The use of Chinese herbs has been part of Chinese medicine from the very beginning. In fact, herbs have been used to get people well in China for at least the last 2500 years. In the West, Chinese herbs have been used with success for many decades and are increasingly popular. Chinese medicine has long enjoyed equal status with Western medicine in Chinese hospitals and patients with conditions and symptoms such as arthritis, pain, numbness, tingling, headaches, digestive diseases, autoimmune conditions, depression, skin conditions, anxiety, infertility and many others are often given Chinese herbs as a first-line treatment with success. With a proven track record, backing from scientific research and increased status in the West, we at Advance Clinic Hertford believe Chinese herbs could be the solution to your health issue.

Chinese Herbs: Medicine for the 21^stCentury

Chinese herbs get straight to the point. They essentially behave like medicines in the body, swiftly acting on those areas of the body and mind where healing is required. Sometimes you’ll experience a rapid reduction in symptoms – that’s how powerful herbs can be. If you are suffering with a chronic or long-lasting condition, the healing process is often more gradual and symptoms may take a little longer to improve or resolve. In this case it’s important that you remain patient while the herbs take effect over time.

You’ll be pleased to know that Chinese herbs often work without producing the side-effects commonly experienced with Western medicines. Side effects from Western medicines can be debilitating and sometimes even necessitate stopping use of the medicine.

The effective but gentle nature of Chinese herbs means that, while milder side-effects are occasionally experienced, these are usually well-tolerated by patients. It’s also often the case that herb side-effects are actually a ‘healing reaction’ by the body, a natural process by which the body gets rid of toxic material and engages in an internal ‘spring clean’. This is to be welcomed and is usually a short-lived phenomenon. Ultimately, the result should be greater healing, fewer symptoms and an improved sense of wellbeing.

What Are Chinese Herbs Useful For?

Because Chinese herbs act like medicines in the body and go to all parts of the body, indeed affecting not just the body but also the mind, they can potentially be very useful for a wide range of symptoms. At Advance Clinic, patients have presented with a variety of symptoms and conditions. These include, but are not limited to:

1. Pain;
2. Numbness;
3. Tingling;
4. Digestive symptoms, such as bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhoea, acid reflux and heartburn;
5. Issues with fertility, such as subfertility, infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, ovulation issues, low sperm counts and poor sperm quality;
6. Menstrual irregularities, such as amenorrhea, irregular bleeding, heavy bleeding and painful periods;
7. Thyroid disorders, such as underactive thyroid, overactive thyroid, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease;
8. Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, MS, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and coeliac’s disease;
9. Mental-emotional issues, such as anxiety, depression, low mood and stress.

If your symptoms or condition are not listed here, don’t worry. Call the clinic on 01992-535970 and we can advise you on the suitability or otherwise of Chinese herbs.

How Do We Take Chinese Herbs?

The two main ways you can take herbs are as follows:

1. Dried herb decoctions
2. Herb granules

Both methods are effective and differ only in the preparation time involved.

The decoction method involves a little more preparation and works well for patients who like to work with actual dried herbs and have more time available for preparation.

Herb granules come ready prepared and preparation is as simple as adding a number of teaspoons to a cup of warm water. This method of taking herbs is great for those with busy lives and schedules, where the additional preparation time necessary for dried herbs is unavailable. In fact, many patients opt for herb granules given the simplicity of preparation.

At Advance Clinic Hertford your safety and comfort during any treatment we provide is our priority. Chinese herbs are no different in this respect. Safety in relation to Chinese herbs means that you should be under the care of a properly qualified practitioner who is able to acquire herbs from safe and accountable sources. You’ll be pleased to know that both these conditions are fully met at Advance Clinic. Peace of mind is our guarantee when you undergo Chinese herbs treatment at Advance Clinic

Your Fully-qualified and Regulated Chinese Herbs Practitioner at Advance Clinic Hertford

Chinese herbal medicine is yet to undergo full regulation in the UK. Unfortunately, anyone with inadequate levels of training can currently dispense herbs. This is a concern given that herbs can be damaging where the wrong herbs or incorrect dosages are given.

Dr David Wheeler, your Chinese herbs practitioner at Advance Clinic, is fully-qualified to Masters degree (MSc) level in Chinese herbal medicine. The two-year Masters is the gold standard for the practice of Chinese herbal medicine in the UK. This intensive course ensures that Dr Wheeler has acquired a solid foundation in herbal medicine knowledge, practice and safety.

Additionally, Dr Wheeler is registered and insured with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), the lead body for Chinese herbal medicine regulation in the UK. A Masters degree or equivalent level of study is a prerequisite for membership of the RCHM. The RCHM also holds an authorised list of herbal dispensaries, ensuring that the herbs RCHM members use are acquired from sustainable and safe sources.

For more detail on the issue of safety, why not read our page on Chinese herbs safety.