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Laboratory findings, anecdotes and clinical evidence answer different questions. Herbal care is not a substitute for medical testing and treatment; Christine discusses its limits in Lane Cove.

Two different languages

Some traditional Chinese medicine writing describes Lyme disease using its own diagnostic vocabulary. That can be interesting as a window into how the tradition reasons, but it does not show that any herbal product can clear an infection. Laboratory findings, personal stories and evidence about a specific clinical treatment each answer different questions, and none of them turns an ingredient list into a personal plan.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, is clear with people that herbal care is not a substitute for testing and treatment arranged through a doctor.

Starting from your medical history

If you have been bitten by a tick, have received a diagnosis, or are living with ongoing symptoms, the first step is to discuss the medical assessment and any treatment you have already had with your GP or infectious diseases team.

Before any complementary care is added, tell Christine about every medicine you take, including antibiotics and supplements. Some herbs may interact with prescribed medicines or affect how you tolerate them.

Where supportive care might fit

Christine uses Chinese herbal medicine in the form of granules in bottles. If you want to talk about them alongside your medical care, bring your diagnosis, your medicine list and the details of any product you already have. Goals should be specific and modest, such as discussing comfort or general wellbeing while medical care continues. Be wary of any protocol that promises to cure an infection.

• Keep your doctor informed of any herbal product you start.
• Never delay a medical review or change prescribed medicine because of a herbal plan.
• Ask how and when the herbal plan will be reviewed.

Keeping the details in order

A granule bottle should come with its precise name, written directions, a use-by date and a review date. Store that information with the original bottle, and update Christine whenever another medicine changes. If a new symptom appears and you cannot tell why, ask instead of experimenting with the dose.

A measured conversation in Lane Cove

Living with uncertain symptoms is exhausting, and it is natural to search widely for answers. Christine can talk through the limits of herbal care at the Lane Cove clinic and how it might sit respectfully beside the treatment your medical team recommends.