While Chinese herbal medicine has been practiced in China for thousands of years, the first known text of herbal medicine dates from 300 BC. Over 6000 herbs have been described and categorized although many fewer are in common use today. Throughout its recorded history Chinese herbal medicine has been the subject of extensive research into all aspects of its use, and this continues today. In Chinese hospitals, Chinese herbal medicine is regularly used alongside Western medicine.
What are herbs?
Traditionally, Chinese herbal medicine uses substances derived from plant, mineral and animal products. The vast majority of herbs is plant-derived and can include leaves, berries and roots. Examples of "herbs" of mineral or animal origin include oyster shells and deer antlers. For vegetarians, prescriptions can be tailored so that no animal products are used.
What can Chinese Herbal Medicine treat?
Chinese herbal medicine is primarily aimed at redressing internal imbalances and encouraging the body's self-healing abilities, rather than treating the symptoms alone. It can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Menstrual and gynecological problems
- High blood pressure
- Digestive disorders
- Chronic fatigue
- Skin diseases
- Hypertension
- Infertility
- Asthma, allergies and chronic sinusitis
Chinese herbal prescriptions combine anywhere from 2 to 20 herbs to form a treatment that brings the body back into balance.
As part of the same system of medicine, Chinese herbal medicine is a natural complement to acupuncture treatment.