Traditional Chinese herbal medicine uses over 10,000 substances that come from plant, animal and mineral sources. These substances have been used in ancient times and a powerful medical system has been established which includes the use of herbal formulas which are seen to address various health concerns. Most Chinese herbal medicine requires a prescription from a licensed Chinese herbal practitioner, although there are some “over the counter” type herbs that are sometimes available without a prescription.

Combining natural herbs with acupuncture treatments may help in tandem by addressing circulation and other symptoms of internal organs. Herbal medicines are a natural alternative to synthetic pharmaceutical drugs that potentially cause serious side effects.

Chinese herbal formulas have various tastes depending on your body type and condition. Herbal substances have many different flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, bland. It is the jobof the Chinese herbal practitioner to choose a combination of tastes that will suit your body the best.

Chinese herbs are prescribed in customised formulas. Formulas consist of carefully combined herbs which come in various forms: capsules, raw herbs, concentrated herbal powders made into tea, tablets and tinctures. At Body of Life Health Centre our TCM practitioner generally prescribes capsules for ease and convenience of taking them. It also makes it easier to continue your herbs when travelling away from home. The prescriptions are tailored to you and your own body to get the most optimal results.

Being the first established medical system in the world, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used for over 3000 years for all types of illnesses. Herbal medicine is known in treating internal conditions that involve imbalances in circulation, respiratory problems, weakened immune systems, fluid retention or deficiencies, emotions, gynecological and menopausal conditions and digestive complaints. Chinese herbal medicines are not exclusively for those that feel they have medical conditions or complaints; they are commonly used also in maintaining health and longevity of all ages, and athletes looking to improve their performance naturally.

Chinese herbs may be effective in treating various types of digestive complaints: bloating, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas, heartburn and others. Often this is the symptom that is relieved most readily when beginning acupuncture treatments.

Yes, Chinese herbs can be taken along with western herbs, homeopathic medicines, vitamins, minerals and pharmaceutical drugs as long as they are checked by your practitioner. From the initial intake, we will create a custom formula and may advise you to take the herbs at a separate time than your other medicines. To ensure effective and safe treatment, patients should inform Western medical physicians of the herbs they are taking as well as inform their herbalist of any prescription medicines being used.

Yes, if you have Extras cover, however the rebate will depend on the type of cover and the fund you are with. Bring your private health fund card and we can process your health fund payment at the time of consultation with HICAPS.

Chinese medicinal herbs are the most safe when prescribed by a trained herbalist. Herbalists undergo in depth training regarding appropriate dosages and combinations of single herbs in order to create a formula that suits you. Herbal medicines are chosen from trustworthy companies that are certified as having firm Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and testing for heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides.

Chinese herbs are appealing because of their low risk of side effects. The most common side effects are digestive upsets and gas/bloating depending on the body’s ability to digest the herbs. Taking the formula after a meal may alleviate these symptoms in most cases. Choosing herbal combinations based on your body and conditions is important to prevent the possibility of any negative side effects.