Herbal medicine

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is an integral part of Chinese Medicine. Chinese Herbal Medicine consists of mostly plants but some animal and mineral products that are combined to form specific formulas that treat certain conditions, as found through empirical evidence over 2000 years. 

Each formula is adjusted to your presentation of illness and state of health. Many different parts of a plant may be prescribed, such as the leaves, roots, seeds and fruit peel. Some examples of herbs that might be used are liquorice root, tangerine peel, sesame leaf, spearmint, fennel seeds, astragalus and peony root. Each herb has a different flavour, temperature and property that is considered when creating your prescription. 

Chinese Herbal Medicine can come in many different forms such as raw herbs, granulated herbs, herbal liquid extracts and capsules. At Wollongong Acupuncture, I prescribe granulated herbs which are extracted and powdered forms of the raw herb and look similar to instant coffee or powdered spices. Herbal medicine targets the cause of specific symptoms so your treatment plan will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Individualised herbal medicine for your constitution

Each formula I prescribe is completely tailored to your constitution and targeted towards the results you want to see. This means that if two different clients came in and wanted to improve their sleep, they would both walk away with completely different herbal medicine formulas. Regardless of presenting with the same problem, each client has life stressors, health patterns and different constitutions that affect their long-term health. These things are all taken into account and I tailor the herbal medicine to suit.

All herbal formula prescriptions are tailored to your dietary needs and on request can be made Halal and Kosher as many herbs come from plant matter.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe?

The herbal medicine that I prescribe is KPC Herbal Medicine which originates from Taiwan. KPC ensures the quality of their herbal medicine products by producing a Certificate of Analysis for each batch that documents the safety and quality of the herbs. This ensures that only herbs that meet their ‘Golden Standard’ are packaged and distributed. 

KPC’s herbal medicine follows the strictest safety criteria from Australia, Europe, U.S, Singapore and Japan and ensures that all herbs are tested for sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, aristolochic acid and aflatoxins. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the pharmaceutical manufacturing standards of KPC, so we as Australian consumers know we are taking safe and high-quality herbal medicine. 

What about interactions between herbal medicine and medications

As a Chinese Medicine Practitioner, I value the wonderful synergy that can be achieved by Western Medicine and Chinese Medicine. When I lived in China, I witnessed this first-hand, where patients would be treated with the medicine that would do the job most efficiently and safely for the patient whether it be conventional medicine or herbal medicine. 

Herbal medicine is powerful and cannot be underestimated, so it’s incredibly important to see a knowledgeable herbal medicine practitioner to ensure each herbal dosage is accurate for you. Herbal medicines and conventional medicines can have a common source, which means there is potential for interaction between the two. During your initial consultation, we will establish if herbal medicine is needed to improve your health and if it’s safe to consume in conjunction with any prescription medication, or vitamin supplements. 

I will never ask you to stop your prescribed medication to take herbal medicine as it’s very important to follow the instructions of your GP. If you cannot have herbal medicine due to too many prescription medications, there are other modalities we can utilise, such as acupuncture and cupping. 

Please note that any dosages, and instructions for taking Chinese herbal medicines will be discussed with you at your consultation.

Endangered species use in Chinese herbal medicine

Since Chinese Medicine has increased in popularity in Australia, there has been some concern in the media about whether endangered species products are prescribed. 

At Wollongong Acupuncture I do not support the use of endangered animals and plants in herbal medicine prescriptions. There are strict laws in place to ensure all herbal medicine products are legally cultivated and safe to consume. The Therapeutic Goods Administration is responsible for regulating and enforcing these strict guidelines on herbal medicine products in Australia. 

Legally derived animal products may be used for their therapeutic effects when treating certain conditions, however, this will be discussed with you during your consultation and will only be used with your informed consent. Please know that animal-derived products will not be used if you are vegan, vegetarian or if you do not provide your consent for use. 

Biodegradable herbal medicine packaging

I am very conscious of the footprint that we are leaving on our planet. As a result, all herbal medicine I prescribe is packaged in reusable glass containers or recycled herbal containers. This means that when you are finished with your herbs, you can bring the jar back to the clinic for a refill or keep it at home until you require more herbs. The labels I use on the jar are made from sugarcane and are 100% FOGO compostable.