Traditionally, Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) involves the use of natural plants, minerals and even some small amount of animal products. However, TCM practitioners are not allowed to use minerals, animal products or endangered specifies. In the UK only herbal products are used in clinical practice.

Each herb has its own specific characteristics and particular medical use to treat various diseases rectifying the over-activity or under-activity of
Yin and Yang, and helping restore the body to its normal physiological functions.

Chinese herbal therapy must only be prescribed by qualified TCM practitioners. Normally, the practitioner must conduct a diagnostic consultation which will go into detail about your specific condition and medication that you are taking, diet, past medical history, lifestyle,
stress etc. The practitioner will take your pulses and look at your tongue before making a prescription. A prescription is a preparation of several herbal products which is based on syndrome differentiation and according to the principles of TCM diagnostic theory.