Manufactured Chinese Herbal Medicine products imported into or sold in Canada are regulated by Health Canada. This regulation requires evidence of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) as well as other safety standards that must be met before these products can be made available. They are issued a NPN and are only able to be dispensed by a qualified health professional.

Firstly, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Western Herbal Medicine are prescribed based on a different set of diagnostic tools; Western Herbal Medicine uses similar diagnostic tools and understanding of the body as your doctor but prescribes Western herbs for treatment. Often Western herbs are prescribed as single herbs. However, Chinese Herbal Medicine is based around a completely different set of diagnostic skills using pulse and tongue diagnosis as well as questioning. Chinese herbs are mostly prescribed in formulas of 5-15 herbs or groups of formulas.

Chinese medicine is most effective when incorporated on a daily basis. It is through a consistent and cumulative process that the body begins to respond to therapeutic care. Our practice recognizes that you are more than your condition and we don’t just want you to feel better today- but for years to come.

Its inherent principle is balance. Chinese medicine relies upon a unique system that promotes synergism in the body for health and wellness. It works in many ways, on many different levels, and takes into consideration the physical and mental-emotional aspects of an individual. It strengthens the body when weak, and also supports the whole person to maintain health and wellness.

There are many benefits of Chinese herbal medicine. Herbal medicine: Extends your treatment – Chinese herbs are a great way to get the benefits of TCM every day Fewer side effects than prescription drugs Addresses root causes, not just symptoms Improves digestion, better sleep quality, improved mood, easier periods and relief from PMS symptoms, fewer night sweats and hot flashes, more energy, relief from acid reflux, and many more!

You are unique. You have a particular constitution, lifestyle, and genes. You are unlike anyone else with health goals that are yours alone. We know that, and that’s why we customize your herbs just for you. Are we able to make you a Chinese herbal formula that treats insomnia, spotting before your period, and indigestion in one prescription? The answer is YES! We make custom Chinese herbal medicine just for you. It’s intended for your body only. Our patients are often astounded by the results they experience.

Mix the herbs in ½ to 1 cup of warm water and stir until dissolved. Then drink the warm tea. I like to start with warm water, get them dissolved, and then add a bit of room temperature water to cool it down a bit and make it easier to drink. Take your herbs as directed. Your bottle will tell you how many scoops to take and how many times per day to take them. It will also be indicated when to take your herbs, it’s typically best to take them a little bit before or after eating (30 minutes is a good rule of thumb) and one hour apart from your medications.

In most cases it is safe to take herbs while on medications. However you should always inform both your herbalist of any medication/herbs you are taking so that they can avoid certain known clashes between the two treatments. Another reason to inform us of medication you are taking is to encourage effective, efficient care. Some herbal medicines act very similarly to biochemical medicines and so to be taking both would be unnecessary. For safest administration of herbal medicine we encourage patients to wait 1-2 hours between taking herbal medicine and your medication.

We don’t expect you’ll experience negative side effects from herbal prescription. Chinese medicinals have been taken for thousands of years and a multitude of research indicates side effects from Chinese herbs are rare. However, you may notice mild stomach upset or change in bowel movements as your body adjusts to the herbs- which can be a good thing. This likely resolves after a few days.

There are several contraindications in prescribing Chinese herbs with pharmaceuticals. We collect your list of medications and review them with you in order to avoid negative interactions or outcomes when prescribing.

In alignment with other therapeutic approaches and alongside your treatment plan, herbs will begin working within 3-5 days of starting your formulation. This of course depends on the condition being treated and how long it has been bothersome. For example, if you’ve had sleep problems for a decade, herbs need a longer period of time to begin regulating your sleep cycle. But if you just sprained your ankle, then herbs will work and benefit the healing within a day or two and we’d likely prescribe them for just a couple of weeks.