Chinese herbal medicine is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Chinese Herbs are the most powerful and complex area of Chinese medicine. Each patients herbs are prepared individually, changing as the body changes. If you have taken herbs before, you may have had to boil-up “yucky” herbs! This is also known as raw herbs. We understand the need to get the potency of these herbs, but the taste and smell often puts patients off using Chinese herbs.
At Metro Health our main practitioner, Marie Hopkinson practices in North Perth, and is a trained and registered Herbalist, which means all formulas are made up individually. We Do not prescribe any pre-made medicine in pill or capsule form.
In order to get the potency and true nature of Chinese Herbal medicine, we use a form called “concentrated granule” herbs.
The prescription is still made up individually, but in a powder-type from. The granules are very high potency of Chinese herbs.
The herbs we use are Chinawest Granules, a Perth based company. China west granules are used in over 600 hospitals in China. China West granulated herbs meet GMP standards. Before granulating process is started, traditional guidelines are followed to process the indivudal herbs – known as Pao Zhi. Raw herbs are cooked, carbonized, roasted, processed with honey, wine, vinegar or ginger, according to traditional guidelines, in order to reduce toxicity and increase effectiveness.
The manufacturing process involves the raw herbs being boiled up and the steam also captured. This is sprayed back into the herbs as they are drying into granule form. One teaspoon equals the typical one cup of boiling up herbs. Instead of drinking a cup of smelly liquid, you only have to take one teaspoon of granules. Although strong tasting, they are easier to drink than boiling up herbs and very convenient.
Our herbs are all made up individually for each patient. You do need a prescription from a practitioner to get herbs from our clinic. We also offer a repeat prescription pick-up service. We can repeat any of your recent previous herbal formulas and can post them out or you can pick up without a consultation. You can now even order them from our online store – you must give your details in the checkout. This is only available for existing patients.