Herbal Remedies are an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (TCM). Chinese Medicine has been used as front line medicine by the majority of the worlds population since before recorded history, and is still the most widely utilised medical system in the world today. Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is an ancient system of health care that has undergone continual development over the centuries as the causes of illness that afflict mankind have evolved. Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of treating disease in all its forms. Although your practitioner will treat whatever complaint you have come for.
The traditional view places great importance on preventing disease before it occurs. Chinese medicine is successfully used for a very wide range of conditions. Chinese herbal medicine is not based on conventional Western concepts of medical diagnosis and treatment. Chinese herbal medicine uses a variety of herbs, in different combinations, to restore balance to the body (see Astragalus, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Green Tea, and Siberian Ginseng). Herbal preparations are said to prevent and treat hormone disturbances, infections, breathing disorders, and a vast number of other ailments and diseases.
Some practitioners claim herbs have the power to prevent and treat a variety of cancers. In China, there are over 3,200 herbs, 300 mineral and animal extracts, and over 400 formulas used. Herbal formulations may accord of 4 to 12 different ingredients, to be taken in the form of teas, powders, pills, tinctures, or syrups. Chinese herbal remedies are made up of one or two herbs that are said to have the greatest effect on major aspects of the problem being treated. The other herbs in the formula treat minor aspects of the problem, direct the formula to specific parts of the body, and help the other herbs work more efficiently.
Nourishing and harmonising herbal remedies serve as excellent tonics, strengthening those weakened by stress, overwork, serious illness, childbirth, menopause or poor diet and irregular eating. They also advance the smooth flow of energy, fluids and blood and thus reduce pain and congestion. Herbs with a cooling action can counteract fevers, night sweating, hot flushes and other signs of overheating. Many Chinese herbs are sold individually and in formulas. In the United States, Chinese herbs and herbal formulas may be purchased in health food stores, some pharmacies, and from herbal medicine practitioners.
