Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is vast and is considered by many to be the backbone of Chinese medicine. General practice involves the use of between 200 and 300 different herbs. These are rarely used singly but rather in combinations known as formulas. Each formula may consist of between 2 and 20 different herbs - the average is about 12.

As your condition is unique, so is each herbal formula. Any one of the thousands of classical prescriptions may be selected, then modified to better suit your situation. Alternatively, a new formula may be composed completely from scratch. Both methods ensure an close treatment-to-illness match. This ability to fine tune treatment is one of the great strengths of Chinese medicine.

Herbs are available in a number of different forms. In this practice, granulated herbal extracts are the norm and are prepared much like making a cup of instant coffee. Simply dissolve the granules in hot water.

Raw herbs are also available. They come in the form of dried leaves, twigs, roots, bark, seeds, nuts, etc.; and are boiled in a large pot, reduced and drunk as a tea. This form has many romantic notions, it is, however, relatively time consuming not to mention strong tasting.

Chinese herbs can also be applied externally in the form of plasters, creams, lotions, wraps, liniments, pastes, washes, soaks, paints and powders. Christopher will recommend these as required.