What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3 rd century BC. Throughout its history it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions, and it has been sustained by research into every aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge.

Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it has for centuries had a very great influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East, and more recently has grown rapidly in popularity in the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision in China, and is provided in hospitals alongside western medicine.

The tradition places great emphasis on lifestyle management in order to prevent disease before it occurs. Chinese medicine recognises that health is more than just the absence of disease and it has a unique capacity to maintain and enhance our capacity for well being and happiness.

What does herbal treatment involve?

Herbs are used in combinations that are designed to correct the particular disharmony involved in your case. The Chinese Materia Medica contains several hundred commonly used ingredients. A balance of these with certain properties is matched to the individual patient’s pattern, allowing it to be adapted to your changing needs. The medicine is commonly prescribed as a tea to be made from either raw herbs or powders. Alternatively it can be taken as a tablet in ready made form. External preparations are also used, including creams, ointments and washes for skin conditions or compresses for traumatized tissue.

The length of treatment varies. I will discuss with you how long you may need to take the herbs before an assessment can be made of their effectiveness. I will also explain the costs. It is worth checking with your insurance company as some may now cover herbal treatment.

Are herbs safe?

Serious adverse effects from Chinese Herbal Medicine are very rare and it has a very good safety record. It is essential that you are treated by a practitioner who is trained to a high standard and who complies with UK law. I monitor each patient carefully and ensure that there is no incompatibility between any existing drug treatment and ingredients in the herbal prescription. I only use suppliers who have attained the demanding Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standard.

Allergic type reactions are uncommon and will cause no lasting damage if treatment is stopped as soon as symptoms appear. The provision of good quality herbs is very important to protect public safety. The RCHM is currently working with the main suppliers and Kew Gardens in order to ensure that the products used by its members meet the highest standards.

Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmacology

There is a growing body of research which indicates that traditional uses of plant remedies and the known pharmacological activity of plant constituents often coincide. However, 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.

Endangered species

I fully endorse the RCHM policy in strongly condemning all illegal trade in endangered species.