity, and other biological properties.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, hernia-related patterns may involve weakened supportive Qi, Liver Qi stagnation, Cold accumulation, Blood Stasis, food stagnation, and impaired circulation through the lower abdomen and groin. The herbs in this formula are traditionally combined to regulate Qi, promote Blood circulation, disperse Cold, support digestion, relieve stagnation, and maintain abdominal and groin comfort.
Research References
Advances in Phytochemical and Modern Pharmacological Research of Rhizoma Corydalis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32223481/
Radix Bupleuri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28593176/
Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Safety of Hawthorn: A Comprehensive Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37788786/
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Comprehensive Review on Its Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Clinical Evidence and Toxicology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34961221/
A Systematic Review on Botany, Processing, Application, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Action of Radix Rehmanniae
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34767834/
Research on individual herbs, extracts, teas, or naturally occurring compounds does not prove that the finished Hernia Support Supplement diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents any disease or will produce the same results.
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
- Traditional Honey-Bound Herbal Pills
- No Capsules
- No Compressed Tablets
- No Artificial Binders or Fillers
- No Lubricants or Flow Agents
- Made in the USA
- Third-Party Tested
- Carefully Selected Medicinal Herbs
- Traditional Herb Preparation Methods (Pao Zhi)
- Classical Formula Design
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 decades of practical experience.
Unlike most modern supplements, Silkie Herbs uses traditional honey-bound herbal pills instead of capsules or compressed tablets. We do not use capsule shells, artificial fillers, synthetic binders, lubricants, flow agents, chemical coatings, or wax. Pure honey is used as the only binding agent to form the finely ground herbs into small traditional pills.
Modern research has examined honey’s naturally low water activity, acidity, and antimicrobial characteristics. In Silkie formulas, honey is used primarily as a traditional binding agent, while the quality and purity of every finished formula are verified through third-party testing.
Every formula is manufactured in the United States using carefully selected medicinal 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.
100% Pure all natural herbs, blended, made, and packaged in the USA
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 Hernia Formula
Tangerine Seed
Tangerine Seed (Ju He) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to regulate Qi, disperse Cold, and support lower abdominal and groin comfort. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for hernia-related patterns involving Qi stagnation, groin fullness, swelling, or discomfort.
Traditional Herbs in Hernia Formula
Tangerine Seed
Tangerine Seed (Ju He) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to regulate Qi, disperse Cold, and support lower abdominal and groin comfort. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for hernia-related patterns involving Qi stagnation, groin fullness, swelling, or discomfort.
Corydalis Rhizome
Corydalis Rhizome (Yan Hu Suo) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to promote the healthy movement of Qi and Blood. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for abdominal or groin discomfort associated with Qi stagnation and Blood Stasis.
Hawthorn Fruit
Hawthorn Fruit (Shan Zha) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to support digestion, promote Blood circulation, and relieve food stagnation. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for abdominal fullness, bloating, sluggish digestion, and discomfort associated with digestive stagnation.
Medicated Leaven
Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to support digestion and promote the proper transformation of food. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for food stagnation, bloating, reduced appetite, and digestive weakness.
honey is the only binding agent
no artificial fillers or ingredients
herbs harvested at the height of potency
100% Natural
Our herbal supplements are made with natural honey as the binder. Honey can support the lungs, intestine, spleen, and stomach; It works as a natural preservative with antibacterial and healing properties. Unlike other herbal supplement companies that use starch, magnesium, and other chemical substances as binders for their supplements, we only use 100% honey. We also avoid using vegetable capsules because they require chemical components to form the capsule shape.
Peak Harvest Herbs
The herbs in our herbal pill blends are harvested at the height of their potency and they are substantially more expensive than less potent herbs that were harvested in the pre-or post-season, but in our view, there is no substitute for premium quality.
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
Here's my story.
If you feel skeptical or unsure of Chinese herbal remedies, I could hardly blame you. I wasn't a believer either until my daughter grew very sick and my father (the 4th generation herbalist) helped her get better with herbs.
I was born into a family of herbalists. My father, my grandfather, my great-grandfather, great-great grandfather were all herbalists. I represent the 5th generation in this long lineage dating back to Imperial China.
When I was three or four years old, I started to learn herbal songs and how to identify herbs. As I got older, I was taught how to process the herbs while working in my dad’s clinic in Vietnam. After we immigrated to the United States, my dad asked me if I wanted to pursue a career in TCM as an herbalist or acupuncturist. I said, “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 10 days old, I had to take her to the ER for IV injections into her little hand because she couldn’t keep milk down. Besides vomiting, she also was having diarrhea. Catherine was losing nutrition from both ends, so her tiny body was shrinking. At that time my dad warned me, “She needs to be treated with herbal medicine, otherwise she will have seizures later on.” I didn’t fully understand what my dad was talking about, so I ignored him.
