Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine is a non-intrusive and natural medical therapy. The World Health Organisation defines herbal medicine as containing active ingredients from plants and plant materials which may be prepared through procedures including but not limited to extraction, concentration and roasting, or prepared from crude (raw) herbal materials.

The herbs that the Capital Health Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine dispenses for its clients follow the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (CMBA) guidelines and the Standards for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP) under the Therapeutic Goods Administration. 

The herbs are obtained from credible suppliers and pass all customs and quarantine regulations.

Herbal formulae are designed by the practitioner after consideration in order to tailor to the health needs of the individual client. The herbal formulae contain from a few herbs up to many to form a formula. The following is one of the ways to explain the structure of herbs: 

1 – 2 Emperor herbs (main herbs used to treat underlying causes and/or main concerns)

1 – 4 Minister herbs (which help some main symptoms and associated symptoms)

2 – 5 Assisting herbs (which assisting mainly associated concerns)

1 – 3 Adjunct herbs (which direct other herbs to specific meridian/areas of the body)

Generally, treatment periods are dependent on each individual where it may take a few days to a few months before the therapeutic effects of the herbs are noticed. Although the dosage is outlined for each formulation mentioned, it is best to consult with a Chinese Medicine practitioner or herbalist before starting herbal therapy.

We provide herbs in three forms: raw, granule and tablets.

Herbal medicine traditionally used raw herbs. For complex and chronic conditions, many experienced practitioners trained in China still prefer to use raw herbs because of their tradition and individual experiences. 

However, granule herbs and tablets are also popular and are widely used because they are easy to take, convenient, are increasing in availability and variety and have measurable consideration added into modern practice.

Chinese Medicine is a registered health field under Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and thus have safe practices and medicine dispensary that are regulated. We receive support on how to use and apply Chinese Medicine in Australia. 

The conventional medical system of our clients is still the main care and thus, we encourage clients to inform their respective doctors and seek their professional opinions on taking their current medications with Chinese medicine. 

There are many different categories in Chinese medicine in which many of them require specific knowledge to be considered. Therefore, it is always recommended to look for qualified herbalist or practitioners. A consultation with a Chinese medicine practitioner on one’s individual medications plus the usage of Chinese herbs will be helpful. There should also be ongoing updates with the practitioner to determine the right Chinese medicine for an individual. Thus, it is important to have good communication between the GP, Chinese medicine practitioners and the client. 

It is recommended to wait 1 – 2 hours between taking herbal medicine and biochemical medicine.

The Capital Health Centre of Traditional Chinese Medicine imports, and then prepares and dispenses herbal products at its clinics. Herbal products are prescribed and dispensed by practitioners registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia. 

The dispensing of herbs prescribed by external health practitioners is also available. As all herbs have their distinct characteristics and usages, make sure to read the given instructions carefully before use.

Raw

Plant or mineral material is collected and dried. It is cleaned then soaked for 30 minutes to one hour and then cooked over a heat source.

Granule

The extract is made into a powder and is prepared for administration by adding hot water so it resembles brewed tea. This can be done in clinics by a Chinese Medicine doctor or at home by patients themselves.

Tablets

Tablets are supplied from suppliers that are licensed under TGA.

In Chinese Medicine theory, the five flavours of Chinese medicinal herbs refer to the five different tastes of the tongue: pungent, sweet, sour, bitter and salty. 

Usually, for example, pungent is believed to disperse and promote circulation of Qi and blood. 

Sweet nourishes, harmonises and hydrates the body, and is usually prescribed for deficiency syndromes. 

Sour is a flavour that absorbs, consolidates, and helps to reduce the outward/downward flow of Qi.

Bitter works to dry or resolve dampness and purge internal balance blockages. 

Salty is a flavour that enhances body connection and promote Qi and blood flowing.

Generally, treatment periods are dependent on each individual where it may take a few days to a few months before the therapeutic effects of the herbs are noticed. 

Although the dosage is outlined for each formulation mentioned, it is best to consult with a Chinese Medicine practitioner or herbalist before starting herbal therapy.