Chinese herbal medicine online and in Melbourne.
Herbs from nature, prescribed just for you. Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available in Armadale, Melbourne - or online from anywhere in Australia.
Discover your perfect formula today.
What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine is a specialised branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that uses herbs from nature to treat illness.
Chinese herbs are comprised of things such as leaves, barks, fruits, seeds, stems, flowers and minerals. These materials have therapeutic properties and have been used as traditional medicines for centuries.
When Chinese herbs are prescribed in precise combinations and dosages, they can support the body to recover from illness and restore healthy function.
Benefits of Chinese Herbal Medicine
The primary benefits of Chinese herbal medicine is its focus on addressing the root cause of health conditions rather than merely masking symptoms.
Chinese herbal medicines can support healthy hormone function, boost the immune system and can promote blood flow and tissue healing.
Herbs also play a role in preventative healthcare by correcting and assisting with minor imbalances before they develop into more serious health issues.
Chinese herbs are enjoyed by many who are trying optimise their day-to-day health and well-being. Whether you're seeking to improve your fertility, boost your energy, or calm your racing mind - there is a Chinese herbal formula for you.
Types of Chinese herbal preparations and styles
Raw Herbs
Pure and potent, raw herbs are the unprocessed plant materials packaged into paper bags. (Think: bark, flowers, seeds & leaves). Brew the herbs at home to create a tea that will provide enough medicine for 3-4 days. This form of Chinese herbal delivery, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
Granule Herbs
Customisation meets convenience. Raw herbal materials are carefully cooked and evaporated at low temperatures to create shelf-stable and travel-friendly granulated powders. Simply mix with warm water and drink for an easy-to-use option.
Liquid Extract Herbs
Suitable for little people and adults alike, liquid extracts have a pleasant taste that is almost undetectable. The active ingredients of raw Chinese herbs are cold extracted and then stabilised in a convenient glycerine based liquid that is simply added to water or juice.
Tinctures
Fast-acting and highly absorbable, tinctures are crafted by immersing herbs in alcohol and water to extract their active compounds. Convenient and potent, tinctures are ideal companions to raw herbs or granules, particularly in Women's health cases during specific phases of the menstrual cycle.
Pills & Capsules
Pre-formulated pills and capsules are an excellent choice for transitioning to the maintenance phase of treatment or when standard herbal formulas are required at lower doses. Convenient and easy to use, they come in various forms, including compressed powder pills, honey pills and capsules.
Creams & Washes
Skin issues often require a combination of internal herbal medicine (such as raw herbs or granules), as well as a custom herbal cream or wash to be applied topically. Concentrated herbal extracts are prepared with a cream base and can be applied to the skin on the face and body
Herbs from nature prescribed just for you.
Ensuring the ethical and sustainable sourcing of Chinese herbs is paramount to my practice.
Australia is a proud party of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Endangered sources of plant and animal materials are not used when formulating prescriptions in my practice.
Custom prescribed Chinese herbal medicine formulas are suitable for vegetarian and vegan patients.
Chinese herbal medicine has been shown to:
Boost immune system function
Improve energy levels
Reduce inflammation
Lower pain levels
Support digestion and gut health
Reduce feelings of stress
Promote healthy sleep
FAQ about Chinese herbs
How do Chinese Herbs Work?
Chinese herbs work by addressing imbalances within the body that are assessed during a Chinese medicine consultation. Each herb has a medicinal property and targets a different organ system, meridian or tissue. When combined, Chinese herbs have specific clinical effects, such as improving blood circulation, boosting immunity or calming the nervous system.
Chinese herbalists prescribe herbs in formulas.
At the heart of Chinese herbalism lies the concept of synergy. This is the idea that the combined effect of multiple herbs is greater than the sum of their individual actions.
Chinese herbalists expertly prescribe formulas where herbs work together in specific pairs or balanced combinations. This approach can improve the efficacy of each herb and offer a comprehensive treatment option for people experiencing complex health conditions.
How do I take the Chinese herbs?
Raw Chinese Herbs
The most effective and traditional form of Chinese herbal medicine is taking the raw Chinese herbs home and cooking them into a tea. You are provided with cooking instructions which involve boiling the herbs on the stovetop to extract their active ingredients, and then straining out the cooked herbs. The tea that you are left with is the medicine which you drink as instructed.
Chinese herbs to fit into every lifestyle
Sometimes, life get’s busy! There are many convenient alternatives to raw herbs such as powdered herbs, liquid herbs and herbal capsules that can be tailored to your specific needs.
I’ll be writing more information about the different types of Chinese herbal preparations in an upcoming blog!
