How long will treatment last and what will it cost?
The length of treatment will vary according to the condition and can range from a few weeks to a few months, with appointments scheduled every 2 to 3 weeks initially. Herbs vary in price according to the strength of the dose and the form in which they are administered. As a guide, if you are taking the herbs as granules they should cost under £15 per week, as a boil up tea the cost is approximately double.

Is it safe?
Chinese herbal medicine has a very good global safety record, but it is essential that you consult a practitioner who is trained to a high standard and complies with UK laws - this is assured by membership of the governing body the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). It is also important that your practitioner takes note of any pharmaceutical drug treatment you may be receiving in order to ensure that it is safe to take CHM.

What about the use of endangered species?
The RCHM condemns the illegal trade in endangered plant and animal species and its members obtain their herbs exclusively from regulated suppliers who are prohibited from using any such material.
What does Chinese herbal medicine treat?
Herbs can be used to treat a wide range of acute and chronic illness, and people of any age or constitution can benefit from it. The following conditions are commonly treated:

• Skin disease, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea
• Respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis and chronic coughs; allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis
• Digestive complaints, including irritable bowel syndrome, weight gain, indigestion and colitis.
• Gynaecological problems, including pre-menstrual syndrome, painful periods, menopausal syndromes, endometriosis, some forms of infertility
• Urinary Conditions, including chronic cystitis
• Rheumatic Conditions, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
• Headaches and migraines
• Fatigue and depression