Chinese Herbal Medicine

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine originated from China at least 5000 years ago, making it one of the oldest and most long-standing health care systems in the world. Chinese herbal medicine takes a wholistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment. A qualified practitioner is able to prescribe a Chinese herbal formula that specifically matches and treats your individual health problem. As your condition changes and improves with treatment, the Chinese herbal treatment is also adjusted and modified until the desired health outcome is achieved.

What substances are used in Chinese herbal medicine?

Today, there are more than 450 substances commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine – most are of plant origin though some animal and mineral substances may also be used. You may find some in your kitchen, such as ginger, garlic and cinnamon, while others such as chrysanthemum and peony flowers, are more likely to be found in your garden! Many of the substances used will be unfamiliar to you and have names like chai hu (bupleurum), di huang (rehmannia), and huang qi (astragalus).

What are the advantages of Chinese herbal medicine?

It is made by concentrated natural herbal extracts which is known to be effective and has fewer side effects. It is useful to treat various disorders, and also very good in maintenance or improvement of general well-being.

The choice, combination and strength of the Chinese herbal medicine are individualised based on personal condition and need. As your condition changes and improves with treatment, the Chinese herbal treatment is also adjusted and modified until the desired health outcome is achieved.

What conditions does Chinese herbal medicine treat?

In addition to providing effective treatment for a wide range of health disorders, Chinese herbal medicine may also be used to assist with general health maintenance and disease prevention. By strengthening and enhancing normal body functions, the immune system is boosted and a general sense of well-being promoted.

A snapshot of conditions that can be improved with Chinese herbal medicine includes:

  • Insomnia and fatigue
  • Loss of appetite and common digestive disorders
  • abdominal distention Constipation and diarrhoea
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Common cold and influenza
  • Chronic headaches
  • Skin disorders
  • Fluid retention
  • Anxiety, depression and stress
  • Allergies
  • Some symptoms of Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
  • Premenstrual syndrome and painful menstruation
  • Excessive menstruation
  • Infertility
  • menopausal symptoms