Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine uses individually prescribed plant-based formulas. It is used as a complementary approach, mainly for longer-term complaints — results vary, and it is not a cure.
What it is
A practitioner prescribes a formula, usually a combination of several plant-based ingredients, tailored to your symptoms and history. It commonly comes as granules dissolved in hot water, as a tea, or as tablets. It is the second main pillar of TCM after acupuncture.
We use only quality-controlled herbs from suppliers that test for contaminants, and we check for interactions with any conventional medicines you take. Herbal medicine is a complement to medical care, not a replacement, and your prescription is reviewed and adjusted over time.
What to expect in a session
The first appointment is a detailed consultation about your symptoms, health history and current medication. From this the practitioner puts together an individual formula and explains how to prepare and take it.
You then take the formula daily at home. We review how you are getting on after a few weeks and adjust the prescription. Tell us about any new symptoms or medication changes between visits.
What it is typically used for
Herbal medicine is most often used for longer-standing, fluctuating complaints — functional digestive issues, sleep problems, cycle-related symptoms and fertility support — where ongoing, adjustable treatment suits the problem. It is used alongside, not instead of, any medical work-up these need.
What the evidence says
The evidence base is uneven: some formulas have supportive trials for specific complaints, but quality varies and many products are poorly studied. Safety also matters — herbs can interact with medication. We prescribe cautiously, check interactions, and are honest that this is a complement with limited proof rather than a proven cure.
We base this on general clinical guidelines and systematic reviews (e.g. Cochrane, PubMed-indexed research). The honest summary: studies vary in quality and findings, and individual results differ. We use Chinese Herbal Medicine as a complement, not a substitute for medical assessment.
Conditions it commonly supports
People often try Chinese Herbal Medicine as part of a wider approach for:
FAQ
Are Chinese herbs safe?
They are not automatically safe just because they are natural. Herbs can have effects and interact with medication, so a proper consultation matters. We use quality-controlled herbs tested for contaminants and check your formula against any medicines you take. Tell us your full medical history and what else you are taking.
Will the herbs interact with my medication?
They can, which is exactly why we ask what you take before prescribing — blood thinners, antidepressants and immune-suppressing drugs are particular examples. We screen for known interactions and will avoid or adjust a formula where needed. Never stop a prescribed medicine to take herbs without talking to your doctor.
How do I take the formula and how long for?
Most people take granules dissolved in hot water once or twice a day; tablets and teas are alternatives. Short-term complaints may need a few weeks, longer-standing ones several months with regular adjustments. We reassess as we go and stop if it is not helping.
Is this covered by my insurance?
Treatment by our EMR-/ASCA-recognised practitioners is typically reimbursed through Swiss supplementary insurance for complementary medicine, not basic insurance. How much you get back depends on your individual policy. Our insurance guide explains the basic-versus-supplementary split in plain English.
This page is general information, not medical advice, and does not promise any cure or specific outcome. If symptoms are severe, sudden or worsening, see a doctor.