Chinese vegan herbal medicine

What is Chinese traditional herbal medicine?

Humans, according to ancient Chinese thinking, were tiny copies of the greater surrounding universe and were linked with nature and subject to its influences. The term "balance" is used frequently in TCM treatments. TCM therapy aims to restore this balance through treatment that is particular to each patient.

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To regain balance, you must achieve a state of equilibrium between the internal body organs and the external aspects of earth, fire, water, wood, and metal.

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The ancient Chinese believed that everything alive is maintained by balancing two opposing forces of energy, Yin and Yang. The life essence, or Qi, comprises these energies, which flow through the body via hidden canals called meridians. Yin rules half of the organs and meridians and Yang rules the other half. When Yin and Yang are out of balance in the body, this causes a blockage in Qi circulation and leads to sickness.

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Stress, pollution, poor eating habits, emotional upsets, or infection might all generate Yin and Yang imbalances. Interior and exterior, hot and cold, are additional categorizations of Yin and Yang for diagnostic purposes.

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When we offer Chinese herbal medicine, it is usually in collaboration with a full health consultation, during which your key issues and any relevant medical problems that might be influencing the symptoms you're looking for assistance with are discussed. We'll look at any tests or investigations you've already had with your GP or specialist and your main concerns.

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We will also need to check your tongue and take a pulse reading during this consultation to obtain further information on your health from a Chinese medicine perspective. We'll let you know if we think Chinese herbal medicine can help you and what you may realistically expect in terms of symptom improvement if you receive herbal remedies with us at the end of the session.

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We'll also let you know if we don't think we can assist you - sometimes Chinese medicine isn't the best option as a next step. We may advise that you return to see your doctor or seek other healthcare services such as physiotherapy or osteopathy.

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If we decide to begin you on a regimen of Chinese herbal medicine, we'll go through what it entails and a custom combination of traditional medicines will be created just for you.

 

What are the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine?

We use Chinese herbal medicines as granulated extracts or dry whole herbs for our plants. Chronic diseases, such as chronic pain, fertility, or dermatological conditions, are generally treated with powdered extracts. When a shorter course of stronger therapy is necessary in an emergency situation, dried whole herbs are generally given.

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Granulated extracts are prepared by combining them with hot water. Before being simmered on the stove, dried whole herbs must be soaked. Both produce a herbal drink that should be consumed warm and at least once or twice daily. You may be instructed to take herbs after a meal or on an empty stomach, depending on the ones we prescribe.

External Chinese herbal therapy can be used as a poultice or as a soak for some people. This includes when it's difficult to take herbs, such as in children or when there are dermatological problems like eczema or psoriasis, as well as painful issues like sports injuries or inflammatory arthritis.

 

Is Chinese medicine scientifically proven?

From a scientific standpoint, the evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine involves clinical trials and research studies to assess its efficacy and safety. Some herbal ingredients used in TCM have been studied extensively and shown to have medicinal properties. For example, artemisinin, derived from the herb Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood), is a well-known and effective treatment for malaria, which has been recognized with a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

However, scientific research on TCM as a whole is challenging due to its complexity. TCM treatments are often personalized, with practitioners prescribing a unique combination of herbs tailored to the individual's condition. This individualization makes it difficult to apply the standard randomized controlled trial (RCT) methodology, which is the gold standard for evaluating the efficacy of treatments in modern medicine.

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How do we ensure patient’s safety when prescribing Chinese herbal medicines?

We follow up with patients once every 2-4 weeks before giving them any further treatments. This entails a review of your current situation and how well the herbal prescription is treating your symptoms. Herbal therapy is usually tapered down gradually after your symptoms have improved in order to allow your body time to get used to not taking the medicines.

We utilize premium concentrated herbal granules sourced from a UK dispensary. Our primary focus is ensuring a secure and trustworthy source of herbal remedies. We diligently address concerns related to adulteration and contamination to uphold the highest standards of integrity for our products.

 

 

Are Chinese Herbs vegetarian & vegan?

All of our herbs are plant-based, and they do not contain animal byproducts.

 

What's better, acupuncture or herbs?

The distinction between acupuncture and herbs is that stimulating acupuncture points helps the body to assist itself, but it cannot provide what the body lacks. Herbs, on the other hand, supply what the body needs. As a result, in East Asia, they are considered to be more powerful and efficient than acupuncture.

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Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Yes, if you get Chinese herbs from a herbalist who knows you're pregnant, they're entirely safe to consume. Thousands of years in East Asia have proved that taking Chinese medicines during pregnancy is completely safe.

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If you self-prescribe herbal remedies purchased over the counter, you risk injuring your baby if they aren't suitable for usage during pregnancy. They may induce hormonal imbalance in the fetus, causing issues. Before consuming any herbs, pregnant women should always consult a qualified herbalist.

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If the herbs are given by a qualified herbalist who is familiar with your pregnancy, they should not harm your fetus and should be safe to consume. They can aid in a fetus's growth. Herbs may also aid in the treatment of various pregnancy-related issues.