Herbal Therapy

Chinese herbal remedies, also called prepared Chinese herbal medicines or ready-made Chinese herbal medicines, have been a popular and convenient form of health care for hundreds of years in China. Over the past few decades they have become increasingly popular in the West. These natural remedies treat all types of acute and chronic problems.

Prepared Chinese herbal medicines in pill, tablet and granule form are the modern version of the traditional way of boiling herbs into a “tea”. Prepared herbal medicines are made from all natural ingredients and are manufactured using modern technology. Many remedies are based on classic Chinese herbal formulas – formulas that have been in constant use in China for over 200 years, and some for over 1000 years.

When prescribed by a qualified herbalist, ready-made Chinese herbal medicines are highly effective natural remedies. In Western countries many people take them as an alternative to conventional Western medicines, or as a complementary therapy to minimize the harsh side-effects, and reduce the required dosage, of Western medicines.

Hundreds of the most famous and effective Chinese remedies are listed with Western government health regulators, such as Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration. This means these remedies have been tested for safety and purity, and the factories in China that make them follow Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) procedures and are inspected regularly to ensure GMP compliance.

Who can take Chinese herbal remedies? 

Virtually everyone, including young children, can take them. They should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine t hough.Buying them without first consulting a trained practitioner is not recommended.

What are Chinese herbal remedies good for? 

Chinese herbal remedies can be used to treat just about any ailment or disease, acute or chronic. This is because they can be tailored to match your specific symptoms and bodily signs. In Chinese medicine this is called treating or balancing your “unique patterns of disharmony”. A consultation with a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner is necessary to identify your particular patterns of disharmony.

What are the benefits of taking Chinese herbal remedies and medicines? 

The benefits are numerous: Chinese herbal remedies are made from all natural ingredients, mainly roots, leaves, bark and flowers, but may also include some animal and mineral ingredients. Their primary benefit is that they can be tailored to match your specific symptoms and bodily signs, i.e. your unique patterns of disharmony. This is what makes them so effective. Chinese herbal remedies can also be taken as a complementary therapy to enhance other treatments or to minimize the side-effects of other treatments, e.g. the side-effects of certain Western medications.

Are there any side effects of Chinese herbal medication?

When prescribed by a qualified practitioner, Chinese herbal remedies and medicines that come from trusted, reputable companies are extremely safe and without side-effects. There are some known herb-drug interactions though, meaning certain herbs can change or reduce the effect of certain medications.

Where can I get them and how do I know if it’s a trusted brand? 

Chinese herbal remedies and medicines should, once again, be prescribed by a trained practitioner, who will also know about trusted brands in your country. Buying Chinese herbal remedies over the counter or online, without specific knowledge of what to take and how to take it, is not recommended. Just because a product is labeled “natural” or “herbal” does not necessarily mean it is safe.

Can I take Chinese herbal remedies at the same time as other medications?

Yes. As mentioned, they can be used as a complementary therapy to enhance other treatments, and to minimize the side-effects of other, harsher treatments. Generally, you would take them at different times of day to other medications you are taking.

Can I stop taking other medications once I start taking Chinese herbal remedies? 

Yes, but never suddenly stop taking any medication without first consulting the prescribing practitioner. Some Western medications may be gradually reduced then stopped as the effects of the Chinese herbal medicine take hold.

Are ready-made herbal medicines as good as raw herb decoctions?

Traditionally, Chinese herbal remedies are dispensed as a raw-herb prescription by a herbalist. The herbs are taken home and boiled (decocted) in water, which is then strained and drunk 2 or 3 times a day. This is still the standard way to take herbal medicine in China and it is extremely effective. However, for Western patients, it is often inconvenient to prepare this form of herbal medicine at home and the taste is usually bitter. Patient compliance can therefore be low.  Ready-made herbal medicines are convenient and very effective when properly prescribed.