Are the Chinese Herbs Ethically Sourced?
Ethical and sustainable sourcing of Chinese herbs is paramount to Jess’ practice.
Australia is a proud party of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Endangered sources of plant and animal materials are not used when formulating prescriptions in Jess’ practice.
Are Chinese herbs safe?
Yes. When prescribed by a qualified practitioner, Chinese herbs are safe to take. Jess is a university trained and nationally registered Chinese herbalist. Jess is trained to assess your individual health needs and to factor in any other medications or treatment that you may be undertaking.
How often do I need to have a herbal medicine consultation?
New patients begin with an initial consultation, followed by a return consultation two weeks later. Once established on the herbal medicine, return consultations are required every 3-4 weeks to allow for necessary modifications to the formula throughout the treatment process. The overall treatment duration depends on your individual health goals and the particular condition being treated.
Do I have to stay on the herbs forever to keep the results?
No. The goal of Chinese herbal medicine is to restore balance so that you can maintain health independently after a period of treatment.
Some people feel so great after their treatment that they do choose to continue taking Chinese medicine tonic herbs to continue supporting their day-to-day vitality.
Can I take Chinese herbal medicine at the same time as prescription medication?
Yes.
Chinese herbal medicine can be taken alongside prescription medication under the supervision of a registered Chinese medicine herbalist. Jess is skilled in identifying potential interactions and customising herbal formulas to safely complement your current medications.
For optimal results, we always recommend taking your Chinese herbs at least two hours apart from any prescription medications.
How long does it take to see results with Chinese herbal medicine?
Many people start to notice improvements within a few weeks of consistent herbal treatment. Some conditions respond very quickly to the herbal medicine, such as treatment for respiratory infections or constipation. Other conditions such as menstrual cycle irregularities or skin conditions can require a few months of herbal medicine to show results.
How do I cook my raw Chinese herbs?
Jess will provide you with the instructions on how to cook your raw Chinese herbs. This involves boiling the herbs on the stovetop to extract their active ingredients, and then straining the cooked herbs out to leave you with a medicinal herbal tea.
Full cooking instructions can be found here.
I don't have time to cook the raw Chinese herbs. Is there another option?
Yes. Although raw Chinese herbs are the strongest and most effective form of Chinese herbal medicine, there are many options to suit people of all lifestyles. Chinese herbs come in powdered forms, liquids, capsules and pill formulations. Jess will be able to advise you on which herbal preparations are best for your condition.
Can I take my herbs whilst travelling overseas?
Yes. When prescribed by a registered practitioner, you can take your Chinese herbal medicine with you whilst travelling overseas. Jess will usually switch you onto a powder or capsule form of herbs to take whilst travelling, as these preparations are shelf stable and don’t require any cooking.
Jess can also provide you with a travel letter to keep on hand when travelling overseas.
Is Chinese herbal medicine the same as the herbs I get from my naturopath?
No. Chinese herbal medicine is applied very differently to naturopathy. Chinese herbal prescribing is based on the unique diagnostic methods and principles specific to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Furthermore, many of the herbs used by Chinese herbalists are specific to Chinese and East Asian medicine.
What is the price of Chinese herbal medicine?
Jess specialises in custom herbal prescriptions which cost around $40 - $60 per week.
Tinctures and pills may also be prescribed which cost around $20 per week.
Some skin conditions require higher than standard dosages of herbs. These herbal formulas cost around $75-$100 per week. Please get in touch to discuss your individual skin needs.
Do you treat children using Chinese herbal medicine?
Yes. Jess treats children aged 6 months old and above.
Custom herbal formulas can be prescribed for children by adjusting the dosages of the herbs based on the patients age and weight. Additionally, Jess carries paediatric specific formulas that can assist little ones with coughs, digestive issues and sleep.
Can I take Chinese herbs if I am vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. Most Chinese herbs are plants, and all formulas can be modified to be 100% vegan. Jess can either custom prescribe a formula for you if you are vegetarian or vegan, or advise you on which pre-made capsule and pill formulations are vegan friendly.
Does the Chinese herbal medicine contain any endangered species of plants or animals?
No. The ethical sourcing of herbs is crucial to Jess’ practice, and we ensure that all of the herbs used are sourced responsibly and sustainably. Endangered sources of plant and animal materials are not used in this clinic.
Book your Chinese herbal medicine consultation in Armadale, today.
Chinese herb consultations are available in person from the Enso Clinic in Armadale and online Australia wide via telehealth
Visit the Enso Clinic in Armadale for your Chinese herbal medicine consultation.
Not in Melbourne? Telehealth consultations are available Australia-wide.