Chinese Herbal Medicine

Ginseng, Gingko, Ginger, Cinnamon, Honeysuckle, Chrysanthemum and Goji Berries are only a few of the more well known herbs used in the ancient yet popular practice of Chinese herbal medicine.

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used as a primary system of medicine for millennia and in Chinese hospitals it is still used today, alongside modern medicine.

Chinese herbs are prescribed in formulas, where a number of herbs are combined and arranged in a hierarchy. Within the herbal formula one or two major herbs are selected to exert the main effect. Other herbs are added in lower doses to balance the actions and flavours of the major herbs and make the formula more absorbable and efficacious.

The strength of Chinese herbal medicine lies in the individualisation of the treatment. Even though different patients may present with the same symptoms, however the underlying causative factors may vary significantly. In the holistic approach of Chinese medicine the treatment of symptoms is just as important as addressing the imbalance that has weakened the body’s defences and allowed the illness to arise in the first place. Therefore herbal formulas are individually prescribed only after careful diagnosis by an herbalist.

How are herbs taken?

Traditionally dry raw herbs are prepared by cooking in water, however nowadays for convenience herbs are often dispensed in granulated form and dissolved in a glass of warm water. Also some herbal formulas are available in pill and capsule form.

For more information please contact Stefan Hafner at the Gnostic Healing Centre.