Chinese herbal medicine is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Whereas acupuncture may be more effective in treating one particular condition, herbs may be more effective for another. Ideally, they are used together to reinforce the benefits of each. Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine has evolved over thousands of years. Unlike Western herbalism, which often uses singular herbs for singular purposes, Chinese herbal medicine involves formulas that may include as few as four, or as many as twenty different herbs. Each herb has a specific function in that formula, acting synergistically with the other herbs. Most often, herbs are given in pills or capsule form, which are more convenient and have a higher compliance among patients.