Chinese Herbal Therapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, sometimes in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture or therapeutic massage.

You can read more about the history of herbal medicine below, or go here to find the range of ailments we treat at our clinic.

All herbal treatments at our clinic are prescribed by Dr Min Li after full consultation.

History

Plants had been used for medicinal purposes since long before recorded history. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures (such as African, South American and Native American) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used. Research has found that people in different parts of the world tend to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes.

Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care. In Germany, about 600 - 700 plant based medicines are available and are prescribed by some 70% of German physicians. In the past 20 years in the United States, public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in herbal medicine use.

Use

The use of herbal supplements has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Herbal remedies are usually classified as dietary supplements. That means herbal supplements, unlike drugs, can be sold without prescription. However, they must be prepared according to good manufacturing practices by qualified experts.

The most commonly used herbal supplements in the U.S. include Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and related species), St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), garlic (Allium sativum), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), ginseng (Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng; and Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), ginger (Zingiber officinale), evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), and milk thistle (Silybum marianum).

Often, herbs may be used together because the combination is more effective and may have fewer side effects.

Treatments

Herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as depression, anxiety, asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer. Herbal supplements are best taken under the guidance of a trained health care provider.

Used correctly, herbs can help treat a variety of conditions, and in some cases, may have fewer side effects than some conventional medications. Some herbs may cause allergic reactions or interact with conventional drugs, and some are toxic if used improperly or at high doses. It is always important to consult with your doctor or a Chinese medicine expert before taking herbal medicines.