Though perhaps less well known in the West than acupuncture, China’s traditional herbal medicine has an equally long history. Following the same painstaking process of assessment and differentiation used in acupuncture, the Herbalist prescribes a carefully-balanced combination of ingredients, designed to address the particulars of each case, and tailored to the specific needs and condition of the individual client.
Chinese herbs can be administered in several ways. I use mainly ‘raw’ or ‘loose’ herbs, as opposed to powders or pills, and these are usually cooked in water (or ‘decocted’). This herbal drink is then generally taken 2-3 times per day.
Clear, printed instructions are given on how to prepare and take the herbal medicine. Chinese Herbal Medicine utilises vegetable, animal and mineral substances (with about 90% of the Materia Medica being plant-derived).
It has always been my policy not to prescribe, nor to use in my practice, any products which are derived from endangered animal or plant species, as defined by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). In 2008, I was among the first group of herbal practitioners in Australia to be officially certified by DEWHA as being ‘Wildlife Aware’, under the Australian Government’s Endangered Species Certification Scheme.
Please note that I no longer hold my own stock of herbs, or maintain my own on-site herbal dispensary. After a consultation, when I have formulated a prescription, I will order the formula from a professional dispensing service. The herbs will then be dispatched by them directly to your address. This ensures freshness and quality of the stock, since they will have a much higher turnover. However, it also means I will not be able to provide you with herbs on the spot.
Karl Farren Chinese Medicine Practice 