The origins of Chinese herbal medicine can be traced back at least five thousand years, making it one of the oldest and most long-standing health care systems in the world.
Today, there are over 450 substances commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine - most are of plant origin though some animal and mineral substances may also be used.
Chinese herbal medicines are prescribed either singly or made into formulae which take into account the individual therapeutic action of each herb and well as the effects when combined together.
The majority of herbal substances are specifically prepared before ingestion in order to enhance their therapeutic benefits. TCM believes each herb has a certain nature or property, i.e. – cold, warm, hot, cool. Chinese herbal therapies possess many characteristics which contribute to their ability to balance yin and yang.