Chinese herbal medicine is almost as old as acupuncture itself and is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the People's Republic of China herbal medicine is more widely practiced than acupuncture. In the West, however, it is acupuncture that is more well-known and which constitutes the basis of treatment. Herbal medicine is often the method of choice, especially in the treatment of internal and chronic conditions.

You will find that the combination of acupuncture with herbal medicine will be particularly effective in treating difficult conditions. For example Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of hepatitis, circulatory problems, skin conditions, allergy and autoimmune diseases as well as in cases of chronic fatigue and candida.

The herbs are either:

Prepared herbs in pill form, from either the Vitaforce or East-West herbs range. These have been created for the treatment of conditions common among patients in the West

Powdered extracts of individual herbs. These are combined into formulae consisting of 5-15 herbs based on traditional formulae that have been created by Chinese physicians with over 2,500 years of continuous clinical experience. These are then mostly modified by either adding or subtracting ingredients to meet the individual's particular needs and to avoid any form of side-effect.

SAFETY OF HERBS

The herbs used at both clinics are proven to be safe and are usually in pill form or powdered extracts of individual herbs. Most forms are taken from the roots, rhizomes, bark or leaves of plants. Very occasionally some animal products (such as shells), where these are proven to be particularly effective. All herbs are chosen by manufacturers from ethical sources, carefully avoiding the use of any endangered species.

All the herbs are manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) which guarantee their consistent quality. The powdered herbs meet the requirements of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Act (TGA) and have been rigorously tested by Australian authorities

ADMINISTRATION

Powdered herbs are usually taken as a drink with hot water. The usual dose is 2-3 grams of powder taken three times a day.

Herbs should be taken 15-30 minutes before taking food. If this is difficult it is possible to take at least one hour after intake of food.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

1. Fluid intake - Whilst taking herbs plenty of water should be drunk- around 10-12 glasses a day. It is particularly important to take at least one glass of hot water each time you take you herbal formula

2. Homoepathy and supplements - In most cases Chinese herbs can be used in conjunction with homoeopathy, vitamins, minerals etc.

3. Pregnancy - Many herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy. If you are pregnant please advise before herbs are prescribed.

| Home | Traditional Chinese Medicine| Herbal Medicine | Immune-related conditions 
| NAET | Eczema |Clinic| Links