Herbal medicine

Herbal therapy are a large part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and have been used in China for thousands of years.

Wha is Herbs therapy?

Herbal therapy is perhaps the most widely practiced form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Supported by a rich and sophisticated diagnostic system, TCM employs herbal therapy not only to treat illnesses but also to optimize health and prevent disease.

According to the oldest records, herbal medicine serves three purposes: relieving specific symptoms (the lowest level of treatment), correcting bodily imbalances (the middle level of treatment), and prolonging life (the highest level of treatment). This ancient philosophy continues to resonate today, with TCM using herbal formulas to address the complexities of the human body as a whole.

Herbal medicines are formulated using a balanced combination of various herbs. They come in diverse forms, such as pills, teas, powders, liquid extracts, and syrups. TCM practitioners draw upon hundreds of different herbs, typically prescribing them in combination rather than as single agents. Furthermore, herbal therapy is frequently combined with other modalities, such as Acupuncture, Tuina (therapeutic massage), and cupping.

In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, there are more than 13,000 medicinal substances listed, of which approximately 5,767 are of plant origin. These herbs are classified according to their properties, such as taste, temperature, and the specific meridians they target in the body.

Main categories of herbal medicine include:

Tonic herbs: Ginseng (Ren Shen), these herbs are used to strengthen and nourish the body’s life energy, or “qi”.

Blood-activating and stasis-removing herbs: Angelica (Dang Gui), these herbs are used to promote blood circulation and are often used to treat blood stasis-related diseases.

Heat-clearing herbs: Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua) are used to clear heat and detoxify, reducing inflammation in the body.

Wind-removing and dampness-removing herbs: Du Huo, these herbs are used to relieve pain and treat diseases such as arthritis.

Expectorant and cough-relieving herbs: Pinellia (Ban Xia), these herbs are used to clear phlegm and treat respiratory diseases.

Sedative herbs: Suan Zao Ren, these herbs are used to promote relaxation and treat insomnia.

Medicinal uses for specific herbs

Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself. Different herbs act on different systems of the body. Some herbs that are commonly used in herbal medicine, and their traditional uses, include:

Echinacea – to stimulate the immune system and aid the body in fighting infection. Used to treat ailments such as boils, fever and herpes.
Dong quai (dang gui) – used for gynaecological complaints such as premenstrual tension, menopau, menopause symptoms and period pain. Some studies indicate that dong quai can lower blood pressure.
Garlic – used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood fats and cholesterol (a type of blood fat). The antibiotic and antiviral properties of garlic mean that it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other respiratory infections.
Ginger – many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness.
Ginkgo biloba – commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Ginseng – generally used to treat fatigue, for example during recovery from illness. It is also used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, however overuse of ginseng has been associated with raised blood pressure.
Hypericum perforatum – commonly known as St John’s Wort. Studies have suggested that St John’s Wort is just as effective as some pharmaceutical antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression. It is also used for anxiety and insomnia. However, St John’s Wort can interact with a number of prescription medications, including the oral contraceptive pill, and stop them from working properly.

Shanghai Medical Clinic has its own TCM pharmacy, stocked with over 120 kinds of medicinal herbs. We select herbs directly from their origins, using only those from growers and suppliers that meet strict quality standards. We offer TCM consultation services, which can also be added to acupuncture appointments.

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