Guide to Herbal Remedies (FAQ)

This brief guide to herbal remedies - specifically traditional Chinese herbal remedies - covers common FAQ about them such as: Who can take Chinese herbal remedies and for what sorts of problems? What are the advantages and benefits of herbal medicine? Are there any side effects of Chinese herbal medicines and remedies? Can kids take them? and more. If your question hasn't been answered just ask Matthew Scott, site owner and former traditional Chinese medicine practitioner from Australia, now living in China.

1. Who can take Chinese herbal remedies?

Virtually everyone, including young children, can take them. They should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine though. Buying them without first consulting a trained practitioner is not recommended.

2. What are Chinese herbal remedies good for?

Chinese herbal remedies can be used to treat just about any ailment or disease, acute or chronic. This is because they can be tailored to match your specific symptoms and bodily signs. In Chinese medicine this is called treating or balancing your "unique patterns of disharmony". A consultation with a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner is necessary to identify your particular patterns of disharmony.

3. What are the benefits of taking Chinese herbal remedies and medicines?

The benefits are numerous: Chinese herbal remedies are made from all natural ingredients, mainly roots, leaves, bark and flowers, but may also include some animal and mineral ingredients. Their primary benefit is that they can be tailored to match your specific symptoms and bodily signs, i.e. your unique patterns of disharmony. This is what makes them so effective. Chinese herbal remedies can also be taken as a complementary therapy to enhance other treatments or to minimize the side-effects of other treatments, e.g. the side-effects of certain Western medications.

4. Are there any side effects of Chinese herbal medication?

When prescribed by a qualified practitioner, Chinese herbal remedies and medicines that come from trusted, reputable companies are extremely safe and without side-effects. There are some known herb-drug interactions though, meaning certain herbs can change or reduce the effect of certain medications.

5. Where can I get them and how do I know if it's a trusted brand?

Chinese herbal remedies and medicines should, once again, be prescribed by a trained practitioner, who will also know about trusted brands in your country. Contact Matthew - author of this guide to herbal remedies - if you can't find a practitioner and to know which brands Matthew recommends. Buying Chinese herbal remedies over the counter or online, without specific knowledge of what to take and how to take it, is not recommended. Just because a product is labeled "natural" or "herbal" does not necessarily mean it is safe.

6. Can I take Chinese herbal remedies at the same time as other medications?

Yes. As mentioned, they can be used as a complementary therapy to enhance other treatments, and to minimize the side-effects of other, harsher treatments. Generally, you would take them at different times of day to other medications you are taking.

Guide to Herbal Remedies (cont.)

Yes, but never suddenly stop taking any medication without first consulting the prescribing practitioner. Some Western medications may be gradually reduced then stopped as the effects of the Chinese herbal medicine take hold.

8. Are ready-made herbal medicines as good as raw herb decoctions?

Traditionally, Chinese herbal remedies are dispensed as a raw-herb prescription by a herbalist. The herbs are taken home and boiled (decocted) in water, then strained and drunk 2 or 3 times a day. This is still the standard way to take herbal medicine in China and it is extremely effective. However, for Western patients, it is often inconvenient to prepare this form of herbal medicine at home and the taste is usually bitter. Patient compliance can therefore be low. Ready-made herbal medicines are convenient and very effective when properly prescribed.

9. Where can I find a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner?

This is a guide to herbal remedies - I do not diagnose or prescribe Chinese herbal medicine via the Internet. To find a practitioner for a face to face consultation try your local yellow pages business directory, ask another health professional, or look online. A good online directory is www.acufinder.com. Also try a Google search, e.g. "chinese medicine association + australia" or "chinese herbalist + sydney".

What else do you want to know about Chinese herbal remedies?

Ask below... Matthew Scott, site owner, will be happy to help and to introduce you to the power of Chinese herbal remedies.

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