Chinese herbal medicine is one of the most complex and complete herbal systems in the world and is supported by over 2000 years of research and development. “Herbal medicine is distinct from medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, because of the complexity of plant materials it is far more balanced than medicine based on isolated active ingredients and is far less likely to cause side-effects. Secondly, because herbs are typically prescribed in combination, the different components of a formulae balance each other, and they undergo a mutual synergy which increases efficacy and enhances safety. Thirdly, herbal medicine seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process.” (RCHM, 2007)

The use of products obtained from the illegal trade in endangered species is strongly condemned and there is also a current ban on all animal and mineral products.

Prior to the prescription of herbs a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) assessment is performed. This includes questioning about the current symptoms, their onset and development. In addition, a medical history is taken and there is comprehensive questioning regarding the body’s systems in order to paint a global picture of the body’s current state. Other methods of gathering information are by feeling the radial pulses and looking at the tongue.

Once all the information has been gathered, a diagnosis is made and an individual treatment plan can be formulated by selecting appropriate herbal formulae.

Herbs can be taken as a decoction (boiling dried herbs), as powders or as pills.

Herbalism can help with conditions such as:
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Respiratory disorders
• Digestive disorders
• Urinary disorders
• Gynaecological disorders
• Skin disorders
• Immune function
• Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia
• other