Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal medicine has been an important component of the health system in China and in the daily diet of Chinese families for thousands of years. They form an important part of many treatment protocols designed in our clinic, and can help to extend the effects of an acupuncture treatment - especially for people who would otherwise require acupuncture treatment multiple times per week. For almost any health condition your body can create, there is a herbal formula or two or three that is designed specifically to target that problem.
Are Chinese Herbs Dangerous?
When prescribed by an experienced practitioner, Chinese Herbal medicines are as safe as the food you eat every day. What a lot of people don't know is that many herbs can be eaten as food - especially the fruits, seeds and roots - herbs form part of the daily diet of most Chinese people. The method of preparation and the frequency they are taken is what increases the potency and magnifies the effects - herbal medicines can be dangerous when self-prescribed, or if the wrong herb is taken, or if the dosage is incorrect.
What About Contamination?
Contamination is of concern to some people, particularly when it comes to products that come from overseas where farming and manufacturing processes are not to our standards by default. In our clinic, we choose the highest quality brands that are known for their strict quality control - with regular testing procedures for heavy metal and pesticide contaminants.
We primarily use TGA licenced granulated herbs and tablet/capsule formulas for the reason that they undergo stringent quality testing and must adhere to Australian manufacturing guidelines. In Australia, the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Association) regulates the sale of herbal medicine products, and decides if a particular product is of an adequate standard and following Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. If you wish to double check for yourself - the label with show AUSTL followed by a number - showing the TGA licence number. Granule herbs have individual AUSTL numbers for each ingredient in your formula - ask us if you'd like to know more.
Decoctions
Chinese Herbal medicine traditionally involves boiling a pot of herbs on the stove to prepare a decoction. This allows for a concentrated extract of herbs to be prepared that have a potent a quick effect. The preparation of decoction can be time consuming but it provides excellent therapeutic benefit.
Granulated Extracts
Granulated extracts are a quick alternative to decoction that provide comparable results. Decocted herbs are freeze dried with an excipient (usually either corn starch or potato starch) to allow for quick preparation - simply boil the kettle and add hot water to dissolve the granules.
Herbal Pills
Herbal pills, capsules and tablets are convenient ways to take herbal medicine, and are useful for busy people who don't have the time to prepare decoctions or granule extracts. Some formulas have notoriously bad tastes, in these cases we will often prescribe herbs in this format instead of decoction or granules to help people maintain their commitment to their treatment protocol.
Tinctures
Tinctures are not so widely used in Chinese Medicine as they are in modern naturopathic practice, however we have found them to be particularly useful for certain conditions. We have our own in-house formulations to target common conditions including: the relief of period pain, endometriosis, PCOS, coughs, headaches. Other formulations assist with treatment protocols including boosting blood circulation and improving iron and ferritin levels, promoting the onset of labour, promoting ovulation.
Animal Products?
Some bad press has come to Chinese Medicine over the years, particularly with the use of endangered species, and products that are obtained by unethical treatment of animals - such as bear bile and deer antlers.
A very small proportion of Chinese herbal preparations contain animal constituents, however no endangered species or unethical products are ever prescribed at our clinic. People with strict vegan requirements are easily accommodated for.
I Have Allergies
An increase in the awareness of and diagnosis of food allergies and intolerances means that patients can become wary of taking herbal medicines. Our practitioners are up to date with information relating to a range of health conditions that will affect the herbal medicine that you can be prescribed, including celiac disease, gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption and diabetes.
I am on Medication from my doctor/specialist
If you are taking medication, it is important to first check with a practitioner before adding herbal medicines to your treatment protocol. It is possible to safely add herbal medicines to your treatment, and in fact a lot of the time we recommend herbal medicine to assist with managing side effects of medication, or to address other health concerns. Our practitioners know how to avoid negative interactions between herbal medicines and pharmaceuticals - please make sure you tell your practitioner about all medications that you are taking.
I think I have had a reaction to a herb or formula that you gave me
It is not common, but it does happen from time to time that you could have a reaction to a herbal constituent - as with any food or medicine it is possible to have an allergic response to a herb. If you have any concerns, please contact your practitioner who can assist you on how to manage the side effects - and whether or not medical attention may be warranted.
My herbs aren't working anymore
Your body chemistry and internal harmony will change with time, and sooner or later the original issue that you were wanting to address with your herbal formula will be solved. It is important for your herbal formula to be regularly reviewed so that adjustments can be made - it might be a slight tweak, or it might be a complete overhaul of everything you are taking. It's a sign of progress! Continuing to take the herbs after they have fixed the issue may or may not be a good idea - ask your practitioner if you're unsure.
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