Chinese Herbal Medicine

Since the dawn of mankind herbs have been used effectively for treating illnesses and maintaining health. The herbs we use have been tried and tested over many years and are relatively small in number (around 20- 40) which allows us to get to know them really well. Some of these herbs and spices are well known to us in the western world such as liquorice, cinnamons, ginger, fennel, sesame and cardamom seeds. Others are yams, angelica and various rhizomes. They smell and taste good and are easy to drink. The herbs are all plant based and vegan friendly, are never treated with pesticides or sulphur and are tested and certified to show compliance with EU Pharmacoepia Regulations.

Each herb has a particular quality such as hot/cold, wet/dry, sweet, bitter, pungent, and it is the actions of these herbs that alter the speed of the body functions. When a few are grouped together in a formula, carefully considering the yin and yang qualities and actions, with the correct diagnosis we can restore the correct timing. Simple examples could be the digestive system being too slow and causing excess heat and and constipation, or too fast causing loose stools. Other examples could be heavy menstrual bleeding which would indicate that the part of the body which is responsible for blood and fluids is too fast, painful periods with clots indicating too slow, or the sudden hot flashes that some women experience during the menopausal transition being a problem with the calculation of speed.  This explanation does sound simplistic but it is actually a very elegant system when viewed in the context of working with the body’s natural rhythms.  We are in fact attempting to balance our own internal climate and what better way to do it than with herbs which come from the Earth itself – the macrocosm and the microcosm.

Correct diagnosis is of paramount importance in creating your bespoke prescription. We therefore take at least 60 – 90 minutes for the initial consultation which includes discussing your particular needs and concerns, past medical history, fertility history if relevant, family history, lifestyle and any medications or supplements. The aim is to strengthen the body and restore the balance in each system which will improve overall health and wellbeing – whether it be general health, during the fertility journey, or navigating the menopause transition.