My daughter got so ill that she could only take half an ounce of milk per hour. Before feeding her, I would use a syringe and shoot Zantac into her mouth to lessen the vomiting. As time passed, she needed milk more often, and consequently more Zantac. By the time Catherine was 8 months old, she needed to be fed and medicated 11 times a day.
I could hardly sleep, eat, shower or rest. Even at night, I had to drape my daughter over my shoulder for her to sleep. If I put Catherine down, she would vomit. I barely had time to squeeze in a 5-minute shower once or twice a week for myself. I was exhausted, but what could I do? I had to care for my daughter and do my best to survive each day with the hope that she would get better or at the very least her condition would not worsen.
Catherine had to wear a turtleneck with two sweaters along with a baby cap and scarf to be outside during the heat of summer, even when temperatures were 100 plus degrees. If I didn’t cover her up, she would have a runny nose, cough, and non stop vomiting. How will she be able to go to school or anywhere with air conditioning?
One day we went to a Vietnamese pho restaurant. After I set Catherine down into the high-chair, I turned around and adjusted my chair. Then I heard a woman’s shout, “Look at her!” I looked in the direction she pointed. It was Catherine…her eyes rolled up and her entire body stiff and shaking with fluid coming out of her mouth. Someone said, “Squeeze some lemon into her mouth.” I did it without hesitating and Catherine’s body relaxed.
We rushed her to the ER. For 3 days she was in the NICU where they monitored her brain. The doctors told me I was lucky because my daughter’s seizure didn’t last for more than 3 minutes which would have damaged her brain. After that I always carried a piece of lemon because I had no idea when my baby girl might have another seizure.
The seizures started to come weekly, so the doctor prescribed anti-seizure medication. Catherine wasn’t even 1 year of age, and already she was taking Zantac 11 times plus anti-seizure medicine 3 times a day. It was nearly impossible to administer the anti-seizure medicine because whenever I took out the syringe, she would cry and start vomiting.
I took Catherine to see a specialist at CHOC. I asked, “Doctor, have you ever seen any infant with this condition get well?” The doctor replied, “It depends. Some will grow out of it, but some don’t. If they don’t, then they will have to take medication for the rest of their life.”
“What do you mean by grow out of it?” The doctor explained that Catherine might get better by herself as she got older.
My mind was racing. “All this time the prescribed medication has not been treating her stomach?” The doctor said, “No, it only helps to guide the food down, so she won’t vomit it back up. That’s why you have to give it to her before the feeding.”
“Well, what if she doesn’t grow out of it?” In that case, Catherine will be dependent upon medication for the rest of her life. The doctor further informed me that she too was born with gastro reflux and is still taking medicine for the condition.
Her statement was like lightning in my brain. If the doctor can’t even treat herself for gastro reflux, how can she help my daughter? Seeing the futility of my path, I turned to my dad for help.
My dad advised me to stop all western drugs and to give her an herbal prescription 3 times a day. Administering medicine 3 times instead of 14 times a day to Catherine was a godsend to me. Even though it sounded too good to be true, I figured that I could still give Zantac to Catherine if she didn’t get better or continued to vomit.
After one month of herbs 3 times a day, Catherine vomited less and less. To test Catherine, I let her cry to see if she would vomit. She didn’t, so I knew she was getting better. After another month of herbal medicine, Catherine was able to wear less clothing without getting a runny nose, coughing, or vomiting. After 3 months of herbal formulas, she stopped having episodes of gastro reflux and seizure. Catherine will enjoy a normal, healthy life.
Because of Catherine’s dramatic recovery, I was sold on Chinese medicine and asked my dad to treat me. I fainted very easily, especially during the winter. After a few months of herbal formulas, I have never fainted again.
I started to have time to think and tried to understand why a piece of lemon helps to relax the muscles and stop a seizure. Lemon is a common citrus, yet it has magical powers that we don’t understand and underestimate. I wanted to learn more and find answers, so I decided to go to China which has a long history of herbal medicine. I went to TCM schools in China and Hong Kong and worked in the TCM hospitals to learn from the best herbal doctors in the world.
When I was there, I knew one day I would want to become an herbalist, but how can I get a steady supply of high-quality herbs. My dad and I backpacked across China and visited many farmlands. We interviewed farmers to grow herbs for us. Our products are used with the highest quality herbs that have been harvested at the height of their potency. They are substantially more expensive than less potent herbs that were harvested in the pre- or post-season.
After I came back to the United State, I worked with my dad and learned from his experiences and studied the formulas that our ancestors passed down. What I have been through helped me to understand the importance of health. Without health, don’t even talk about career, beauty, education, freedom, etc. I now have worked with many families who have suffered as I have. Their endearing appreciation drives me to work harder.
Our namesake "Silkie" is a Chinese breed of chicken that is well known for its calm and friendly temperament. They are gentle and caring and make wonderful mothers. A Silkie loves nothing more than brooding a cluster of eggs, whether they are hers or not, even if they are "duck eggs". We share the same outlook and care for our clients the same way we care for our own family.