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A treasured tradition does not tell you what suits you. Christine uses Chinese herbal granules in bottles, each with directions chosen for the person who receives it.

A craft with deep roots

In Shanghai and the surrounding region, herbal preparations have long been made by hand, with ingredients chosen for each person and hours of careful work at the stove. Reading about the process can be absorbing, from the large copper pots to the patience it demands. It is a tradition with genuine cultural significance.

A good production story, however, does not tell you what suits you. Your health, the other medicines you use and the purpose of your visit still have to be considered on their own merits.

How herbal medicine is supplied today

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, uses Chinese herbal granules in bottle containers at the Lane Cove clinic. Individual prescribing still matters: two people with similar symptoms, or two bottles that look alike, do not mean the same preparation is appropriate. Each product comes with its own written directions, chosen for the person who receives it.

Focusing on what is proposed for you

Rather than recreating a recipe from overseas or a family member’s notes, the conversation centres on what might be suggested for your situation, if anything.

• What would the preparation contain, and why?
• Why do its directions differ from another product’s?
• How will its use be reviewed, and when?
• Could it interact with my current medicines?

Cultural interest and practical decisions

Enjoying a tradition and making a careful choice are not in conflict. Sometimes the answer will be that another approach, or no herbal product, is more appropriate. Ask before substituting one bottle for another, combining products or following a traditional home recipe alongside your granules.

Paperwork that stays with the bottle

If you go ahead, store the bottle, its label and the written directions in one spot, along with the date you plan to review it. Tell Christine whenever your other medicines change, and check with her if a new symptom appears instead of changing the amount yourself.

Sharing family traditions

Some patients in Lane Cove grew up with a grandparent’s winter preparation on the kitchen bench. If that memory is part of your interest, mention it at your appointment. Christine can talk about how traditions like these compare with the herbal care available to you now.