Herbal medicine

Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures including those of the Egyptians, American Indians and Chinese. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing.

Herbal Medicine is part of a larger healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) This broadly includes Acupuncture, Dietary advice, Massage and Exercise. Chinese herbs are prescribed to normalize imbalanced energy, or Qi (pronounced 'chee'), that runs through invisible meridians in the body. Herbs are prescribed to restore energy balance to the opposing forces of energy - Yin and Yang. Chinese herbal medicine has proved to be successful in treating a range of disorders, particularly gynecological and gastrointestinal disorders.

In its country of origin it is not an alternative form of therapy, but is used in the state hospitals alongside modern medicine.

Chinese herbal medicine is mainly plant based, but some preparations include minerals or animal products. They can be packaged as powders, pastes, lotions or tablets, depending on the herb and its intended use. Different herbs have different properties and can balance particular parts of the body. Herbs can act on the body as powerfully as pharmaceutical drugs and should be treated with the same caution and respect.

Many international studies have shown that plants are capable of treating disease and improving health, often without any significant side effects.