What is Chinese herbal medicine?
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To put it very simply, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is the herbal component of what's commonly known as "Chinese Medicine". In CHM practitioners use herbs to promote health, healing and well-being.
Since the first known Chinese materia medica was written (some 3,000-5,000 years ago), the use of medicinal plants, herbs, fruits, mushrooms and minerals in China have been studied, condensed and systematised into what we call the Chinese herbal medicine of today.
"As someone who is deeply fascinated by plant medicine, botany, healthcare and phytotherapy I find Chinese herbal medicine such an exciting system to work with. There are countless case studies from China going back a long, long way, that detail the use of herbs on people during times of health crisis... epidemics, plagues, chronic illnesses, for acute traumas, childbirth, fevers, physical, mental and emotional imbalances... Its incredible to be able to learn from the past in this way.... Within Chinese medicine there truly was and continues to be, a deep tradition of research, reflection and refinement when it comes to the use of herbs... For all the "woo" it can be accused of, it was incredibly pragmatic, and practitioners really wanted to get people back out into the world, working, living their life, raising family and doing their bit for community..."​ -- Tina
So how are herbs used today?
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A Chinese medicine practitioner may prescribe herbs as a stand-alone treatment, or in combination with acupuncture, dietary therapy and lifestyle changes to help treat or prevent a wide range of health imbalances. Formulas are always unique to an individual, so two people with the same illness will have two very different herbal medicine prescriptions. Formulas will also change as a patient's health changes.
Twigs, tubers, bark, roots, rhizomes, leaves, fruit, flowers and fungi may all be used in a herbal medicine formula, either in their whole form, in granulated / powdered form, or as pills or capsules. Occasionally minerals such as oyster shell may also be used. Some herbs - such as peppermint, ginger, honeysuckle, chrysanthemum and cinnamon - may be familiar to patients, while others are often less well known.
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What can Chinese herbal medicine be used for?
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Chinese herbal medicine can be used for a wide range of imbalances including but not limited to insomnia, stress, anxiety, symptoms associated with menopause, sinus problems, allergies, colds and flus, digestive imbalances, circulatory disorders, chronic pain, skin conditions, gynaecological and fertility problems.
What kind of herbs does Tina use in clinic and what do they taste like?
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Tina works with ethical, high quality herbs in her clinic. All ingredients meet the Australian standards for complementary medicine as specified by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and are sourced according to the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). She avoids working with animal products and endangered species, and opts for organic wherever possible. Most prescriptions come in granulated or powdered herb form, making them very easy to take – you simply measure out the required amount (eg. 1 level teaspoon) into a cup of hot water before drinking like a tea.
In terms of taste, certain formulas have quite a pleasant taste while others may taste more earthy or bitter depending on what they are being used for. Many patients say they look forward to taking their herbs each day, and some even enjoy the taste.
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Tina has travelled to study herbal traditions around the world and grows her own herbs (including mugwort/ moxa) in her Blue Mountains garden. To learn more about moxa and how to use it click here.
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