- Chinese herbal medicine is mainly natural. They are the use of herbal, animal, and mineral substances to treat diseases.
- These substances contain certain types of Qi preference. The theory of the properties of Chinese Herbal Medicine states that Qi can be summarised as the four natures (四氣) and five flavours (五味). Four natures are hot, cold, warm, and cool. Five flavours are pungent, sweet, bitter, salty and sour.
- Cold and cool belong to Yin and are used to clear away heat, purge fire and eliminate unnecessary materials. Hot and warm belong to Yang and are used to expel cold and restore the balance of Yang. For example, herbs in hot nature can treat cold diseases such as cold hand and feet. Herbs in cold nature can treat hot diseases such as fever.
- The nature of flavours affects the Qi flow. Certain herbs cause the Qi to flow in an ascending or descending way, and some herbs cause the Qi to flow inwards or outwards of the body.
- The pungent flavour promotes the Qi to flow upwards. It has the properties of diffusion and moving. The sweet flavour brings the Qi to circulate inside. It has nourishment and supplement properties. The bitter flavour brings the Qi to flow downward. It has drying dampness and discharging properties. The sour flavour brings Qi to flow inwards. It has astringent and consolidation properties. The salty flavour brings Qi to flow outwards. It has the property of softening the hardness.
- Since the disease is caused by the imbalance of Qi, using herbal medicine can rectify Qi imbalance. Health is restored once the Qi is in balance.
- Herbal formulae are designed by the Chinese herbal medicine practitioner after considering all aspects of your health conditions. Herbal formulas are individualised and dispensed according to our patient’s needs.
- Chinese medicine is generally considered to be safe but occasionally (as with all health treatments) may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases.
- Thus, it is better to consult with the practitioner to obtain a proper herbal formula.
- We are also conscious about culture differences that some Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist clients may also have a restriction on certain animal-based products. Thus, it is better to let us know about any dietary or ethical restraints you have before prescribing any products. Animals and insects represent only a very small percentage of the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica and plant based herbal alternatives can be easily substituted.
- We also welcome to work together with conventional medicine practitioners as herbs can be complementary to your treatment plans.
- Chinese Medicine practitioners receive in-depth training in the pharmacology, toxicology, multiple use, and contraindications of each herb.
- All Chinese herbs and herbal products used in our clinic are tested and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia.
- We do not use, supply nor support trade in any endangered species or CITES listed herbal, animal, or insect products. When possible, we ethically source commercially farmed alternatives.
- We have a fully stocked raw Chinese herbal dispensary, along with a Chinese granules and pills.
- Generally, treatment periods are dependent on each individual where it may take a few days to a few months before the therapeutic effects of the herbs are noticed.
Types of Chinese herbal medicine
| Raw herbs | Generally, the strongest and most preferred method of administrating herbs to patients. They usually require cooking. |
| Granulated herbs | Concentrated herbal powders that are added to warm water. No Cooking required. |
| Pills and Capsules | Generally, considered the least strong, but also considered the most convenient. The pills are usually made with raw herbal or concentrated herbal powders. |
How Does It Work?
The herbal formulae contain from a few herbs up too many to form a formula. The following is one of the ways to explain the structure of herbs:
1 – 2 Emperor herbs (main herbs used to treat underlying causes and/or main concerns)
1 – 4 Minister herbs (which help some main symptoms and associated symptoms)
2 – 5 Assisting herbs (which assisting mainly associated concerns)
1 – 3 Adjunct herbs (which direct other herbs to specific meridian/areas of the body)
Benefits
Physical treatment addresses your condition externally, while Herbal Medicine works from the inside out.
Raw herbs may help because your practitioner can combine a variety of herbs specific to your condition. Raw herbs require special preparation, similar to making tea or soup.
Together with acupuncture, herbal medicine is a major pillar of Chinese medicine. Chinese herbal medicine is the longest standing health care modality to date.
Chinese herbal medicine
The practitioner is trained to learn the many ancient formulas and thousands of modifications to these formulas.
Clinic assessment, diagnosis and treatment principles are based on the theoretical frameworks of TCM, and work on the basis of individualized formulae for each patient.
The treatments used in Traditional Chinese Medicine aim to adjust and harmonise Yin and Yang, cold and hot, wet and dry, inner and outer, body and mind. This is achieved by regulating Qi (energy), moisture and blood, allowing weak organs to be toned, congested channels to open, tightness to soften, excess to be dispersed, agitation to be calmed, heat to be cooled, coldness to be warmed, dryness to be moistened and dampness to be drained.
Herbal Extract With Honey
Premium herbs are selected, which are then cooked and refined to produce the herbal extracts. These natural concentrated extracts are then treated with honey to minimise the side effects of the herbal medicine and to sweeten the taste of the herbs. These herbal extracts can be kept up to three months in a dry and cool place. They can assist in weak constitution care, ailments prevention and overall well-being. They are also helpful for children and senior patients who may not take bitter herbal remedies easily.
Herbal Pouch
These pouches are made in different types of fragrant herbs, specially formulated by our practitioners. They help to balance our body’s energy internally. They also aid in reducing certain reactions of the body from environment’s impact, balance the Qi flow and improving the awareness and focus. They can be placed at most of common living place that is convenient to you such as your handbags, in the car, in the room or even just carrying it with you.
How are Chinese herbs prescribed?
During the initial consultation at our clinic, a full health history will be taken. The practitioner will check your pulse, look at your tongue and conduct the appropriate physical exams. After a Chinese medicine diagnosis, a Chinese herbal formula of usually 5-10 different herbs will be prescribed to treat your condition. Usually between 3-6 bags of your raw herbal formula, 50-100g of granules or 1-2 bottles of pills will be given for 1 week.
What are the Herbs like?
Herbs are now available in both traditional (herbal tea) and modern (tablets or capsule). The herbal tea will taste unusual at first to anyone who has not tried them before, but most people will get used to the taste very quickly. The tablets and capsule form mostly are tasteless.
The herbal tea is made from raw herbs (which may look like sticks, leaves, or berries) and are cooked with water. You then strain off the herbs and drink the remaining liquid. If you are given raw herbs we will provide you with detailed instructions for their preparation.
Who can have Herbal Medicine Treatment?
Subject to patient’s particular health condition and to practitioners’ advice, Chinese herbal medicine can be used by people of any age or constitution. Our practitioners will take any previous or current illness or medication into account before providing treatment. Chinese herbal medicine is generally considered to be safe but occasionally (as with all health treatments) may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases. Since Chinese herbal medicine can be as powerful as other prescribed pharmaceutical drugs, for some patients, some herbs can be toxic in high doses or can cause allergic reactions. So it is very important for you to have a personal consultation with a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner before taking any herbal medicine. Do not abandon your regular medication or alter the dose without the knowledge and approval of your medical practitioner.”