Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest and most sophisticated pharmacological traditions in the world. Yet for many Lane Cove patients, it remains unfamiliar territory. This article answers the questions we hear most often at the clinic.
Is Chinese Herbal Medicine Safe?
When prescribed by a qualified AHPRA-registered Chinese Medicine practitioner, Chinese herbal medicine has an excellent safety profile. Dr Christine Shen holds registration with AHPRA under the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, which requires demonstrable competency in herbal prescription, pharmacology, and herb-drug interactions. It is important to distinguish qualified prescription from over-the-counter products purchased without consultation.
What Forms Do the Herbs Come In?
- Granules: Concentrated herbal extracts in powdered form that dissolve quickly in hot water. The most convenient option for busy North Shore patients — no boiling required, portable for work or travel.
- Patent pills (wan): Pre-made herbal pills for well-established formulas. Ideal for long-term maintenance or simple conditions.
- Raw herbs (decoctions): Dried herbs boiled for 45-60 minutes. Maximally customisable, recommended for complex conditions requiring precise formula adjustment.
"Chinese herbal medicine is not a single herb taken like a supplement. It is a precisely balanced formula tailored to your individual pattern — adjusted as you improve."
Can Herbs Interact with Western Medications?
Some herbs do have known pharmacological interactions with Western medications — anticoagulants and cytochrome P450 enzyme interactions are the most clinically relevant. A full medication history is taken at intake, and herb selection always accounts for current Western medications. Patients are encouraged to inform both their GP and their Chinese Medicine practitioner of all treatments they are receiving.
How Long Before I See Results?
- Acute conditions (cold, flu, acute digestive upset): often 2-5 days.
- Subacute conditions (weeks to months duration): 4-8 weeks of consistent treatment.
- Chronic conditions (years of duration): 3-6 months is realistic, though many notice improvement sooner.
What Do Herbs Cost, and Are There HICAPS Rebates?
Herbal prescriptions typically range from $15-$35 per week depending on the formula and form. Many North Shore private health funds include a Chinese herbal medicine benefit within their Natural Therapies or Complementary Medicine cover — separate from the acupuncture benefit. Medibank, Bupa, HCF, and NIB offer varying levels of cover; contact your fund to confirm. Itemised receipts are provided for all herbal prescriptions to support fund claims.
Are the Herbs Ethically Sourced?
All herbs used at Lane Cove Acupuncture are sourced from suppliers complying with TGA standards — laboratory tested for heavy metals, microbial contamination, and correct species identification. Sustainability is a priority, with cultivated herbs preferred over wild-harvested wherever possible.
Questions About Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Book a consultation at Lane Cove for a tailored herbal assessment.
Book a Herbal Consultation