Chinese Herbal Medicine is based on the principle that good health depends on acheiving optimum vitality and balance.

Treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine involves the use of combinations of herbs which are designed to correct the particular disharmony of the individual. The Chinese materia medica contains several hundred commonly used herbs, including stems, leaves, flowers and roots of plants. The principle is that a balance of ingredients with certain properties is matched to the individual patients symptoms, allowing the practitioner to adapt the formula as the symptom picture changes.

Herbs may be taken in several different formats. Usually herbs are prescribed in the form of a tea, made up from either dried herbs, powders or granules, or as a ready made formula in tablet form. External preparations are also used and include creams, ointments and washes.

Chinese Herbal medicine is commonly used for many different conditions but is probably best known for treating skin diseases, digestive complaints, respiratory conditions and certain gynaecological problems. Herbs are often used as a supportive therapy in chronic and debilitating conditions.